Senior Credit Underwriter

We are seeking a Senior Credit Underwiter to assess and make risk-based credit decisions on loan applications in line with Absa Bank’s lending policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements ensuring credit quality, compliance, and efficiency in loan processing.

• Responsible for assessing and making risk-based credit decisions on loan applications in line with Absa’s lending policies and regulatory requirements.

• Evaluate and process loan applications according to policy and delegated limits.

• Approve, decline, or recommend loans while ensuring proper documentation and signatures.

• Issue and forward offer letters for approved loans.

• Recommend security perfection for secured facilities.

• Ensure all loans meet product lending criteria before approval.

• Capture loan application data accurately in systems.

• Flag suspicious applications for fraud investigation.

• Conduct spot checks as assigned and ensure secure handling of loan documents.

• Maintain accuracy of data and system entries throughout the assessment process.

• Respond to stakeholder and branch queries promptly.

• Meet turnaround time (TAT) and service level agreement (SLA) targets.

• Share best practices and report any red flags observed during assessments.

• Support colleagues to ensure workflow continuity and business performance.

• Comply with regulatory, governance, and risk management requirements.

• Manage and report any risk incidents according to Absa’s internal policies.

• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or related field.

• Have at least 3 years’ experience in Credit Underwriting, Credit Analysis, or Risk Evaluation.

• Experience handling various loan types such as personal loans, SME loans, mortgages, and secured loans.

• Strong understanding of Credit Risk Management principles.

• Preferably possess a Master’s Degree (MBA or equivalent).

• Professional certifications such as CCA, CFA, CRP, or similar are an added advantage.

• Training or experience with Moody’s, S&P, or other credit risk tools is desirable.

• Skilled in credit risk analysis and financial statement interpretation.

• Capable of loan structuring and collateral evaluation.

• Knowledgeable in FIA, IFRS, and Basel III regulations.

• Proficient in Excel and credit assessment or loan origination software.

• Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail.

• Effective communication skills (written and verbal).

• Confident decision-making and ability to work under pressure.

• Able to manage multiple loan applications within deadlines.

• Trained or willing to train in KYC, AML, customer service, complaint handling, data privacy, and fraud awareness.

• Understands Absa retail lending policies and product knowledge.