Senior Credit Underwriter at Kolomoni Microfinance Bank

Job Summary

• The Senior Credit Underwriter independently evaluates loan applications across all product lines, makes documented lending recommendations within delegated authority, and provides quality control over work produced by Junior Underwriters.
• The role carries direct accountability for credit memo quality, regulatory compliance of underwriting decisions, and portfolio-level risk discipline within the Credit department.

Key Responsibilities
Underwriting & Credit Assessment:

• Independently review and analyze loan applications across all product types  for creditworthiness
• Conduct full financial analysis: cash flow assessment, debt service coverage ratio (DSCR), and repayment capacity
• Interpret credit bureau reports and resolve discrepancies or adverse findings with applicants/Sales
• Calculate and verify key ratios (DSCR, LDR exposure, single obligor limits) against policy thresholds, including KYC tier transaction limits
• Prepare and finalize credit memos/appraisal reports with clear, well-reasoned recommendations for approval, decline, or referral
• Review and approve/return work prepared by Junior Underwriters before escalation

Risk & Compliance:

• Ensure all loans under review comply with CBN MFB prudential guidelines, AML/CFT requirements, and internal credit policy
• Identify and investigate red flags, inconsistencies, or fraud indicators; escalate confirmed concerns to the Head of Credit Admin and Compliance
• Monitor obligor concentration and portfolio-level exposure limits for assigned segments
• Recommend exceptions or policy deviations through proper approval channels with documented justification

Documentation, Reporting & Mentorship:

• Ensure collateral documentation (where applicable) is properly perfected and filed before disbursement approval
• Confirm conditions precedent are fully met prior to recommending disbursement
• Provide regular reports on underwriting turnaround time, approval/decline rates, and portfolio quality for assigned book
• Mentor and review the work of Junior Underwriters, providing structured feedback on credit memo quality
• Liaise with Legal/Compliance on documentation and perfection requirements
• Support audits and regulatory examinations with documentation and explanation as required

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Banking, or related field; relevant credit/risk certification an advantage
• 4–7 years' experience in credit analysis/underwriting, with at least 2 years in microfinance, retail banking, or fintech lending
• Strong working knowledge of the CBN MFB regulatory framework, prudential guidelines, and AML/CFT requirements
• Advanced Excel proficiency; experience with loan origination/core banking systems required
• Demonstrated track record of sound credit judgment and low memo rejection/rework rate
• Strong written communication skills for credit memo and appraisal report writing

Key Competencies:

• Sound, independent credit judgment
• Strong risk awareness and ability to identify subtle red flags
• Process discipline under turnaround time pressure
• Coaching and review capability for junior staff
• Integrity and resistance to undue influence in lending decisions