Senior Assistant Credit Officer at Co-operative Bank of Kenya

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Credit Officer, the role supports the evaluation, processing, and monitoring of member loans in accordance with SACCO policies and procedures, while supporting effective loan recovery, accurate credit administration, timely disbursement, and the maintenance of a healthy loan portfolio.

Performance Expectations

The successful candidate will be expected to deliver measurable outcomes, including:

• Effective monitoring and timely follow-up of the loan portfolio and defaulted accounts.
• Improved recovery of outstanding member obligations and adherence to agreed repayment arrangements.
• Accurate and timely preparation of debtor records, aging analysis and credit reports.
• Timely processing of loans in accordance with the SACCO’s service standards and policies.
• Effective administration of check-off arrangements, including follow-up with employers.
• Accurate and compliant CRB listing and delisting processes.
• Effective coordination with external debt collectors, service providers and other recovery partners.
• Timely identification of debt trends and recommendation of appropriate preventive and recovery measures.
• Compliance with applicable financial regulations and the SACCO’s credit policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor the loan portfolio and follow up defaulted loans through appropriate recovery channels.
• Follow up outstanding payments through calls, emails and formal correspondence and negotiate appropriate repayment arrangements.
• Prepare and maintain accurate debtor records, aging analysis and recovery information.
• Prepare and submit credit and recovery reports to the Credit Officer and provide relevant debt status information for audit and financial reporting.
• Prepare and submit check-off data to employers and follow up to ensure deductions are effected.
• Process loans in accordance with established policies, procedures and the SACCO’s Service Charter.
• Facilitate appraisal and processing of collateral-based loans in accordance with established requirements.
• Facilitate CRB listing and delisting in accordance with organisational policies.
• Recommend appropriate legal recovery action for long-overdue accounts and liaise with external debt collectors and other service providers.
• Reconcile member or client accounts, investigate and resolve payment discrepancies.
• Advise Management on emerging debt trends and recommend measures to strengthen recovery and prevent deterioration of the loan portfolio.
• Support audit processes and ensure adherence to applicable financial regulations and organisational policies.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field from a recognised institution.
• CPA II or an equivalent qualification.
• At least three (3) years’ relevant experience in credit, loan administration, debt recovery or a related function.
• Demonstrated practical experience in loan portfolio monitoring and recovery of outstanding obligations.
• Experience in debtor records management, aging analysis, account reconciliation and credit reporting.
• Experience working with employers on check-off arrangements and/or with external debt recovery service providers will be an advantage.
• Sound understanding of credit policies, recovery processes and applicable financial and regulatory requirements.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Good understanding of credit administration and debt recovery.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Decisiveness and ability to follow through on recovery actions.
• Strong interpersonal skills when dealing with members, employers and service providers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to work effectively with credit and financial information.
• High standards of integrity and confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive member and debtor information.