Senior Credit Officer at Finnlemm Sacco

Job Summary (Purpose of the Job)

Working closely with the Credit Manager, the Senior Credit Officer is responsible for maintaining the health of the loan portfolio by balancing the institution’s growth goals with sound risk management. The role ensures loan products remain profitable while maintaining a high level of credit quality and compliance with regulatory standards. The officer also closely monitors distressed loans/debt portfolios to ensure full repayment as stipulated in the terms and conditions, preventing losses due to non-repayments.

Job Role Summary

• Credit Monitoring & Recovery
• Credit Reporting and Analysis
• Regulatory Compliance & Credit Policy Enforcement
• Credit Risk Management
• Loan Approval and Underwriting
• Credit Product Development

Key Responsibilities

Credit Monitoring and Recovery

• Develop and implement strategies for managing delinquent loans and recovering funds from non-performing loans (NPLs), including working with collections teams;
• Monitor distressed loans/debts repayments and initiate or recommend appropriate action;
• Instruct and follow up with external service providers on Non-Performing Asset matters i.e. debt collectors, auctioneers etc.;
• Conduct member visits (on a need basis) and make telephone calls to follow up on payments from Non-Performing Assets;
• Report on NPAs (write-offs, collections, guarantors, etc.) on a regular basis and provide information to Management and the Board through the Credit Manager;
• Ensure records are maintained to track recovery progress for all loans/debts in arrears;
• Ensure weekly arrears reports are prepared, submitted, and followed up for full repayment;
• Ensure demand letters are prepared and forwarded to defaulting members.

Credit Reporting and Analysis

• Project trends affecting portfolio collectability and identify potential problem areas;
• Track and monitor loan portfolio performance, identifying early signs of delinquency;
• Generate regular reports on credit approvals, loan performance, delinquency rates, and other key metrics;
• Analyze credit data and trends to improve approval processes and risk management.

Regulatory Compliance & Credit Policy Enforcement

• Ensure all credit activities comply with internal policies and regulatory requirements;
• Prepare and submit accurate reports to regulatory authorities within timelines;
• Communicate credit policies and updates to relevant staff and ensure adherence;
• Design and implement credit policies to manage risk and maintain profitability;
• Extract, confirm and transmit information to licensed Credit Reference Bureaus.

Delegated Roles

• Evaluate credit risk for potential loans and ensure approvals meet risk standards;
• Monitor and manage the overall loan portfolio to minimize default risk;
• Lead the loan application review and approval process;
• Set and maintain underwriting standards across credit products;
• Collaborate with departments to design and improve credit products;
• Stay informed on market trends and recommend competitive credit solutions.
• Any other duties assigned by the Supervisor from time to time.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Banking, Credit Management or a related field;
• Professional qualification in Credit Management (Certified Credit Professional) or CPA(K);
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in credit administration or loan management;
• Proficiency in business appraisals and financial statement analysis;
• Knowledge of SASRA regulations is an added advantage;
• Proficient in MS Office; experience in Navision is an added advantage;
• Strong analytical, communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to advise senior management on credit initiatives;
• Strong business acumen and reliability;
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills;
• Experience in team leadership and supervision;
• Strong report writing and data analysis skills;
• Proven ability in credit risk analysis and mitigation.