Junior Credit Manager at Bidvest Bank

PRIMARY PURPOSE

• The Junior Credit Manager supports the Credit Department in effectively managing the company’s overall credit risk exposure across all lending products — including Corporate, Commercial, Business Banking, Forex, and Trade Finance. The role involves assessing customer creditworthiness, monitoring accounts receivable, and assisting in the development and implementation of credit policies and procedures. In addition, the Junior Credit Manager is responsible for managing their assigned credit portfolio, overseeing daily excesses, securities, and credit limits. The objective of this role is to safeguard the company’s financial health by maintaining an optimal balance between prudent credit risk management and sound commercial opportunities.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT

• • Strong analytical and numerical ability.
• • Attention to detail and accuracy in financial data handling.
• • Good communication and negotiation skills.
• • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and accounting
• • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• • Team-oriented with a proactive attitude to problem-solving.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field.

REQUIRED MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE

• 2–3 years’ experience in credit control or financial analysis.

• Familiarity with credit risk assessment tools and processes.

• Working knowledge of accounting principles and financial statements.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREA (KPA)

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Assist in evaluating the creditworthiness of new and existing customers through financial analysis, credit scoring, and trade references.
• Prepare and recommend credit limits in line with company policy.
• Support the review and approval process for credit applications within approved mandate.

CUSTOMER CENTRICITY

• Partner with sales teams and relevant stakeholders to support business objectives and client service delivery.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborate with Sales teams to understand client needs and provide sound credit solutions aligned with the bank’s risk appetite.
• Liaise with Legal, Compliance to ensure accurate documentation and adherence to internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support the Senior Credit Manager in preparing and presenting portfolio performance updates, highlighting key risks, exposures, and recommendations.
• Provide timely and accurate information to management and relevant committees to support informed credit decisions.
• Foster a customer-centric approach while upholding the Bank’s credit standards and risk management principles.

OPERTIONAL EXCELLENCE

• Manage the day-to-day administration of the assigned credit portfolio, ensuring facilities are operated within approved limits, terms, and conditions.
• Work closely with Sales teams to proactively manage client risk exposures.
• Monitor daily account excesses, collateral positions, and security documentation to ensure full compliance with credit approvals and internal policies.
• Assist in the preparation, review, and maintenance of credit files, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to audit and regulatory standards.
• Support the timely renewal and review of credit facilities by gathering relevant financial information, updating risk ratings, and assisting in credit proposal preparation.
• Track and escalate potential credit or operational risks to the Senior Credit Manager or Risk team for early intervention.
• Generate and review periodic portfolio and exception reports
• Assist in process improvement initiatives to enhance credit monitoring efficiency and reduce operational risk.
• Ensure compliance with internal credit policies, procedures, and relevant regulatory requirements at all times.
• Monitor customer accounts to ensure timely payment and compliance with agreed credit terms.
• Follow up on overdue accounts, liaising with customers and sales teams to resolve payment issues.
• Assist in preparing monthly aged debt reports and collection forecasts.

COMPLIANCE AND MONITORING

• Maintain awareness of regulatory and market developments that impact credit risk.
• Support the implementation of credit control policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to system improvements and process automation initiatives.

REPORTING

• Prepare regular reports on portfolio performance, credit exposure, and risk trends.
• Analyze and report on portfolio quality indicators, including delinquency rates, impairments, and concentrations.
• Provide management with insights and recommendations for risk mitigation and business growth.

LEARNING AND GROWTH

• Work with Learning & Development to implement appropriate education, learning and communication for employees.
• Take ownership for driving own career development.
• Achievement of objectives/milestones set out in the development plan.
• Preparation and signing off of the development plan
• Development of knowledge base and intellectually property.