Model Validation Specialist (AML Transaction Monitoring)

Matrix-International Financial Services; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Matrix seeks a skilled Model Validation Specialist to join our Financial Crime Analytics team. You will validate AML transaction monitoring models, optimize detection thresholds, and assess data quality and methods to ensure regulatory compliance and effective risk mitigation.

The role involves collaboration with data scientists, compliance, and technology teams to improve model governance, create validation playbooks, and communicate findings to senior management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field (Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Economics, Finance, Computer Science) required.
• 5–8 years of AML model validation or related Financial Crime analytics experience.
• Strong knowledge of AML regulations, model risk management, and governance.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent validation of AML and Financial Crime models per regulatory expectations.
• Tune thresholds and optimize detection performance with minimal false positives.
• Assess model methodologies, data quality, and performance metrics; prepare validation reports and runbooks.

Skills

AML / Financial Crime

Model Validation

SQL

Python

R

Data Analysis

Threshold Tuning

Stakeholder Communication

Data Mining

Education

Bachelor's degree in Statistics/ Mathematics/ Data Science

Tools

Oracle Mantas

Actimize

Tableau

Job description

Model Validation Specialist (AML Transaction Monitoring)About the RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled **Model Validation Specialist** to join our Financial Crime Analytics team. In this role, you will be responsible for validating, optimizing, and enhancing AML Transaction Monitoring models to ensure regulatory compliance, model effectiveness, and alignment with industry best practices. You will work closely with data scientists, compliance teams, model developers, and business stakeholders to assess model performance, conduct threshold tuning, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.Key Responsibilities* Perform independent validation of AML and Financial Crime models, ensuring compliance with regulatory expectations and model risk management standards.* Conduct threshold tuning and optimization of AML transaction monitoring scenarios to improve detection effectiveness while minimizing false positives.* Evaluate model methodologies, assumptions, data quality, and performance metrics.* Develop comprehensive validation documentation, including validation reports, model assessments, playbooks, and runbooks.* Analyze large datasets to identify trends, anomalies, and potential areas of model enhancement.* Assess risks associated with model design, implementation, and ongoing monitoring processes.* Provide recommendations for model improvements, process optimization, and risk mitigation.* Collaborate with Compliance, Financial Crime, Technology, and Business teams to support model governance initiatives.* Monitor regulatory developments and industry trends related to AML, BSA, sanctions screening, and financial crime analytics.* Present findings, recommendations, and validation outcomes to stakeholders and senior management.* Support the implementation and validation of new detection scenarios, models, and monitoring strategies.* Leverage data analytics and statistical techniques to evaluate model performance and suspicious activity detection capabilities.Required Qualifications* Bachelor's degree in a quantitative discipline such as Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Economics, Finance, Computer Science, or a related field.* 5-8 years of experience in AML Model Validation, Model Risk Management, Financial Crime Analytics, or Transaction Monitoring.* Strong understanding of AML regulations and compliance frameworks, including BSA, AML Directives, and related regulatory requirements.* Proven expertise in AML Transaction Monitoring threshold tuning and optimization.* Hands-on experience validating financial crime models and assessing model performance.* Strong knowledge of model governance, validation methodologies, and model risk management principles.* Experience developing validation reports, model documentation, playbooks, and operational runbooks.* Strong analytical, quantitative, and statistical problem-solving skills.* Advanced SQL skills and experience working with large datasets.* Proficiency in Python and/or R for data analysis and model validation activities.* Experience performing data mining, exploratory data analysis, and statistical assessments.* Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex findings to technical and non-technical audiences.* Strong presentation and stakeholder management skills.* Solid understanding of banking products, services, and financial crime risks across business lines.Preferred Qualifications* Experience with AML Transaction Monitoring platforms such as:Oracle Mantas* Actimize* Prime BSA* Experience with visualization and reporting tools such as Tableau.* Familiarity with machine learning and advanced analytics techniques within Financial Crime Compliance.* Professional certifications such as CAMS, CFE, FRM, or equivalent are a plus.What Success Looks Like* Delivering high-quality model validations and regulatory-compliant assessments.* Improving AML model effectiveness through data-driven threshold tuning and optimization.* Identifying emerging risks and recommending practical solutions.* Enhancing model governance, documentation, and operational processes.* Partnering effectively with compliance, analytics, and technology teams to strengthen the organization's financial crime detection capabilities.**Experience Required:** 5-8 Years**Domain:** Financial Crime Compliance | AML | Transaction Monitoring | Model Risk Management**Location:** Open / Hybrid / Remote (as applicable)**Why Matrix**Matrix is a global, dynamic, and fast‐growing technology services and consulting company with **over 17,000 employees worldwide**. Founded in 2001, Matrix has grown through significant organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, executing some of the largest and most impactful technology projects in the market.We specialize in the design, development, and implementation of advanced technologies, software solutions, and digital products. Our services include infrastructure and consulting, IT outsourcing and offshore delivery, training and assimilation programs, and acting as a trusted implementation and delivery partner for the world’s leading software vendors.With deep expertise across both the private and public sectors—spanning **Finance, Telecom, Healthcare, Hi‐Tech, Education, Defense, and Security**—Matrix serves a strong customer base in Israel alongside a continuously expanding global client portfolio.At Matrix, our people are at the heart of our success. We are a community of talented, creative, and dedicated professionals who are passionate about innovation and excellence. We actively attract, develop, and retain top talent, recognizing that every employee’s contribution is critical to our continued growth and future success.Matrix’s success is built on a **challenging and engaging work environment**, competitive compensation and benefits, and meaningful career development opportunities. We foster a diverse, inclusive culture that encourages collaboration, continuous learning, and growth—together.Join the winning team. Be challenged, grow your career, and enjoy the journey in a highly respected global organization.**To learn more, visit:** www.matrix-ifs.comEQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Matrix is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind. Matrix is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees, providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Matrix are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in our locations. Matrix will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Matrix encourages applicants of all ages*.*