Financial Credit Risk Manager at Lulalend

OVERALL PURPOSE

This is a fantastic opportunity for a CA(SA) (but not your standard accountant) looking to work in a growing fintech business and specifically in credit. This is a big role focused on the credit function from origination to approval and monitoring, and relies on strong financial, credit and analytical ability to help make funding decisions which aim to support our South African SME community. You will combine your qualification and very strong commercial awareness, with the ability to liaise and deal with clients and stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Overseeing credit analyst approvals - ability to balance credit risk with growth and understand the portfolio factors which are driving both
• Analysis and evaluation of data to establish the credit risk of SMEs (using your well-developed financial skills)
• Providing insights for the ongoing improvement to credit models to enhance risk predictions
• Reviewing credit decisions of the Analyst team (identifying higher risk areas, opportunities for expansion - assisting the Credit team in enhancing credit decisions to align with desired portfolio growth)
• Understanding the balancing and managing strong book growth with increasing risk – and having a strong grasp of the impact of this on Lulalend
• Engaging with clients (internal and external) always seeking to understand their businesses to get the best outcome
• Strong understanding of portfolio and industry risk metrics and working closely with our Credit Portfolio Manager to enhance portfolio quality through improved decision making
• Solid understanding the credit life-cycle (up to and including collections)
• Providing insights on credit risk and making recommendations for credit improvements (always looking for solutions)
• Looking for ways to enhance our approval process, resulting in faster and more efficient funding (while always considering credit metrics
• Understanding the lending platform in its entirety
• Working closely with and supporting the Credit team, Credit Management, and Head of Credit on all credit-related portfolio issues and approvals, ensuring response and turnaround times are second-to-none
• Reporting to the Head of Credit and Executive team on credit-related risks and developments
• Training and coaching
• Understanding and keeping up to date on the latest technology developments and technical issues affecting credit
• Any other ad-hoc projects required to assist the team

THE COMPETENCIES WE’RE AFTER

• Excellent problem-solving skills (out-the-box and fast on your feet)
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Excellent influencing skills
• Resilience
• Fun-loving, team-player - you enjoy helping your team members out, and you go the extra mile for your team and Lulalend
• Start-up mentality - you understand we are all in this together and you’re keen to roll your sleeves up and get involved

THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Finance/business degree, honours desirable
• Qualified accountant (CA/CIMA/ACCA)
• Proven work experience in a senior financial/financial management/credit risk management role, preferably within a financial institution
• Very strong numerical ability
• Ability to thrive in an ever-changing environment with lots of moving parts
• Strong communication and people skills