Senior Specialist: Risk Product

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.

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity exists in the Absa Credit Risk department, specifically within the Credit Risk Regulatory Reporting (South Africa) team. The main focus of this position is to ensure the consistency and overall accuracy of all credit risk related reporting, information, queries, commentary, and supplementary data, submitted to the Prudential Authority (PA) timeously. The role is critical for overall compliance with the Banks Act and the Regulations.

The role has a demanding regulatory and technical content, and the sheer pace of activity and growth within the bank, are such that an energetic and proactive approach will be needed. Good product and quantitative knowledge is essential, along with proven regulatory understanding is required in order to succeed. These will be underpinned by intellectual capability and strong communication skills as well as the ability to work accurately and independently.

Job Description

Analysis and interpretation of RB Credit Risk Data

• Develop an understanding of the relevant allocated SBU/Cluster environment, including knowledge and understanding of product, limits, exposures and relevant processes/systems.
• Perform analysis on credit risk data used in the preparation of regulatory returns including the BA200, BA210, BA220 and all other Ad hoc reporting submitted to the PA and within the Group.  
• Participate in the preparation of relevant credit risk data used for Regulatory reporting.
• Provide support to the credit risk measurement team on aspects relating to the automation of regulatory reports and management information (MI)
• Prepare necessary credit risk reports for distribution to and discussion with stakeholders identified by Group Credit Management.  
• Liaise with relevant risk management (i.e. business units) in order to identify and select appropriate data for regulatory Measurement and Reporting with sole focus on credit risk.
• Provide relevant credit risk data to support Group Credit Risk Management in the execution of their duties and mandate. 
• Attend relevant SBU/Cluster review and attestation meetings. This involves giving overview of credit risk MI and providing expertise and analysis of the results.
• Stay abreast of the Basel international regulatory framework changes.

Credit Risk Management Information (MI)

• Produce and analyze relevant credit risk MI to provide meaningful commentary on the credit risk data for use of identified stakeholders within the group.
• Compile the necessary regulatory credit risk reports for final sign-off (attestation)
• Produce Ad-Hoc reports on specific credit risk related issues - this may include investigations into credit risk data issues and projects.
• Work together with cross functional teams, which may be geographically dispersed, to deliver credit risk initiatives.
• Liaise with operational areas to ensure that credit risk initiatives are working optimally.

Credit Risk Queries 

• Investigate and resolve all unresolved credit risk queries received from Internal stakeholders and the PA.
• Provide timeous feedback through appropriate channels to the relevant stakeholders.

Team Dynamics 

• Proactively contribute to a progressive team environment by positively driving teamwork and change
• Engage in proactive sharing of information and tasks to facilitate multi skilling and multi-tasking of team members.
• Support the Unit Head: Credit Regulatory Reporting & Analytics with team issues and tasks.
• Timely escalation of potential issues to relevant stakeholders.
• Liaise extensively with business and across infrastructure to build relationships, gain an understanding of the risks, processes and controls (front to back).
• Maintain a professional relationship with all stakeholders across the business.

Education