Models and Methodologies VP - 5 Month FTC

This review focuses on the Models and Methodologies Vice President (VP) - 5 Month Fixed-Term Contract position, offering a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to contribute to a critical function within a leading financial institution.

Discovering the Opportunity: Your Role in Valuation Integrity

At its core, this role is about safeguarding the integrity of financial valuations. As part of the Models and Methodologies (MM) Team, you will operate as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing an independent and rigorous challenge to the valuation models and methodologies employed across the organization. This encompasses a wide range of critical areas, including, but not limited to:

• Fair Value Adjustments (FVAs): Ensuring the accurate reflection of fair value for financial instruments.
• Prudent Valuation Adjustments (PVAs): Applying conservative valuation principles to manage risk.
• Independent Price Verification (IPV): Establishing robust processes for independent pricing of financial assets.

Key Advantages for Your Career Path:

This position offers several compelling advantages for ambitious professionals:

• Deep Technical Expertise & Validation Experience: You will be at the forefront of validating complex financial models, honing your skills in areas like PVAs and IPV. This hands-on experience is highly sought after in the financial industry and will significantly enhance your profile.
• Cross-Asset Class Exposure: The role demands driving consistency in valuation approaches across various asset classes. This broad exposure will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of diverse financial markets and their associated valuation challenges.
• Influence and Strategic Impact: You will not only challenge existing models but also actively support their enhancement, ensuring compliance with evolving accounting standards and regulatory expectations. This provides a tangible opportunity to influence strategic decisions and drive positive change within the organization.
• Collaboration with Key Stakeholders: You will work closely with Front Office Quants, Valuation Control, and Model Risk Management teams. This collaborative environment fosters knowledge sharing and allows you to build strong professional networks with influential individuals across different functions.
• Risk Mitigation and Solution Development: Identifying and mitigating potential valuation risks is a core responsibility. This involves developing innovative solutions and contributing to the design of processes for ongoing monitoring, sharpening your analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Regulatory Engagement: Supporting responses to regulatory feedback and developing remediation plans offers valuable experience in navigating complex regulatory landscapes, a highly valued skill in the financial sector.
• Career Advancement Potential: While a fixed-term contract, the depth of experience gained and the visibility within the organization can serve as a powerful springboard for future permanent roles or other high-level opportunities.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:

To thrive in this role, consider the following:

• Extensive Experience is Crucial: The description emphasizes a need for substantial experience, ideally 10 years or more, in valuation functions, market risk management, pricing model validation, or trading roles within top-tier investment banks. Demonstrating a proven track record in developing and/or validating valuation models is essential.
• Technical Acumen is Non-Negotiable: A strong understanding of quantitative models, their underlying principles, and their practical application in valuation is paramount. Familiarity with model valuation adjustments and other fair value adjustments is highly beneficial.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Given the collaborative nature of the role and the need to influence stakeholders, strong interpersonal and communication skills are vital. The ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, is critical.
• Risk and Controls Mindset: A deep understanding of risk and controls, coupled with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential issues, is fundamental to success.
• Adaptability and Continuous Learning: The financial landscape is constantly evolving. Candidates should be prepared to embrace continuous learning and adapt to new regulations, market practices, and technological advancements.
• Strategic Thinking: The ability to think strategically, understand the broader business context, and align your work with organizational goals will be highly valued.
• Alignment with Organizational Values: A commitment to the organization's values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship, as well as the Barclays Mindset (Empower, Challenge, Drive), is expected.

This is an exceptional opportunity for seasoned professionals seeking to make a significant impact in the realm of financial valuation. By leveraging your deep technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills, you can contribute to the robust governance and integrity of a major financial institution.