Manager – Model Validation / Model Risk Audit Consulting

RSM is seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager to join our Risk Consulting practice and lead model validation and/or internal audit engagements for Financial Services clients. The ideal candidate combines hands-on model validation capabilities with a strong audit, internal controls, or second-line risk management background. This individual will lead independent model validations procedures, assess model methodology, implementation, performance, governance, and controls as well as direct internal audit engagements in which model risk is a significant component.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage independent model validation or model risk internal audit engagements for banks, asset managers, and other financial institutions.
• Perform technical model validation procedures, including assessment of conceptual soundness, model assumptions, development methodology, data, implementation, model inputs and, outputs, controls, performance monitoring, limitations, and ongoing use and evidence supporting model effectiveness.
• Assess model governance, control design, documentation, change management, and operating effectiveness across complex model environments.
• Understand and challenge model logic and implementation details; design and execute targeted input/output, data transformation, rule, calculation, replication, and outcome testing using SQL, SAS, Python, R, Alteryx, or similar tools.
• Evaluate whether model validation and audit evidence is sufficient, reliable, and appropriately designed to support conclusions regarding model performance, implementation, and control effectiveness.
• Coach and mentor junior staff, reviewing work and providing structured feedback to develop technical and soft skills.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, including planning, scoping, budgeting, execution, and reporting, ensuring delivery meets RSM’s quality standards.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly in both written reports and client presentations.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and clients to mitigate risk and improve operational effectiveness.
• Participate in business development efforts, including proposal writing and client presentations when appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Economics, or a related field.
• 6+ years of relevant experience in model validation and/or internal audit, risk management, or internal controls within the financial services industry.
• Strong understanding of model risk management principles and supervisory expectations, risk-based internal audit methodology, internal controls, and governance frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience leading or performing model validations and/or internal audit involving complex testing, control testing, or substantive testing over complex models, systems, or data-driven processes.
• Ability to understand and challenge model logic, design testing strategies, evaluate evidence and determine whether testing sufficiently supports model performance or operating effectiveness conclusions.
• Proficiency in Python, Alteryx, R or other analytics tools; experience with SQL, or SAS is a plus.
• Ability to manage teams, lead engagements, and mentor junior professionals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel as needed (estimated <30%).

Preferred:

• Professional certification relevant to audit, model risk, financial risk, analytics, or financial crimes, such as CPA, CIA, CISA, FRM, CFA, or CAMS.
• Prior experience at a public accounting or professional services/consulting firm, or in an internal audit function or independent model validation or model risk management function.
• Experience presenting to stakeholders, including risk committees or audit committees.
• Experience with AML, sanctions, transaction monitoring, customer risk rating, or other financial crimes models.