Credit Officer

Job Summary We are seeking a results-oriented, analytical, and customer-focused Credit Officer to assess loan applications, evaluate borrowers' creditworthiness, recommend appropriate credit facilities, monitor loan repayments, and manage overdue accounts. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting credit assessments, verifying customer information, ensuring compliance with lending policies, maintaining accurate credit records, and supporting the organisation in maintaining a healthy loan portfolio while delivering excellent customer service.

Key Responsibilities / Job Description A. Loan Application Processing Receive and review loan applications and supporting documents. Verify applicants' identities, employment details, income, business information, and other relevant records. Ensure loan applications are complete and meet the organisation's lending requirements. Explain loan products, interest rates, repayment terms, fees, and applicable conditions to customers. Prepare loan assessment reports and submit recommendations to the authorised credit approver. B. Credit Assessment and Risk Analysis Assess applicants' repayment capacity using income, expenses, existing debts, and cash flow information. Analyse bank statements, payslips, business records, and other financial documents where applicable. Evaluate credit history and repayment behaviour using authorised credit information sources. Identify potential credit risks and recommend appropriate risk mitigation measures. Ensure loan amounts and repayment schedules are consistent with the borrower's financial capacity and lending policies. C. Loan Disbursement and Documentation Confirm that approved loans meet all documentation and approval requirements before disbursement. Ensure loan agreements, guarantees, security documents, and other required records are properly completed. Coordinate with the finance team to facilitate authorised loan disbursements. Maintain accurate records of approved, rejected, and disbursed loans. Ensure that no loan is approved or disbursed outside the organisation's authorised procedures. D. Loan Recovery and Collections Monitor repayment schedules and identify overdue accounts. Contact borrowers regarding upcoming and overdue payments through approved communication channels. Follow up on missed instalments and agree on appropriate repayment arrangements within authorised limits. Maintain accurate records of collection activities, promises to pay, and repayment commitments. Escalate persistently overdue accounts to the Credit Manager or recovery team. Support loan recovery initiatives while ensuring customers are treated fairly and professionally. E. Portfolio Monitoring and Reporting Monitor loan portfolio performance, arrears, default rates, and repayment trends. Prepare regular reports on loan applications, approvals, disbursements, collections, and outstanding balances. Identify high-risk accounts and recommend appropriate follow-up actions. Maintain accurate customer loan records in the loan management system. Support the preparation of management reports and portfolio performance analysis. F. Customer Relationship Management Build and maintain professional relationships with existing and prospective borrowers. Respond to customer enquiries regarding loan eligibility, repayment balances, and loan terms. Educate customers on responsible borrowing and timely repayment. Handle complaints professionally and refer complex matters to the appropriate supervisor. Maintain confidentiality of customer financial and personal information. G. Compliance and Internal Controls Follow the organisation's credit policy, lending procedures, and approval limits. Ensure customer information is collected, processed, and stored securely. Comply with applicable data protection, consumer protection, anti-money-laundering, and other relevant legal requirements. Maintain complete documentation to support credit decisions and audit reviews. Report suspected fraud, false documentation, and irregular transactions promptly. H. Business Development Identify potential borrowers and promote suitable credit products. Support customer acquisition and responsible loan portfolio growth. Build referral relationships with businesses, employers, and other approved partners where applicable. Work toward agreed loan disbursement and collection targets without compromising credit quality. 3. Academic and Professional Qualifications A minimum of a diploma in Credit Management, Banking and Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. A bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline is an added advantage. Professional qualifications in credit management, banking, microfinance, or risk management are desirable. Good knowledge of financial analysis, loan assessment, and credit risk principles. Computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel and loan management systems. Knowledge of relevant Kenyan lending regulations and credit reporting procedures is an advantage. 4. Experience Requirements At least 1–2 years of relevant experience in credit assessment, lending, loan administration, collections, microfinance, banking, or a related field is preferred. Experience reviewing loan applications and assessing borrowers' repayment capacity. Practical experience monitoring repayments and following up on overdue accounts. Experience preparing credit reports and maintaining loan portfolio records. Familiarity with loan management software and credit reference checks is an advantage. Candidates with relevant qualifications and strong analytical skills may be considered for entry-level positions. 5. Required Skills and Competencies Strong analytical, numerical, and decision-making skills. Excellent communication, negotiation, and customer-service skills. High levels of integrity, honesty, and professionalism. Good attention to detail when reviewing financial documents. Strong debt collection and problem-solving skills. Ability to assess risk and make evidence-based recommendations. Good organisation and time-management skills. Proficiency in Excel and relevant computer applications. Ability to meet performance targets while following credit policies. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information. 6. Personal Attributes The ideal candidate should be trustworthy, disciplined, proactive, persuasive, customer-focused, and capable of balancing responsible lending, portfolio growth, and effective loan recovery. 7. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Performance may be assessed using the following measures: Accuracy and timeliness of credit assessments. Number of complete loan applications processed. Quality of credit recommendations and documentation. Loan repayment and collection performance. Portfolio at risk and delinquency levels. Reduction in overdue and defaulted accounts. Compliance with lending policies and approval procedures. Customer service quality and complaint resolution. Achievement of agreed business development targets. 8. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit an updated CV, copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, and contact details for referees by registering account on https://jobs.helaworkskenya.co.ke Application Deadline: To be specified. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.