Entry Level Risk Management Analyst Jobs in California

At Sunflower Bank, N.A., we’re experiencing great growth. Since our founding in 1892, we've been committed to serving our communities and supporting the team members who make it all possible. As a full-service financial institution, we offer a full range of relationship-focused services to meet personal, business, and wealth-management financial objectives. Creating Possibility is not just our mission, it’s what we do every day for clients and associates. Learn more about Sunflower Bank, N.A. at sunflowerbank.com.

Sunflower Bank, N.A. is looking for an energetic, highly motivated individual to fill the position of a full-time Model Risk Analyst at our Irvine, CA location.

The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000 depending on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and location.

Hybrid options available.

Description:

Sunflower Bank is seeking a Model Risk Analyst to join its Enterprise Risk Management Department. The Analyst will be responsible for supporting the bank-wide Model Risk Management (MRM) program, focusing on the annual assessment process, maintaining the model inventory, assisting in planning model validation, independent validation, and ongoing monitoring of quantitative models. This role ensures that models—used for credit risk, liquidity risk, market risk, capital planning, and BSA/AML—are conceptually sound, documented according to policy, and compliant with regulatory standards (e.g., SR 26-2).

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain the model inventory, ensuring it is up-to-date by confirming assigned models have correct attributes (status, owner, risk tier, review dates, etc.). Assist in model identification, classification, and risk rating.
• Monitor the end-to-end issues management lifecycle of findings resulting from model validations, including tracking remediation progress and verifying closure documentation.
• Ensure key details (assumptions, inputs, purpose, limitations) are clearly recorded in model documentation.
• Perform hands-on validation of new and existing models, challenging conceptual soundness, assumptions, inputs, and performance metrics.
• Conduct annual reviews and write annual review reports.
• Act as a key point of contact with model developers and owners to discuss validation findings and provide "effective challenge".
• Support requests received from third parties and Internal Audit related to model risk.
• Perform the job in accordance with applicable industry laws and regulations as well as the policies and procedures established by the company.
• Responsible for upholding Fair and Responsible Banking practices and Code of Ethics and Conduct guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business analytics, economics, statistics, mathematics, finance, or a related quantitative field; master’s preferred.
• A minimum of one year of experience in model development, model validation, quantitative risk management, or financial modeling and/or other related disciplines.
• Familiarity with Excel, SQL, Python, R, SAS, or other relevant languages for data analysis and code replication.
• Advanced Excel skills, conditional formatting, and/or data analysis tools, and familiarity with data visualization tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Pay is dependent on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and location.

Working Conditions

The physical demands of this position require the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Employees may spend extended periods sitting or standing, using hands to operate computers or other equipment, and reaching for work-related tasks. Regular walking may be required, along with occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, or climbing. The role may involve lifting or moving items weighing up to 10 pounds. Vision requirements include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Sunflower Bank Benefits

People choose to “bank” with us, but for those we serve, we’re more than a bank. We strive to be the financial backbone of their lives, and we know that starts with our team.

Our supportive culture empowers team members to grow and seize new opportunities. Like our namesake, the sunflower, we are:

• Rooted in Strength
• Propelled by Growth
• Individuals in a Great Whole
• Creating Possibility
• Community Focused

Associates enjoy outstanding benefits, including:

• 401(k) Plan with 6% Match
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• Volunteer Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Plus many more associate perks & incentives!

If you qualify, apply online at www.sunflowerbank.com/careers.

You’ve never worked anyplace like Sunflower Bank!

EOE/AA: Minorities/Females/Disabled/Vets

Sunflower Bank, N.A. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Open until filled; early application encouraged. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill similar positions within 90 days.

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