Data Scientist II: AML & Financial Crime Analytics

RMB; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 770,000; Full time

Job summary

First National Bank (FNB) in Johannesburg is seeking a Data Scientist II to plan, build, optimise and implement quantitative analytical methodologies, models and governance to address business opportunities and strengthen risk analytics.

You will collaborate with risk, technology and business teams, apply SAS, SQL and Python scripting, support junior data scientists, and translate complex results into actionable insights for stakeholders in a regulated financial services environment.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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

Job description

First National Bank (FNB) in Johannesburg is seeking a Data Scientist II to plan, build, optimise and implement quantitative analytical methodologies, models and governance to address business opportunities and strengthen risk analytics.

You will collaborate with risk, technology and business teams, apply SAS, SQL and Python scripting, support junior data scientists, and translate complex results into actionable insights for stakeholders in a regulated financial services environment.