Investment Banking Subject Matter Expert (SME) – AI Evaluation

About The Role Volga Partners is seeking an experienced Investment Banking Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the development, evaluation and improvement of advanced artificial intelligence models. This is not a traditional investment banking position. Instead, the SME will apply real-world finance expertise to evaluate AI-generated financial analyses, validate technical reasoning, identify inaccuracies and help improve large language models used within the finance industry. The engagement is project-based, with work assigned according to client demand. Project availability may fluctuate over time, making this opportunity best suited to consultants who are comfortable with a dynamic project environment. Key Responsibilities AI Model Evaluation Evaluate AI-generated financial analyses for technical accuracy, completeness and quality of reasoning.Identify factual inaccuracies, unsupported assumptions, logical inconsistencies and calculation errors.Review financial models, valuation methodologies and investment analyses produced by AI.Create, review and refine finance-related prompts, benchmark responses and evaluation datasets.Apply detailed annotation guidelines consistently while maintaining high quality standards.Provide structured and actionable feedback to improve AI model performance.Collaborate with Project Managers, Quality Assurance teams and AI Researchers to improve evaluation methodologies. Independent Project Work Maintain productivity and quality expectations while working independently in a remote environment.Apply expert-level financial judgment to complex AI-generated scenarios. Domain Expertise Candidates should demonstrate expert-level knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Investment BankingMergers & Acquisitions (M&A)Corporate FinanceFinancial ModelingBusiness ValuationsTransaction AdvisoryDue DiligenceCapital RaisingLeveraged FinancePrivate EquityVenture CapitalStrategic Finance Strong Candidates Typically Have Practical Experience With Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) modelsLeveraged Buyout (LBO) modelsComparable Company AnalysisPrecedent Transaction AnalysisThree-Statement Financial ModelingPurchase Price AllocationsFair Value AnalysisInvestment MemorandumsDeal StructuringPitch BooksConfidential Information Memorandums (CIMs) Required Qualifications Significant practical experience in Investment Banking, Corporate Finance or Transaction Advisory.Strong knowledge of U.S. financial markets and corporate finance principles.Exceptional analytical and critical-thinking skills.Advanced financial modeling and valuation capabilities.Excellent written English communication skills.Ability to independently evaluate complex financial analyses and provide technical feedback.Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality. Preferred Qualifications Professional Certifications CFA (Completed or Candidate)CPAMBA (Finance)Chartered Accountant (CA) Professional Background Investment BankingBig Four Transaction AdvisoryValuation AdvisoryPrivate EquityVenture CapitalCorporate DevelopmentStrategic Finance Financial Platforms Bloomberg TerminalCapital IQFactSetRefinitivPitchBook AI Experience Experience in any of the following is highly desirable: AI Model EvaluationReinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF)Prompt EngineeringAI AnnotationLarge Language Model (LLM) EvaluationAI Quality AssuranceBenchmark Dataset Development Candidates without prior AI evaluation experience may still be considered with exceptional finance expertise and strong analytical reasoning. U.S. Market Knowledge Candidates Should Demonstrate a Strong Working Knowledge Of SEC FilingsPublic EquitiesFinancial StatementsValuation MethodologiesCorporate EarningsMacroeconomic IndicatorsInvestment AnalysisCapital MarketsFinancial RatiosPortfolio ConceptsMarket Trends What Makes a Strong Candidate Successful candidates often have: Led complex financial analyses or valuation engagements.Reviewed or approved the work of other finance professionals.Supported or led high-profile transactions.Presented recommendations to executive leadership, investment committees or clients.Built financial models used in strategic business decisions.Applied expert judgment to evaluate complex financial scenarios. Trial Gig All shortlisted candidates must successfully complete a Trial Gig designed to evaluate technical finance expertise, analytical reasoning, written communication, attention to detail and the ability to assess AI-generated financial responses. Successful completion is required before joining the production project.Candidates who meet the required quality standards will receive an offer to join the project and will be compensated for successfully completing the Trial Gig.Candidates who do not meet the required quality standards will not move forward and will not receive compensation for the Trial Gig.Strong candidates who are not selected may remain in Volga Partners' talent network for consideration on future AI evaluation projects. AI Evaluation Experience Previous experience with AI evaluation, RLHF, prompt engineering, AI annotation or LLM evaluation is strongly preferred. Candidates with exceptional finance expertise who are willing to learn structured AI evaluation workflows are also encouraged to apply. Schedule & Availability This is a project-based independent contractor opportunity supporting the evaluation of advanced AI models. Work is assigned based on client demand, and project volume may fluctuate over time. The role is therefore suited to consultants comfortable with flexible, project-based engagements. Compensation $55–$60 USD/hour ‍