Asset Finance Consultant

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Belonging at Absa

Absa is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds. In support of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) commitments and Employment Equity objectives, preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities. We encourage applicants who may require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process to let us know so that appropriate support can be provided.

Job Summary

Deliver Commercial Asset Finance (CAF) solutions to a defined client portfolio, ensuring service excellence, revenue growth, and client expansion. Drive total client revenue, sustainable portfolio growth, and business product sales while fostering strategic customer relationships within a specific geographical area.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities:

Accountability:  Relationship, Sales and Service

·        Main point of contact for CAF clients; develop, manage and retain a portfolio of clients by building strong and sustainable relationships.

·        Target prospective clients and acquire new business in line with the Absa value proposition.

·        Review and negotiate new pricing with clients, in accordance with Absa’s pricing policy & endeavor to maximize returns.

·        Actively manage portfolio balance sheet & income statement for CAF, to deliver on production targets.

·        Drive growth by improving cross-sell ratio, onboarding new clients and increasing market share.

·        Maintain overall accountability for operational and service-related matters, leveraging internal support networks.

·        Adopt a solution-oriented approach to meet client needs based on an in-depth understanding of client businesses, utlilising knowledge of commercial banking products (transactional and credit) and drawing on the expertise of various product and sector specialists to provide an offering that is both competitive and relevant.

Accountability:  Risk Assessment

·        Manage portfolio of clients, from a business and risk perspective, to ensure that the Bank’s risk is maintained within acceptable levels.

·        Analyze and balance credit risk with client capabilities, assessing available security and cash flow, whilst ensuring the Bank continues to grow the revenue lines.

·        Co-manage high-risk customer accounts in conjunction with credit risk teams, conducting regular reviews based on current and available information, and facilitating communication between clients and the Bank.

·        Ensure transparency and open dialogue between credit and clients by clearly articulating the clients’ requirements and giving feedback on the Bank’s position regarding these requirements.

·        Remain abreast of current developments, trends and risks in the various industries/sectors to ensure adequate client service and to support potential risks and or opportunities.

·        Assist with the development of value-adding lending solutions and structures that are both practical and appropriate for clients; providing inputs to Credit based on client specific information and firsthand industry knowledge.

·        Drive the credit review process by obtaining up to date financial information and timeous submission of applications.

·        Promote adherence to the Bank's policies and procedures, implement corporate governance and compliance processes and ensure ongoing promotion and maintenance of these policies.

·        Take ultimate ownership of the portfolio's risk management by ensuring a good understanding of both the Bank's and the clients regulatory and compliance environments.

 

Accountability: Client/Customer Service

·        Develop tactical strategies for the integration of service excellence culture, building rewarding and long-standing relationships across the portfolios.

·        Advice component, in terms of which clients are educated on the various financial products and services available, providing guidance on and how these might meet their needs.

·        Define practices which build service delivery excellence according to customer service principles and encourage/mentor others in developing exceptional customer service practices.

·        Address client complaints timeously, ensure service concerns are resolved and feedback utilized to improve the overall client experience.

·        Maintain client visitation plan, ensuring consistent and proactive contact and marketing across the portfolio.

 

Accountability: Process

·        Analyze and interpret available client information to produce reports that articulate trends, identify discrepancies and document risks.

·        Develop tactical strategies to identify practice issues across portfolios and proactively develop solutions to enhance the quality of problem resolution.

·        Provide specialist support in the application of robust Customer Relationship Management practices, to deliver a seamless customer experience.

·        Manage pipeline and cross selling to existing clients, promoting client retention.

·        Drive the development, implementation and maintenance of control systems to identify and mitigate key risks.

 

Accountability: Learning and Growth

·        Create an engaging, enabling, and productive work climate aligned to the employee value proposition.

·        Keep abreast of industry developments and develop networks for market intelligence, informed decision making and competitive advantage purposes.

·        Agree and implement the personal development plans to address any areas identified for growth.

·        Assume mentorship role for direct reports and other junior members of the broader team.

 

Preferred Education

Minimum B-degree (NQF level 7)

Preferred Experience

•          At least five to seven years plus Sales and Relationship Management experience in a Commercial or Corporate Investment Banking environment solutioning for Commercial Asset Finance Lending Product.

•          At least five (5) years’ experience in evaluating and understanding complex company financial information.

•          At least five (5) years’ experience in structuring complex credit solutions and guiding the credit process.

 

Knowledge and Skills

•          Knowledge of a wide spectrum of financial products/services and their application

•          Knowledge of macroeconomic factors and trends.

•          Knowledge of ‘Know Your Customer’ procedures and other regulatory requirements

•          Good Knowledge of Business Banking environment.

Education

Bachelors Degree and Professional Qualifications: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)