Analyst, Credit

This role offers a fantastic opportunity for a skilled analyst to make a significant impact on credit reporting, insights, and analytics within Liberty's Vehicle Asset Finance (VAF) retail portfolio, based in Johannesburg. The core objective is to bolster informed business decision-making and drive the creation and implementation of effective credit strategies. This position is crucial for enhancing how Liberty understands and manages credit risk, ultimately contributing to the company's strategic growth and client satisfaction.

About the role

The Analyst, Credit will be instrumental in shaping the credit landscape for the VAF retail portfolio. This involves not just delivering accurate and timely reports but also diving deep into the data to unearth critical insights that will guide strategic decisions. A key focus will be on designing, refining, and implementing robust account management strategies. This includes advancements in customer pre-scoring, developing effective takeover strategies, and continuously assessing portfolio risk to maintain a healthy financial outlook. A significant part of the role will also involve championing automation for production reports, seeking out and implementing system and process improvements that align with and advance the company's strategic objectives.

The responsibilities are broad and encompass several key areas:

• **Business Requirements & Analytics**:
• Analyse and prioritise business reporting and data requests, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Deliver high-quality management information (MIS) that is both accurate and insightful.
• Provide in-depth credit analytics to inform strategic direction and support critical decision-making processes.
• Develop and enhance reporting solutions using leading business intelligence tools.
• Design and optimise credit decision-making processes through sophisticated data analysis techniques.
• **Data Integrity & Process Assurance**:
• Uphold data accuracy through rigorous validation, reconciliation, and quality checks.
• Mentor and guide junior analysts in data extraction, manipulation, and reporting best practices.
• Establish and maintain data monitoring frameworks to proactively identify and resolve any errors.
• Translate large, complex datasets into clear, actionable insights that drive business improvements.
• Develop and optimise SAS code to drive the automation of reporting processes, enhancing efficiency.
• **Stakeholder Management**:
• Maintain proactive communication with stakeholders regarding reporting delivery schedules and any potential changes.
• Effectively negotiate and manage expectations for both new and ongoing reporting requirements.
• Collaborate closely with operational partners to identify and implement process and outcome improvements.
• **Strategy Development & Reporting**:
• Contribute to the development and ongoing optimisation of both acquisition and account management credit strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of implemented strategies, conducting detailed cost-benefit analyses.
• Engage stakeholders to champion and implement scorecard-driven enhancements to existing strategies.
• **People Management & Knowledge Sharing**:
• Lead and develop a team of analysts, fostering an environment that encourages high performance and achievement of objectives.
• Identify individual development needs within the team and provide support for growth opportunities.
• Promote the sharing of best practices in analytics, data interpretation, and coding across the team.
• Address team performance issues, including managing disciplinary and grievance processes as necessary.

What they're looking for

To excel in this role, candidates will need a strong foundation in analytical and technical skills, coupled with proven experience in credit risk management.

• **Minimum Requirements**:
• A Bachelor's Degree in a quantitative field such as Mathematical Sciences, IT, or Computer Science.
• A minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in credit analytics, preferably within a banking environment, with a specific focus on the entire credit lifecycle.
• Demonstrated significant experience in data analysis, report generation, and credit risk management.
• **Preferred Qualifications**:
• An Honours Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Project Management.
• A BSc in Statistics, Actuarial Science, or Financial Engineering would be advantageous.
• Prior experience within Vehicle Asset Finance (VAF) is highly desirable.
• **Key Technical Skills**:
• Advanced proficiency in SAS development and coding is essential.
• Strong technical report writing capabilities are a must.
• Experience in developing and implementing data-driven strategies is required.
• Proficiency in utilising data visualisation and business intelligence tools.
• **Essential Behavioural Competencies**:
• The ability to derive and communicate meaningful insights from data is crucial.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are non-negotiable.
• A capacity for constructively challenging ideas and adopting practical approaches.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven team leadership and collaboration capabilities.

This role is an excellent opportunity to leverage a deep understanding of credit analytics within a well-established financial institution. In South Africa, Credit Analyst roles can vary in remuneration depending on experience and the specific sector, but typically command competitive salaries within the financial services industry. Employers like Liberty, part of the larger Standard Bank Group, often provide structured career paths with opportunities for professional development and advancement, particularly for those with strong quantitative skills and a track record in risk management.

Qualifications

• Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematical Sciences, IT, or Computer Science.
  • 5–7 years’ experience in credit analytics within a banking environment, with a focus on the credit lifecycle.
  • Strong experience in data analysis, reporting, and credit risk management.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Honours Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Project Management.
  • BSc in Statistics, Actuarial Science, or Financial Engineering.
  • Experience in Vehicle Asset Finance (VAF) is advantageous.
• Technical Skills:
  • Advanced SAS development and coding.
  • Strong technical report writing capabilities.
  • Experience in developing data-driven strategies.
  • Proficiency in data visualisation and business intelligence tools.
• Behavioural Competencies:
  • Ability to provide meaningful insights and interpret data effectively.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to challenge ideas constructively and think practically.
  • Effective communication and stakeholder engagement.
  • Team leadership and collaboration capabilities.
• Leadership Competencies:
  • Driving delivery of results.
  • Inspiring team performance.
  • Building collaborative relationships.
  • Developing team capability.