Head: Trade Finance Operations at Sasfin Bank Ltd

Job description

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

• Through leading and managing the Trade Finance Operations (“TFO”):
• Ensure the accurate and timely compliance with all Credit and Regulatory conditions and processing of payments for Trade Finance products; and
• Be on the cutting edge of all Trade Finance products so as to fulfil the role of a Trade Finance expert.
• Ensure that operational efficiency is front of mind and is constantly being improved.

DESCRIPTION OF TASKS

• Define and execute operational strategy to support the company's overall business strategies.
• Management of the TFO team.
• Develop/ finalise Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with internal departments / units to improve turnaround time (TAT) regarding the processing of transactions
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of all transactions for Trade Finance products within Sasfin’s agreed SLAs, policies and procedures.
• Ensure the provision of adequate and efficient processing services pertaining to internal clients, resolving their queries/ problems and thereby help them serve their respective external customers in a more efficient manner.
• Ensure the existence of adequate and robust policies, procedures, processes and controls are documented and implemented (automated/ manual) to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations. This must be reviewed on an annual basis.
• Monitor and assess business operations by reviewing daily exception reports and discussing significant matters with the COO.
• Evaluate existing as well as new products/ services and provide recommendations on ways to improve the effectiveness/ efficiency of the transactions and become the trade finance subject matter expert.
• Provide professional direction/ advice on all trade finance related matters.
• Compile relevant management reporting on a periodic basis.
• Ensure system and quality enhancements by monitoring the respective activities and processes implemented, by keeping abreast of new methodologies, products and practices.
• Develop/ create the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), for performance monitoring and quality measurement purposes, and monitor the achievements of its individual departments/ units on periodic basis. Ensure the ongoing growth and development of all employees within TFO.
• Ensure all regulatory, risk and compliance aspects are adhered to.
• Be actively involved in liquidity, including all funding requirements, for all Trade Finance products.
• Represent and actively contribute on behalf of TFO at required operational and/or management meetings, e.g. daily Credit Committee, Business Banking Executive Committee, Business Banking Change Approval Board, etc.
• Together with Business Banking senior management actively contribute in strategy discussions to decide, implement and align strategic objectives with Sasfin’s objectives.
• Liaise on behalf of all of TFO with Group Internal Audit on all audits carried out.
• Implement and promote a high service delivery ethos between TFO, all areas of Trade Finance, Business Banking and all clients.

SKILLS/PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

• Minimum Matric/Grade 12 with a B.Com degree or similar qualification is essential. MBA/MBL would be advantageous.
• A strong accounting background with a sound understanding of accounting systems.
• Sound understanding of IT systems.
• Minimum 15 years banking experience of which at least seven years needs to be in Trade Finance at management level.
• Intermediate Excel essential.
• Ability to develop, document, implement and monitor operational procedures and processes.
• Risk management experience would be advantageous.
• Must be able to work well under pressure with strong time management skills to meet strict deadlines.
• Accuracy and attention to detail is critical.
• Must be able to work independently and be a team player.
• Proactively lead a team of employees ensuring optimal performance.
• Strong problem-solving, leadership, interpersonal and communication skills essential.
• Ability to mentor, coach and train staff to grow and develop necessary skills.
• Ability to identify risks in structures and implement procedures to mitigate risks.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of legal documentation/ agreements/ contracts in relation to deal transactions/ structures is essential.
• Flexible, teachable, self-motivated, reliable, confident, unquestionable integrity, loyal, positive, passionate.