Credit Risk Collections Analyst

Overall Purpose of the Role:

The Credit Risk Collections Analyst position is pivotal in monitoring and evaluating the performance of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) portfolio. This role is cantered on devising and implementing data-centric strategies to diminish credit risk and enhance the efficacy of our collections processes. The analyst will work closely with the Data Science Manager and the Head of Collections to guarantee the highest standard of risk management throughout the SME portfolio. This is an office-based role that offers the possibility of hybrid work arrangements. Candidates will thrive in our dynamic, fast paced setting that emphasizes collaborative, cross-functional teamwork.

Experience and Skills Required:

• Proven track record of improving collections outcomes and operational efficiencies
• Experience with collections and recovery strategies is essential.
• Hands-on experience in data analytics, statistical modelling, and risk scoring.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., SQL, R, Python).
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Strong Excel skills for financial modelling and analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of credit bureau data, scoring methods, and financial regulations related to collections.
• Proven track record of improving collections outcomes and operational efficiencies.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate findings into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication skills to present findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to risk mitigation.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, balancing data-driven insights with operational requirements.
• Analytical mindset with strong financial acumen.
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence decision-making.
• Team player who can collaborate effectively with both technical and operational teams.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Qualification/s:

• Bachelorâs degree in finance, Economics, Data Science, Statistics, Business, Operational research or a related field.
• Masterâs degree in a relevant field or professional certifications is a plus.
• 3-5 years of experience in credit risk collections management, preferably within the SME sector.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough analysis of the SME portfolio to identify potential risks and trends.
• Develop and implement collection strategies based on data-driven insights to minimize delinquency and improve recovery rates.
• Monitor execution and performance of strategies and ensure that strategies are amended and kept up to date.
• Develop and maintain predictive models for collections to identify early warning signs and take preventative measures.
• Regularly monitor the SME portfolio performance, identifying risk triggers, delinquency trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to the Data Science and Operational Collections teams to mitigate risks.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to track key performance metrics (KPIs), delinquency, and recovery rates.
• Help design and implement policies and procedures that reduce the exposure to credit risk.
• Analyse large datasets using statistical methods to inform credit risk and collections strategies.
• Collaborate with the Data Science Manager to improve the accuracy and predictive power of credit risk models.
• Support the Collections team by providing data-driven insights for operational decision-making.
• Prepare and present detailed reports for senior management, summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Work closely with the Head of Collections to ensure that data insights are translated into effective collections strategies.
• Support the implementation of risk-based collections practices, including segmentation of customers and prioritization of collection efforts.
• Provide data support for operational campaigns, customer segmentation, and performance monitoring of collection agents.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of collection strategies, making data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Identify early warning signs of credit deterioration in SMEs and proactively engage in pre-collections strategies.
• Ensure compliance with internal risk policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure collections activities are conducted within regulatory frameworks.