Specialist Enterprise Development

Absa Bank Limited; Mbombela; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African bank is looking for an Enterprise Development Specialist to support the growth and sustainability of SMEs. The role involves providing financial guidance and credit insights, delivering tailored development solutions, and building strong client relationships. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Business and demonstrate strong financial, credit, and stakeholder management skills. This position is crucial for fostering economic growth and improving access to opportunities for entrepreneurs in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of financial statements and ratio analysis.
• Ability to assess business viability and creditworthiness.
• Experience supporting or motivating credit applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide advisory support to SMEs on business growth and operational efficiency.
• Deliver non-financial support initiatives like training and mentorship.
• Analyze SME financial statements and projections to assess viability.
• Identify funding opportunities to match SMEs with financial solutions.
• Prepare high-quality presentations and reports on portfolio performance.

Skills

Financial analysis

Credit assessment

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Presentation skills

Business modelling

Education

Bachelor’s Degrees in Business, Commerce and Management Studies

Job description

Overview

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time. With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Position

The Enterprise Development Specialist is responsible for supporting the growth and sustainability of SMEs by providing financial guidance, credit insights, and tailored development solutions. This role contributes to the bank’s enterprise development strategy by delivering both financial and non financial support to entrepreneurs, strengthening client relationships, and improving access to opportunities.

Responsibilities

1. Client & Enterprise Development Support
   • Provide advisory support to SMEs on business growth, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability.
   • Deliver non-financial support initiatives such as training, mentorship, business readiness, and market access programmes.
2. Financial & Credit Expertise
   • Analyse SME financial statements, cash flow projections, and management accounts to assess viability.
   • Provide guidance to clients on improving financial health and credit readiness.
   • Work closely with credit teams to prepare and motivate quality credit applications.
   • Identify funding opportunities and match SMEs with suitable financial solutions.
3. Business Banking Solutions
   • Recommend banking products and services aligned to the client’s sector, growth stage, and financial needs.
   • Support Relationship Executives and Sector Specialists with client insights and financial assessments.
4. Stakeholder Engagement
   • Collaborate with internal partners including Credit, Legal, Sector Teams, and ESD/Development units.
   • Represent the bank at industry events, SME workshops, and stakeholder engagements.
5. Presentation & Reporting
   • Prepare high‑quality presentations for clients, internal committees, and executive forums.
   • Present complex financial and credit information clearly and confidently to various audiences.
   • Provide reports on portfolio performance, client engagements, impact metrics, and programme outcomes.

Qualifications & Skills

• Financial & Credit Skills (Highly Essential)
  • Strong understanding of financial statements, ratio analysis, cash flow, and business modelling.
  • Ability to assess business viability and creditworthiness.
  • Experience supporting or motivating credit applications.
• Technical & Professional Skills
  • Strong presentation and facilitation skills (in workshops, client pitches, and internal forums).
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities.
  • Analytical thinker with strong problem‑solving skills.
  • Working knowledge of SME sectors and economic trends.
• Behavioral Competencies
  • Client‑centric mindset
  • Ability to work independently
  • Proactive and solutions‑driven
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised.