Internship Merchant Risk Analyst Jobs in Cincinnati, OH

Role Summary/Purpose:

The VP, Merchant Risk Underwriting is a multi-functional role within the Credit Acquisition Strategy team. Primary responsibilities include designing merchant underwriting strategies and managing the overall risk exposure (credit, fraud, and reputational) associated with new merchant acquisitions. This role will require extensive interaction with cross-functional teams to effectively influence and advance the merchant underwriting framework while ensuring risk controls are documented and enforced.

Our Way of Working:

We’re proud to offer you flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices. You will be required to commute to your nearest Hub (either virtual or physical) for in-person engagement activities such as regular business or team meetings, training and culture events. 

*Field Sales and some Commercial team roles may have varied location requirements based upon partner obligations or preferences.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and monitor SMB merchant underwriting strategies, focused heavily on expanding decisioning capabilities (e.g., identity verification, fraud controls, KYB/KYC).
• Analyze large datasets, identify emerging trends, and track champion/challenger strategy performance.
• Partner with third-party data vendors and internal technical teams to evaluate and deploy new underwriting technologies, firmographic tools, and API integrations that improve the merchant onboarding process.
• Provide effective challenge to commercial partners while supporting portfolio growth.
• Deploy enhanced surveillance and early-warning monitoring to detect emerging risk and manage credit exposure.
• Partner with Portfolio Credit Managers (PCMs) to support key responsibilities, including conducting industry reviews, monitoring portfolio performance, and driving strategy improvements.
• Create ad hoc analytics and reporting to support leadership decisions, client needs, and special projects.
• Investigate and resolve customer/client issues, coordinating root-cause analysis and remediation to improve experience and reduce repeat events.
• Develop and deliver client-facing and internal executive presentations on portfolio performance, risk themes, and recommended actions.
• Document and manage operational controls to ensure seamless alignment with the Lines of Defense (2nd Line Risk/Validation, 3rd Line Internal Audit) and Model Risk Management (MRM).
• Enforce bank credit policy and underwriting standards.
• Perform other duties and/or special projects as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience in a strategic analytical role, or in lieu of a degree, 10+ years of experience in a commercial Credit/Risk role
• 5+ years of experience in a credit risk/fraud strategy development role
• 5+ years of SAS/SQL/Python programming experience (proficient level) with the ability to analyze complex datasets to derive actionable insights
• Experience operating at a strategic level within cross-functional teams
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to interact with, influence, and present to senior leadership and external clients
• Ability to navigate uncertainty, collaborate respectfully across functions and teams, and solve complex issues without prior precedent
• Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required

Desired Characteristics:

• Expertise in consumer and commercial credit lending lifecycles, fraud risk solutions, and KYB/KYC identity solutions
• Demonstrated use of advanced technical and analytical competencies to drive effective strategic goals within a significant functional area
• Strong understanding of credit and fraud models
• Familiarity with Model Risk Management (MRM) frameworks and internal control governance
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, organize workflows and timelines, and perform in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working alongside and in partnership with offshore teams
• Master’s Degree or MBA with advanced analytic focus, or equivalent advanced degree

Grade/Level: 12

The salary range for this position is 135,000.00 - 230,000.00 USD Annual and is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

Actual compensation offered within the posted salary range will be based upon work experience, skill level or knowledge.

Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro and Seattle.