VIA SMS Group is a Latvia-based fintech company with over 15 years of experience in building digital lending and investment solutions. We combine technology, data-driven insights, and a strong focus on customer needs to create financial products for brands like VIASMS.lv and VIAINVEST. Join us and become part of a dynamic, open-minded team where initiative, collaboration, and innovation are truly valued — and where your work helps make financial services more accessible and secure.

We are building data-driven solutions that directly shape how financial decisions are made. To support our growth, we are looking for a curious and impact-driven Data Scientist who enjoys turning complex data into smart, scalable models. If you like experimenting with machine learning, challenging existing approaches, and seeing your work influence real-time business decisions, you’ll feel at home here. You will work closely with product, risk, and engineering teams to turn data into measurable results in a fast-moving Fintech environment, join our team as a Data Scientist in our BI Team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, enhance, and maintain predictive models for credit risk assessment, debt collection optimization, and customer service decision-making using R and/or Python.
• Monitor and continuously improve existing models by adding new predictors, features, and algorithms, ensuring stability and performance over time.
• Contribute to automated and near real-time decisioning, including model-based strategies, cut-offs, and rule optimization.
• Apply modern machine learning techniques and experimentation approaches, including A/B testing, to evaluate new models, data sources, and strategies.
• Collaborate closely with Product, Risk, BI, Engineering, and Business teams to improve data quality, evaluate internal and external data sources, and respond to changes in customer behavior.
• Prepare and deliver requirements for BI to develop a custom model monitoring and performance report that supports BI and business needs.
• Ensure models meet explain ability, fairness, and regulatory requirements relevant to the financial services and Fintech environment.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, analytical methods, and regulatory developments, proactively applying relevant innovations.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Data Scientist, Risk Analyst, or similar role, preferably within Fintech, banking, or financial services.
• Proven experience in statistical modeling and machine learning in a business environment.
• Hands-on experience working with R and/or Python for data analysis and model development. Nice to have experience with Databricks and AWS or other cloud-based data platforms
• Experience with model monitoring, validation, and lifecycle management, including performance tracking and drift detection.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and collaborating with business and technical partners.
• Analytical mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and attention to data quality.
• Familiarity with BI and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Looker).
• Experience with A/B testing, experimentation frameworks, and impact measurement.
• Experience working with alternative or external data sources.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• A fully remote contractor role, open to candidates based anywhere in Europe.
• Collaboration on a freelance / contractor role basis with a stable and growing fintech company.
• Flexibility to manage your working time and workload based on agreed responsibilities and goals.
• An international environment with exposure to multiple European markets and strategic initiatives.
• A collaborative, professional, and trust-based team culture, even in a remote setup.
• Opportunities for long-term cooperation and professional growth.
• Contractor fee: EUR 3500 per month (gross).

We choose a contractor model to offer greater flexibility and autonomy while focusing on long-term collaboration and results.