Lead Credit Analyst

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and pension contributions

Annual leave and benefits

Professional development

Strong regional presence

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a prominent commercial bank in Polokwane to recruit a Lead Credit Analyst. The role leads credit assessment and loan origination, supervising a team of analysts and ensuring adherence to credit policies and SA regulations.

The successful candidate will evaluate creditworthiness of corporate clients, structure loans, and monitor the regional credit portfolio to support sustainable growth. Presence at the Polokwane branch is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• Master's degree or CFA/CA(SA) is advantageous.
• Minimum 7 years in credit analysis or related risk management, with leadership experience.
• Strong financial statement analysis, cash flow modeling and valuation knowledge.
• Familiarity with SA credit regulations and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead credit assessment of corporate and commercial clients and approve within delegated limits.
• Manage credit risk portfolio and monitor performance for the region.
• Prepare detailed credit reports and recommendations for senior management.
• Mentor and develop a team of credit analysts and ensure policy compliance.
• Maintain relationships with clients and internal stakeholders, and stay informed on market trends.

Skills

Financial analysis

Credit risk

Leadership

Excel

Credit scoring

Cash flow modeling

Ratio analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Economics

Master's degree or CFA/CA(SA) advantageous

Tools

Excel

Credit scoring systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent commercial bank operating in **Polokwane, Limpopo**, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Credit Analyst to spearhead their credit assessment and loan origination efforts. This senior role is responsible for evaluating the creditworthiness of corporate and commercial clients, making informed recommendations on loan applications, and managing the credit risk portfolio for the region. You will lead a team of credit analysts, ensuring adherence to the bank's credit policies and regulatory requirements. This is a critical, full-time, office-based position within our **Polokwane** branch, demanding a deep understanding of financial analysis, risk assessment, and the local economic landscape. The successful candidate will be instrumental in maintaining the quality of the bank's loan book and supporting sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive financial analysis of prospective and existing clients, including financial statement analysis, cash flow projections, and industry risk assessment.
• Evaluate credit applications, assessing risks and determining appropriate loan structures, terms, and conditions.
• Prepare detailed credit reports and recommendations for senior management and credit committees.
• Monitor the performance of the credit portfolio, identifying potential areas of concern and proactive risk mitigation.
• Ensure compliance with all internal credit policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines (e.g., National Credit Act).
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of credit analysts, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients, business development teams, and other stakeholders.
• Stay informed about economic conditions and industry trends affecting credit risk.
• Approve or reject credit applications within delegated authority limits.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of credit assessment processes and tools.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related business field.
• A Master's degree or relevant professional qualification (e.g., CFA, CA(SA)) is advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in credit analysis, corporate banking, or financial risk management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of financial statement analysis, ratio analysis, cash flow modeling, and valuation techniques.
• Strong understanding of credit risk principles and lending practices.
• Familiarity with South African credit regulations and compliance requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with financial modeling and credit scoring systems.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.

This role requires full-time presence at our **Polokwane** branch.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and pension fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave and other employee benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Be part of a respected financial institution with a strong presence in **Limpopo**.
• Challenging and rewarding role with significant responsibility.
• Supportive team environment and collaborative workplace.