Model Risk Analyst

About Sunflower Bank – A full‑service financial institution founded in 1892, committed to serving communities and its team members.

Position
:
Model Risk Analyst
Location
:
Irvine, CA
Job Type
:
Full‑time
Hybrid Options Available
Salary Range
: $85,000 – $95,000

• Maintain the model inventory, ensuring it is up‑to‑date by confirming assigned models have correct attributes (status, owner, risk tier, review dates, etc.) and 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, regulations, and company policies.
• Uphold Fair and Responsible Banking practices, Code of Ethics, and Conduct guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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

The role requires ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Employees may sit or stand for extended periods, use hands to operate computers, reach for work‑related tasks, walk regularly, bend, stoop, kneel, or climb. Lifting up to 10 pounds is occasionally required. Vision requirements include near and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

• 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
• Additional associate perks & incentives

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, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.