Credit Manager / Underwriter at African Asset Finance Company (AAFC)

African Asset Finance Company (AAFC) aims to bridge the gap between capital markets with ample liquidity and emerging markets in need of solutions for equipment, equipment-as-a-service, equipment leasing, asset backed lending, and (clean) energy and infrastructure financing in Africa through AAFC group companies and partnerships. AAFC is a privately owned US corporation, with its main office located in New York.

To help implement our ambitious growth strategy, we are recruiting suitable candidates to strengthen the team in the position of:

Job Title: Credit Manager / Underwriter

Location: Lagos

The Job

The Credit Manager / Underwriter – Nigeria is primary responsible for credit and risk management related to the book of business in Nigeria from initial underwriting / credit analysis through to ongoing portfolio monitoring and lease completion.
This role reports to the Global Head of Underwriting (based in The Netherlands).
The Head of Underwriting – Nigeria will be based in Lagos. Initially, this will be an individual contributor role with an opportunity for growth and progression in-line with the book of business.

Responsibilities

Communicate with lessees to obtain necessary information to perform the credit underwriting process (e.g., financial information, identification, business plans, etc.).
Evaluation of new transactions, pre-screening of transactions, performance of due diligence and preparation of credit approval packages for transactions.
Vetting of lessees for compliance with local and international regulatory frameworks and/or company policies.
Review of creditworthiness lessees as well as lease terms and structuring.
Business and industry analysis to identify risks and mitigants.
Preparation of financial projections and supporting financial information.
Reviewing the appropriateness of risk ratings and review compliance with credit policy and standard operating procedures.
Review key financial results, ratios and lease elements including the adequacy of financial ratios and IRR.
Presentation of proposed transactions to executive management and Credit Committee in order to obtain credit approval.
Performance of ongoing and annual credit reviews; request and review updated financial information, identify trends and anomalies.
Monitor the timely payment by lessees; proactively initiate and propose remedial actions in the event of delinquencies.
Ongoing monitoring of compliance (PEP, ESG, FOCA, etc.)
Contribute to compliance with operations of AAFC with (corporate compliance) with applicable laws and regulations.
Notification to management of credit quality concerns or issues within portfolio in a timely manner.
Maintaining familiarity with policies, procedures, and underwriting standards, recommending areas for enhancement, as necessary.
Interfacing with other stakeholders and departments within the Company.

The Candidate
Candidates should have:

A minimum of 7 years of commercial underwriting experience.
Bachelor’s Degree with concentration in Accounting or Finance preferred.
Experience in equipment finance and leasing or banking preferred.
Understanding of local business landscape, culture and customs.
A solid understanding of financial statements, cash flow analysis, financial ratios and modeling.
Strong analytical skills with an ability to question information and assumptions.
Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to piece together financial information to assess for potential risks and present analysis in a clear, concise manner.
Effectively and efficiently collaborate with international colleagues (in a matrixed organization).
Excellent time management skills, able to manage priorities and meet deadlines a fast-paced environment.
Superior attention to detail with a commitment to quality and efficiency.
Be a resourceful self-starter who can work both independently and as a team-player.
Possess emotional maturity, persistence, and resilience, display proper judgement, be discrete with confidential information.
Operate efficiently and effectively in a small office environment that is growing and changing rapidly.
Ability to work in a small team.
Commit to upholding the values of AAFC.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.