Data Scientist, Credit/Fraud Strategy

Fora Financial, located in NYC, is a leading financial services company providing working capital to small and mid-size businesses nationwide. The company was established in 2008 and has supplied over $2 billion in working capital to small businesses.  

We are pursuing a path leveraging more advanced analytics and seeking an experienced data scientist to lead efforts in building next generation fraud and credit risk models using untapped data sources and new modeling techniques.  In addition, this role will help lead how we think about and predict customer price sensitivity and customer attrition.   

Responsibilities:

• Build predictive models including but not limited to credit risk, fraud, response, and offer acceptance propensity
• Perform thorough testing and validation of models and support various aspects of the business with data analytics
• Identify new data sources/patterns that add significant lift to predictive modeling capabilities
• Conduct analysis and turn insights into actionable changes for predictive models or policies
• Develop analytics and advanced visualization to assist with portfolio surveillance. Typical functions are loss forecasting, mix management, risk appetite management, collections strategy, and reporting related to KPIs that affect portfolio surveillance such as non-performance, loss rates and loss severity
• Partner with IT to integrate and productionize new data sources for modeling use

Requirements:

• B.S. degree or higher in Statistics, Applied Math, Computer Science, Engineering or other quantitative program
• 5 years minimum experience with credit risk modeling
• Proven track record of building new models and improving existing models
• Deep understanding of consumer credit report variables/attributes at both summary and tradeline level 
• Experience with small business lending and portfolio management is a plus
• Passionate about solving problems with data and high level of intellectual curiosity 
• Thorough understanding of various statistical modeling techniques
• Proficiency in at least one of the following languages: R, SAS, SQL, Python
• Highly motivated to work on multiple projects in parallel and team player with a startup spirit
• Very strong written and oral communication skills and ability to present findings with a non-technical audience 

The Benefits of Working for Fora Financial:

• Competitive Base Salary
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• 401K Match
• Life Insurance at No Cost to Employees
• Generous Time Off Plan Including Rollover Vacation Days
• Commuter Benefits
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending