Principal: Credit Risk at Cellulant

JOB SUMMARY: 

Our rapidly growing FinTech company is seeking a seasoned Credit Risk Manager to establish and lead our credit risk function across multiple jurisdictions in Africa. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in crafting strategies, developing policies, and implementing processes to manage and monitor credit risk efficiently.

Collaborating closely with the Head of Risk and participating actively in the risk committee, the Credit Risk Manager will ensure our company remains at the forefront of financial industry best practices while maintaining a strong compliance and audit-ready posture.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Establishing the Credit Risk Function:

• Design and implement a comprehensive framework for credit risk management in line with the company's objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the Head of Risk to devise strategies and policies that align with the company's risk appetite.
• Procure and implement cutting-edge tooling and software to automate processes, ensuring the credit risk function operates with high efficiency.

Risk Assessment & Monitoring:

• Conduct in-depth creditworthiness evaluations of potential business clients, leveraging financial statements, cash flows, and payment histories.
• Continuously track the credit profiles of existing clients and initiate necessary actions based on emerging risk patterns.

Reporting & Analysis:

• Deliver regular reports on the company's overall credit risk posture, spotlighting any areas of concern.
• Oversee credit research, analyzing emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the market.

Operational Excellence:

• Manage the end-to-end credit application process, ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
• Create and supervise credit portfolios, ensuring optimal balance and diversity.
• Champion credit risk projects and initiatives, driving innovation and best practices in the function.

Committee Participation & Leadership:

• Act as a key member in risk committee meetings, providing insights, recommendations, and updates on the credit risk landscape.
• Oversee compliance and audit readiness, ensuring the credit risk function adheres to both internal standards and external regulations.

Industry Awareness:

• Continuously update knowledge on financial industry norms, regulatory changes, and best practices, ensuring the company remains a leader in the credit risk domain.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Must Have Experience: 

• Strong understanding of the African financial landscape and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Demonstrated experience of a minimum of  five to eight years in a similar credit risk role, within the FinTech sector, Bank or a Licenced Financial Institution.
• Managing the end-to-end process flow of the credit risk process.
• Card Risk experience.

Nice To Have Experience:

• Certification in Credit Risk Management

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or a related field. A Master's degree or additional qualifications in Risk Management is a plus.
• Proven experience in a similar credit risk role, preferably within the FinTech sector.
• Demonstrated ability to set up and lead a credit risk function, including the procurement and implementation of relevant tools and software.

Skills:

• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and leadership skills.

Personal attributes:

• Strong collaboration and communication abilities.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment.
• Strong ethical standards and integrity.
• Passionate about innovation and driving efficiency through technology