Loans Analyst

SUMMARY:
Signa Opportunity is recruiting unemployed youth for quality workplace experience through the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative.

POSITION INFO:
About the role:
The Loans Analyst is a critical role responsible for the end-to-end management of the loan application process, from initial assessment of customer affordability and risk to successful
onboarding and ongoing repayment management. This role requires a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to responsible lending practices. The Loans Analyst will also be responsible for generating key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting statistics to inform business decisions and ensure compliance.


Key Responsibilities
Affordability and Risk Assessment:

• Conduct thorough financial analysis of loan applications to assess customer affordability, creditworthiness, and repayment capacity.
• Evaluate required financial documents (bank statements, payslips, credit reports) to identify potential risks and discrepancies.
• Utilize internal credit scoring rules and filters to make informed lending decisions.
• Adhere strictly to responsible lending guidelines and company policies.

• Guide successful applicants through the loan agreement and documentation process.
• Ensure all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Provide clear and concise explanations of loan terms, conditions, and repayment schedules.
• Facilitate the disbursement of approved loan funds.

• Monitor loan accounts to ensure timely repayments.
• Identify and action potential arrears or default situations, escalating as per company policy.
• Communicate proactively with customers regarding their repayment obligations and provide support for any queries or issues.
• Implement and manage repayment plans for customers experiencing financial difficulties, where appropriate.

• Develop and generate regular reports on loan portfolio performance, including but not limited to:
  -Approval rates
  -Default rates
  -Repayment trends
  -Loan book growth
  -Customer demographics
• Analyze data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Present findings to management and contribute to strategic decision-making.

• Stay up-to-date with relevant lending legislation and industry best practices.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in full compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Assist with internal and external audits as required.

• Provide excellent customer service throughout the loan lifecycle, addressing inquiries and concerns professionally and efficiently.
• Maintain a positive and supportive relationship with customers.

• South African Unemployed youth between the ages of 18 and 34.
• Must not have participated on the programme before.
• Matric
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., in credit analysis, risk management) are a plus.

• Minimum of [e.g., 2-3] years of experience in a credit analyst, loans officer, or similar role
• within the financial services industry.
• Proven experience in assessing customer affordability and managing loan portfolios.

• Strong Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret complex financial data and make sound lending decisions.
• Financial Acumen: Solid understanding of financial statements, credit reports, and lending principles.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in reviewing documents and identifying discrepancies.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and experience with loan management software/CRM systems.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage a high volume of work effectively.
• Customer-Centric: A strong commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Ethical Conduct: High level of integrity and adherence to ethical lending practices.

• Decentralised structure, with work from home advantages for staff.
• Training will involve on-site work during initial weeks of employment
• Equipment and connectivity to be supplied by employer.
• May require occasional extended hours over weekends, and between 20th and 31st of the month.