Job Description

Hello Future Data Scientist
Welcome to FNB, where we design for shapeshifters and deliver products and services that make us incredibly proud of the people who make it happen.
As part of our team in FNB Commercial EFT, you will be surrounded by unique talents, diverse minds, and an adaptable environment that lives up to the promise of staying curious. Now’s the time to imagine your potential in a team where experts come together to modernise payments and drive intelligent fraud detection using AI and machine learning.

Are You Someone Who Can

Develop and implement machine learning models to detect and prevent fraud in payments
Build and optimise real-time fraud scoring and decisioning systems
Analyse and query large datasets to uncover fraud patterns and insights
Use tools such as Python, SQL, Spark, and SAS to build scalable data solutions
Work within and enhance fraud capabilities across payments platforms
Continuously improve fraud detection accuracy while reducing false positives
Collaborate across technology, operations, and product teams to deliver integrated solutions
Contribute to the modernisation of payments ecosystems through data and AI
Ensure compliance with regulatory, audit, and risk frameworks
Deliver proactive, innovative solutions that improve customer outcomes and service delivery

You Will Be an Ideal Candidate If You

Have 3–5 years’ experience in data science or AI role
Have strong experience in machine learning applied to fraud detection
Experience with machine learning frameworks (e.g., scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch)
Knowledge of fraud detection techniques (e.g., supervised/unsupervised learning, anomaly detection, graph analytics)
Are proficient in:
- Python for data science
- SQL for querying large transactional datasets
- Big data tools (Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
- Analytics platforms (SAS Studio, SAS Enterprise Guide/Miner)
Have experience working with real-time scoring or decisioning systems
Have exposure to Kafka (or equivalent) plus model deployment frameworks
Have exposure to core banking/payment systems
Prior experience in banking, fintech, or payments industry is highly desirable
Hold a degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or similar

You Will Have Access To

Opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI and fraud detection use cases
A collaborative environment driving payments innovation at scale
Continuous learning and development in advanced analytics and machine learning
Cross-functional exposure across business, technology, and operations teams

We Can Be a Match If You Are

Curious and adaptable in a fast-changing environment
Passionate about fraud prevention and payments innovation
Able to analyse complex datasets and translate insights into action
A strong collaborator who thrives in high-performing teams

Apply now if you are interested in taking the next step. We look forward to engaging with you!

Important Closing Date Note

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.

18/08/26

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.

About FirstRand Corporate Centre

The FirstRand Corporate Centre houses many of the critical functions required by a large and complex financial services group. The Corporate Centre’s stakeholders are external, such as regulators, shareholders, global developmental institutions and government; and also internal, mainly the market-leading businesses that service the group’s customers. These critical functions cover risk, compliance, governance, internal audit, treasury, finance and tax amongst many others. They require deep specialist and technical skills and ultimately represent the custodianship of the FirstRand group’s licence to operate.

Employees of the Corporate Centre develop a very unique perspective of the group because nowhere else can you own or be part of a mandate that operates across the portfolio. This allows for both big picture thinking and operational learning. It is also a great place to drive collaboration and a place to have a significant impact.

The Corporate Centre has adopted a blended approach to working, with a focus on balancing remote working and connections with colleagues in the workplace. Face-to-face interactions remain important to its way of working as these connections protect the business’s social capital, which is key to ensuring that FirstRand’s unique culture stays alive and continues to thrive.

Industry

Finance & Insurance

Company Size

1,001-5,000 employees

Headquarters

Sandton, ZA

Year Founded

Unknown

Website

firstrand.co.za

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