JOB ADVERTISEMENT: CREDIT & DEBT COLLECTIONS MANAGER

The company is an International digital lending fintech operating in emerging markets and launched operations in Zambia in 2023. We offer modern online micro lending services to private individuals in the most convenient way. Successful development of Avofin has been underpinned by custom-made in-house advanced AI-technology, exceptional customer experience, efficient loan portfolio management and robust capital structure.

Due to further expansion, we are inviting suitably qualified ambitious, experienced, self-motivated individuals to apply for the position of Credit & Debt Collections Manager.

JOB BRIEF

As a Credit and Debt Collections Manager, your primary responsibility will be to manage the credit risk assessment process and oversee the debt collections operations. You will play a crucial role in evaluating creditworthiness, setting credit limits, and ensuring timely debt recovery. Your expertise in credit analysis, risk management, and collections strategies will be essential in maintaining a healthy loan portfolio and minimizing delinquency rates.

Key Responsibilities:

Credit Risk Assessment: Develop and implement credit risk assessment strategies and policies to evaluate the creditworthiness of loan applicants. Analyse credit reports, financial statements, and other relevant data to determine borrower eligibility, loan amounts, interest rates, and repayment terms.

Credit Underwriting: Review and approve loan applications within defined lending parameters and credit policies. Assess the financial viability of borrowers, considering factors such as income, employment stability, credit history, and collateral. Make informed decisions on loan approvals, denials, or modifications.

Collections Strategy: Develop and implement effective collections strategies to minimize delinquencies and maximize debt recovery. Define collection procedures, guidelines, and escalation processes. Utilize data analytics and reporting tools to monitor delinquent accounts and identify early warning signs of potential defaults.

Debt Recovery: Oversee the collections team and ensure the timely and efficient collection of overdue payments. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including legal teams and collection agencies, to resolve delinquencies and recover outstanding debts. Implement strategies to negotiate payment plans, settlements, or legal actions when necessary.

Compliance and Regulatory Adherence: Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices pertaining to credit assessment, debt collections, and consumer protection. Stay updated on changes in regulations and implement necessary adjustments to processes and practices.

Reporting and Analysis: Develop and maintain accurate reporting systems to track key performance indicators (KPIs), such as delinquency rates, recovery rates, and portfolio quality. Analyze data and trends to identify areas for improvement, make data-driven decisions, and provide regular reports to management.

Relationship Management: Collaborate with internal teams, including sales, customer service, and operations, to ensure alignment and support in credit and collections activities. Build and maintain relationships with external partners, such as credit bureaus, collection agencies, and legal advisors.

Team Leadership: Lead and develop a high-performing credit and collections team. Set performance objectives, provide coaching and mentoring, conduct regular performance evaluations, and foster a collaborative and results-driven work culture.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Proven experience (typically 5+ years) in credit risk assessment and debt collections, preferably within a digital lending or fintech environment.

Strong knowledge of credit analysis, underwriting, and collections strategies.

Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards in credit and debt collections.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed credit decisions and assess risk.

Proficiency in using credit scoring models and software applications for credit analysis.

Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to effectively handle difficult customer interactions.

Experience in managing collections operations, including delinquency management and debt recovery.

Familiarity with data analytics and reporting tools to track performance metrics and identify trends.

Leadership and team management abilities, with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams.

Attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to timelines.

Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, evolving environment.