VP, Quality Assurance Testing

Job Purpose & Scope

Executes and oversees end-to-end data, product, and user acceptance testing for Enterprise Analytics to ensure the development and product releases are appropriate. Supports all Enterprise Analytics teams, with a focus on Risk Rating Analytics. Executes testing using front-end loan origination and credit underwriting systems, as well as back-end databases.

Essential Job Functions

1. Leads and executes end-to-end user acceptance testing (UAT) for Risk Rating, CECL, Stress Testing, and other credit risk models.
2. Identifies and documents defects, inconsistencies, and gaps in model functionality or data flows.
3. Provides independent assurance on the readiness of any releases prior to deployment.
4. Develops comprehensive test plans, test scripts, and validation protocols aligned with regulatory and industry best practices.
5. Collaborates with model development, risk, finance, and technology teams to ensure end-to-end testing coverage.
6. Works with stakeholders to remediate testing findings prior to production release.
7. Maintains detailed audit trails and testing documentation to support internal and external reviews.
8. Stays current on regulatory expectations (e.g., OCC, FRB, FDIC) related to model risk and UAT practices. Maintains and adjusts internal procedures and standards as needed to remain compliant with changing regulations.
9. Validates the data flow from loan origination system and credit underwriting tools to downstream staging, loan dimension, and production risk analytics tables.
10. Document the full upstream and downstream data dependencies utilizing SQL or other programming tools such as Python or R.
11. Ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of data utilized by the Analytics team and provided by the Analytics team to related Bank departments.
12. Complete data requests from CBCU, including analysis of data inputs and model outputs.
13. Manages staff to include staffing, assigning and delegating work, training, mentoring, and coaching. Conducts performance reviews and fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Serves as technical expert and provides guidance to junior staff.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1. Comprehensive knowledge of user acceptance practices and methodologies.
2. General knowledge of regulatory expectations (e.g., OCC, FRB, FDIC) related to model risk and UAT practices.
3. General financial knowledge including basics of lending and loan structure.
4. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value.
5. Proficient skill using common software for business analytics or business intelligence, such as SQL, Alteryx, Power BI or Tableau.
6. Skill in using computer and core banking software, including Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, and Outlook).
7. Strong problem-solving, organizational, critical thinking, and time management skills.
8. Ability to use critical thinking and creativity to solve business problems.
9. Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment in decision making and maintain confidentiality.
10. Ability to work independently and collaborate with other teams to implement solutions.
11. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to a broad level of audiences.
12. Ability to work under minimal or no supervision.
13. Ability to work extended hours as needed.
14. Ability to develop a comprehensive understanding of the use and implementation of all credit risk models used by Enterprise Analytics.
15. Ability to manage multiple projects or assignments in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment, with exacting deadlines.

Basic Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, data analytics, or job-related discipline, or commensurate experience, required.
2. 5+ years of demonstrated experience in data analysis, business intelligence, data management, or a related field, required.
3. 2+ years of experience in data validation, data-flow analysis, master data management, or auditing, required. Auditing experience related to data and/or technology preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. 1+ year of experience managing, supervising, or leading others, preferred.
2. Professional certification in data analysis (i.e. IBM or Google Data Analytics Certification), preferred.

Job Expectations

Job Expectations: Operate customary equipment and technology used in a business environment, with or without accommodation.

Note: This description is not an exhaustive list of all job functions, duties, skills, and job standards required. Other job functions, duties, skills, and standards may be added. Management reserves the right to add or change the job requirements at any time.

#DNP

EEO Statement

Bank OZK is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law. Member FDIC.