Head of Credit

Job description / Role

On behalf of our client, we seek to recruit a highly competent, motivated and professional individual to fill the position of Head of Credit. The potential candidate should be able to integrate into the existing leadership team and deliver results within an organisation with multicultural and diverse team.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Head of Credit will be responsible for the management of the institution’s credit and credit administration functions. As a member of the senior leadership team, the job holder will further be responsible for the provision of leadership and guidance in all matters relating to credit management, credit approvals, monitoring and controlling the credit portfolio to ensure that losses are minimized.

Requirements

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
• Participate in the development of the institution’s strategy in order to ensure alignment of the credit function with the institution and Group’s overall strategy
• Overall management of the Credit and Credit Administration Departments and implementation of adequate structures and controls to facilitate quality delivery of credit and high performance by staff
• Ensure that the institution has the right systems, processes and policies to guide all aspects of credit monitoring and credit administration
• Exercise oversight of the Credit Administration process to ensure management of the credit process and portfolio for the institution across the entire value chain
• Work with the Chief Executive Officer and the Head of Finance and Planning, in the evaluation of projected company cash flow through the maintenance of a loan pipeline reports and loan payoff reports
• Provide support to the Heads of Credit in the subsidiaries with regard to credit appraisals and identifying potential areas of weakness to minimize credit losses within the business
• Provide leadership to grow and maintain a profitable credit portfolio for the institution

Key Qualifications and Experience:

The successful candidate must have at least ten years’ experience with at least five years at senior management level in an active commercial environment or a large financial institution.

S/he should have a Master’s Degree in Finance, Economics, Commerce, Accounting or any other equivalent and relevant qualification from a recognized university.

The incumbent must be a Certified Public Accountant holder with a valid membership to the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) or similar qualifications from other recognized professional bodies.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

Technical Competencies:
• The incumbent must have strong knowledge in budgeting and budgeting control
• S/he must have strong knowledge in banking laws and regulations
• Must have a comprehensive banking background and extensive experience in credit appraisal and loan portfolio management
• The job holder must have extensive understanding of business and financial fundamentals, with mathematical aptitude & advanced accounting & computer spreadsheet skills
• Proven strong financial analysis and loan underwriting skills
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of credit services and a complete understanding of Credit Policy and Procedures.
• Must have strong knowledge of Central Bank prudential and risk management guidelines

Behavioral Competencies:
• The incumbent must demonstrate strong leadership and people management skills
• Must be able to clearly communicate with fellow staff and key stakeholders
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills
• Must demonstrate integrity, honesty and ethics
• Must possess emotional intelligence and manage emotions in a mature and composed manner as expected

About the Company

We are a leading institution in the Financial Services sector in the East African region.