Senior Corporate Credit Risk Analyst at Equity Bank Kenya

Job Purpose:

The purpose of the job is to enhance the quality of the corporate portfolio by ensuring that quality checks are introduced in the processing of corporate applications.  The Senior Corporate Credit Analyst at Equity Bank Limited (K) will serve as a loan analyst for borrowing requests from Branches, Corporate Credit, Treasury/Trade Finance Departments and Subsidiaries. This will include conducting the credit risk analysis and review of credit transactions and preparation of loan sanction write ups and summaries along with recommendations and present the same to the credit committees. Additionally, the role will introduce quality checks to ensure that corporate loans are established properly in the system and the production of management reports for monitoring. 

Key Accountabilities:

• Complete a thorough, in-depth analysis of new credit requests, credit change requests, renewals and restructure and make recommendation to respective committees (Corporate Credit-EXCO, GOCAC).This involves ensuring acceptable risk levels are maintained, compliance with the Bank’s Credit Policy and CBK prudential guidelines.
• Identification of areas of weaknesses during credit analysis and mitigating credit risk appropriately for strong cases which are outside policy
• Structure credit solutions for the clients and ensuring the appropriateness of the products
• Review of Treasury/Trade Finance Limits from different Banks, Development Financial Institutions & other corporate bodies for presentation to approving authority
• Achieve Turn-Around-Times (TATs) as per agreed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for assessment of Credit Applications referred to Credit Risk from Branches, Corporate Credit, Treasury/Trade Finance Departments and Subsidiaries.
• Ensure observance of/compliance with the Bank’s lending policies and procedures, identify and mitigate exceptions to policy, whenever received.
• Ensure a consistent approach in assessing loan applications by developing/reviewing relevant risk assessment templates for use by the business.
• Ensure all risk areas for customers/businesses are identified and duly mitigated during the appraisal process e.g. Default (Credit) Risk, Operational Risk, Market Risk, Regulatory Risk, Reputational Risk etc in addition to PESTEL & SWOT Analysis.
• Make recommendations for credit policy review (at product and/or process levels.
• Offer guidance to Branches, Corporate Credit Origination, Trade Finance and Subsidiaries on the best way to structure customer needs/requests, whilst protecting the Bank’s position
• Train SME Managers & Branch Heads of Credits and subsidiary staff on presentation of credit proposals and financial analysis.
• Prepare regular reports (internal and external) for Senior Management and/or Board Risk Committees.
• Training of branch staff & adopting branches for mentorship and supporting is in resolution of issues that may arise from time to time

Qualifications and Experience

Education qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in business, finance or accounting.

Years of experience

• 10 Years experience in Credit of which five years should be in Credit Risk Underwriting or Corporate Origination 

Professional qualifications required

• AKIB/ACIB CPA, ACCA, Credit Management or CFA would be an added advantage. 

Key Competencies and Skills

• An in-depth knowledge of the bank’s products relating to all credit products
• A good knowledge of the other bank’s products
• A good knowledge of the bank’s Credit Policy & Credit Charter
• A good knowledge of CBK’s prudential guidelines as pertains to lending.
• A good knowledge of the Bank’s operating procedures and approval process
• A general knowledge of the Bank’s vision and focus especially in relation to Business development and Management of risks
• Must be able to understand financial data (Balance Sheets, Income Statements, Cash Flow Statements, Financial Ratios, etc.) and the trends to determine business financial soundness and viability and apply those skills as they pertain to the loan underwriting process.
• A good understanding of current issues including macro and micro economic environment.
• Must be organized, efficient, and able to work independently and be detail oriented in order to generate accurate reports.
• Attention to Detail is Key: Regard for all important details to assure accuracy in every transaction performed; detect errors; follow through on corrections and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to effectively manage one’s time to complete work according to established deadlines
• Able to adjust quickly to different work situations; remain composed under pressure and stressful situations.
• Principled and self-confident.