Credit Manager / Underwriter at African Asset Finance Company (AAFC)

The Job

• The Credit Manager / Underwriter - Nigeria is primary responsible for credit and risk management related to the book of business in Nigeria from initial underwriting / credit analysis through to ongoing portfolio monitoring and lease completion.
• This role reports to the Global Head of Underwriting (based in The Netherlands).
• The Head of Underwriting – Nigeria will be based in Lagos. Initially, this will be an individual contributor role with an opportunity for growth and progression in-line with the book of business.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with lessees to obtain necessary information to perform the credit underwriting process (e.g., financial information, identification, business plans, etc.).
• Evaluation of new transactions, pre-screening of transactions, performance of due diligence and preparation of credit approval packages for transactions.
• Vetting of lessees for compliance with local and international regulatory frameworks and/or company policies.
• Review of creditworthiness lessees as well as lease terms and structuring.
• Business and industry analysis to identify risks and mitigants.
• Preparation of financial projections and supporting financial information.
• Reviewing the appropriateness of risk ratings and review compliance with credit policy and standard operating procedures.
• Review key financial results, ratios and lease elements including the adequacy of financial ratios and IRR.
• Presentation of proposed transactions to executive management and Credit Committee in order to obtain credit approval.
• Performance of ongoing and annual credit reviews; request and review updated financial information, identify trends and anomalies.
• Monitor the timely payment by lessees; proactively initiate and propose remedial actions in the event of delinquencies.
• Ongoing monitoring of compliance (PEP, ESG, FOCA, etc.)
• Contribute to compliance with operations of AAFC with (corporate compliance) with applicable laws and regulations.
• Notification to management of credit quality concerns or issues within portfolio in a timely manner.
• Maintaining familiarity with policies, procedures, and underwriting standards, recommending areas for enhancement, as necessary.
• Interfacing with other stakeholders and departments within the Company.

The Candidate

Candidates should have:

• A minimum of 7 years of commercial underwriting experience.
• Bachelor's Degree with concentration in Accounting or Finance preferred.
• Experience in equipment finance and leasing or banking preferred.
• Understanding of local business landscape, culture and customs.
• A solid understanding of financial statements, cash flow analysis, financial ratios and modeling.
• Strong analytical skills with an ability to question information and assumptions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to piece together financial information to assess for potential risks and present analysis in a clear, concise manner.
• Effectively and efficiently collaborate with international colleagues (in a matrixed organization).
• Excellent time management skills, able to manage priorities and meet deadlines a fast-paced environment.
• Superior attention to detail with a commitment to quality and efficiency.
• Be a resourceful self-starter who can work both independently and as a team-player.
• Possess emotional maturity, persistence, and resilience, display proper judgement, be discrete with confidential information.
• Operate efficiently and effectively in a small office environment that is growing and changing rapidly.
• Ability to work in a small team.
• Commit to upholding the values of AAFC.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.