Finance Model & AI Solutions Lead

Is the opportunity to join a culture where “We Do the Right Thing,” and “We Courageously Shape Our Future Together” important to you? If so, Guardian is seeking a motivated individual to join our team as a Finance Model & AI Solutions Lead. The colleague in this role will design, build, and scale intelligent planning solutions across Finance & Risk. This role will combine Oracle Planning (EPM) model development with advanced AI agent capabilities to modernize forecasting, scenario analysis, and decision support. The individual will directly build and enhance Oracle Planning models (metadata, business rules, drivers, integrations) while also developing and deploying AI-powered agents that automate workflows, generate insights, and improve user experience. This role sits at the intersection of FP\&A, data, and AI, enabling a more dynamic, driver-based, and insight-led planning operating model powered by cutting-edge artificial intelligence. You will Key Responsibilities Oracle Planning (EPM) Model Development & AI Enhancement: Design, build, and maintain Oracle EPM Planning models with integrated AI capabilities for automated metadata generation and optimization Develop business rules, calculations, and driver-based models enhanced by machine learning algorithms for improved accuracy Develop AI-powered scenario generation capabilities that automatically create and evaluate multiple planning scenarios Implement AI-assisted data validation and quality checks within EPM workflows Create and manage dimension hierarchies, forms, and dashboards with AI-powered recommendations and anomaly detection Leverage AI code assistants to accelerate Groovy scripting and calculation development Partner with Data and Technology teams to build integrations between Oracle Planning and source systems Intelligent Analytics & Decision Support: Implement machine learning models for predictive forecasting and trend analysis within the planning framework Build anomaly detection systems to identify unusual patterns in financial data and flag for review Create AI-driven variance analysis tools that automatically generate explanatory narratives for budget vs. actual differences Integrate external data sources and alternative data using AI to enhance forecast accuracy Develop sentiment analysis capabilities to incorporate qualitative factors into quantitative planning models AI Agent & Solutions Development: Design and deploy AI agents using platforms such as Claude Cowork, OpenAI APIs, and Azure AI Services to automate routine planning tasks Build custom AI solutions that assist finance users with natural language queries, scenario modeling, and variance analysis Develop intelligent automation workflows using AI to streamline data collection, consolidation, and reporting processes Create conversational AI interfaces that enable business users to interact with planning data through natural language Implement retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems to provide context-aware financial insights and recommendations Train and fine-tune large language models (LLMs) on Guardian-specific financial data and terminology Governance, Controls, & Model Integrity Conduct rigorous testing and validation of models Proactively monitor and improve model performance identifying improvement areas to optimize performance and reliability. Drive iterative enhancements, maximizing business value realization and user satisfaction. Ensure models adhere to AI governance policies, regulatory standards, and ethical guidelines, including bias mitigation and explainability. Implement model risk controls, maintain audit trails, and ensure documentation supports auditability and compliance with evolving regulatory requirements. Collaboration & Enablement: Partner with FP\&A, Risk, IT, and Data Science teams to identify opportunities for AI-enhanced planning solutions Conduct training sessions and create documentation for finance users on AI-powered planning tools Serve as the subject matter expert on the intersection of EPM and AI technologies Evangelize AI capabilities and drive adoption of intelligent planning solutions across the organization Mentor team members on AI tools, prompt engineering, and best practices for human-AI collaboration You have Required Qualifications Technical Skills: 5+ years of hands-on experience with Oracle EPM Planning (PBCS/EPBCS) including model design, business rules, and integrations 2+ years of experience working with AI/ML technologies, including LLMs, prompt engineering, and AI agent development Proficiency in Groovy scripting with demonstrated use of AI coding assistants (Amazon CodeWhisperer, or similar) Experience with AI platforms such as Anthropic, OpenAI APIs, Azure OpenAI Service, or similar Strong SQL skills and experience with data integration tools (ODI, FDMEE, or similar) Familiarity with Python for AI/ML model development and data analysis Understanding of machine learning concepts including supervised learning, time series forecasting, and natural language processing Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP) and their AI services AI & Emerging Technology Skills: Demonstrated ability to design and implement AI agents and chatbots for business applications Experience with prompt engineering and optimization for LLMs Knowledge of RAG architectures and vector databases for knowledge retrieval Understanding of AI model evaluation metrics and performance monitoring Familiarity with AI ethics, bias detection, and responsible AI practices Experience with low-code/no-code AI platforms for rapid prototyping Finance & Business Acumen: Strong understanding of FP&A processes, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling Experience in financial services or insurance industry preferred Ability to translate complex AI capabilities into business value for finance stakeholders Understanding of regulatory requirements and controls in financial planning Soft Skills: Excellent communication skills with ability to explain AI concepts to non-technical audiences Strong problem-solving abilities and creative thinking for AI solution design Ability to work independently and manage multiple AI initiatives simultaneously Collaborative mindset with experience working in cross-functional teams Adaptability and eagerness to learn emerging AI technologies What Success Looks Like Successful deployment of AI-enhanced Oracle Planning models that improve forecast accuracy by measurable margins Development and adoption of AI agents that reduce manual planning tasks by 30%+ Creation of AI solutions that enable self-service analytics for finance users Implementation of AI governance framework that ensures responsible and compliant AI usage Positive user feedback and high adoption rates for AI-powered planning tools Demonstrated ROI from AI investments through time savings and improved decision quality Location Hybrid: 3 days a week in office - NYC, Hudson Yards; or Stamford CT. 2 days WFH Salary Range: $118,980.00 - $195,465.00 The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation. Our Promise At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards. Inspire Well-Being As part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits . Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits. Equal Employment Opportunity Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Accommodations Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected] . Please note: this resource is for accommodation requests only. For all other inquires related to your application and careers at Guardian, refer to the Guardian Careers site. Visa Sponsorship Guardian Life is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment-based visas (e.g., such as an H-1B). In order to be a successful applicant, you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship/support now or at any time in the future. Notice Regarding Guardian’s Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment As part of Guardian’s job application process, Guardian may use artificial intelligence tools (“AI Tools") to automate the sorting and filtering of information provided by applicants as part of its preliminary screening. This preliminary screening may be used to help identify applicant materials and resumes relative to their indication that the applicant meets the requirements for the specific job for which they are applying, as specified in the listing posted on Guardian’s jobs website (Careers at Guardian at https://www.guardianlife.com/careers ). At Guardian, we do not use AI Tools to substantially assist or replace human judgment or discretionary decision making in our hiring process. All hiring decisions will be made by Guardian colleagues. Please be aware that if you apply for a specific position with Guardian, you will have the choice of opting out of Guardian’s use of AI Tools during the job application process. If you would like to request an alternative process that does not utilize AI Tools or would like to request a reasonable accommodation, within ten business days of your position application, you must email your request to [email protected] , making sure to provide your name and job requisition identification number. Guardian will retain your applicant materials and resume and all information therefrom in accordance with Guardian’s document retention policy, a copy of which you may request via [email protected] . Additionally, at applicable times, Guardian will make public the most recent bias audit results for such AI tools, which may be found here . Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.