Data Scientist II

FirstRand Bank Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstRand Bank Limited is seeking a Data Scientist II to plan, build and implement quantitative analytical models addressing business opportunities within a regulated environment. You will be part of a team delivering insights through financial crime analytics, with opportunities to influence governance and model effectiveness.

The role requires collaboration across risk, business and technology teams, strong scripting skills, and a track record of delivering actionable results in complex

Qualifications

• Hold an Honours Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Have 2+ years of hands-on experience in developing and implementing analytical models.
• Strong scripting skills in SAS, SQL, and Python.

Responsibilities

• Deliver on model development, implementation and governance for financial crime risk analytics (AML/CFT, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening).
• Identify analytical opportunities and solve unstructured problems with minimal guidance.
• Translate technical solutions into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

SAS

SQL

Python

Education

Honours Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Engineering, Physics, or related field

Job description

Job Description To plan, build, optimise and implement innovative quantitative analytical methodologies, procedures, products and advanced mathematical models that provide analytical support and interpret insights, to address business opportunities and problems and implement business strategy, with minimal guidance.

Hello Future Data Scientist II Welcome to FNB, the home of the #changeables. We design for the shapeshifters and deliver products and services that make us incredibly proud of people that make it happen. As part of our talent team, you will be surrounded by unique talents, diverse minds, and an adaptable environment that lives up to the promise of staying curious. Now’s the time to imagine your potential in a team where experts come together and ignite effective change.

Are you someone who can:

• Deliver on model development, implementation, and governance for financial crime risk analytics (AML/CFT, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening).
• Proactively identify analytical opportunities and solve unstructured problems with minimal guidance.
• Translate technical solutions into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
• Deliver clear and comprehensive technical documentation for models and processes.
• Collaborate with business, risk, and technology teams across the FirstRand group to drive model effectiveness and compliance.
• Support junior Data Scientists in developing both technical and business skills.
• Apply SAS, SQL, and Python scripting for data manipulation, modelling, and automation.
• Uphold model and rule governance standards and participate in periodic monitoring and reviews.
• Demonstrate initiative and a solution-oriented mindset in high-stakes, regulated environments.

You will be an ideal candidate if you:

• Hold an Honours Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Have 2+ years of hands-on experience in developing and implementing analytical models, preferably in financial services.
• Possess strong scripting skills in SAS, SQL, and Python.
• Have experience in collaborating across multiple teams.
• Experience in financial crime, fraud detection, or AML/CFT is a strong advantage.

You will have access to:

• Opportunities to network and collaborate.
• Challenging Work.
• Opportunities to innovate.

We can be a match if you are:

• Curious & courageous - you're driven by always wanting to know more and learn more and you're brave enough to.
• Obsessed with mastery - you know what it takes to become good at what you do and are constantly pushing yourself to do it.
• Adaptable, curious and willing to learn.
• Passionate in providing insights.
• Thrive in a collaborative environment.

Are you interested to take the step? We look forward to engaging with you further.

Important Closing Date Note

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.

19/09/26

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.

FirstRand provides a comprehensive range of financial services in South Africa and certain markets in broader Africa. The group also offers certain niche products and services in the UK and India. Listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX), FirstRand Limited is the largest financial institution by market capitalisation in Africa. The group follows a multi-branding approach. Its portfolio of financial services businesses includes FNB, RMB, WesBank, Ashburton Investments, Aldermore, MotoNovo and DirectAxis. Many are leaders in their respective segments and markets, offering transactional, lending, investment and insurance products and services The FirstRand Corporate Centre houses many of the critical functions required by a large and complex financial services group. The group's track record of delivering superior returns to shareholders has been achieved through a combination of organic growth, acquisitions, innovation and the creation of completely new businesses. The group’s purpose of delivering Shared Prosperity provides many opportunities for employees to innovate to address social and environmental challenges in our markets. All of our businesses have successful Volunteering programmes which also allow employees to adopt and support causes close to their hearts.