John Cheruiyot Langat
Summary
Proven leader in debt recovery and credit management, adept at guiding teams to exceed targets through strategic planning and effective communication. At Rafiki Microfinance Bank, spearheaded initiatives that significantly improved collection rates. Skilled in analytical and problem-solving techniques, ensuring compliance with regulations while maintaining high ethical standards.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Manager Debt Recovery
Rafiki Microfinance Bank
07.2023 - Current
- Manage and lead a team of debt recovery agents, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure the achievement of targets and objectives.
- Develop and implement effective debt recovery strategies and procedures to maximize collection rates and minimize losses.
- Monitor and analyze collection performance metrics, identifying trends and areas for improvement, and implementing appropriate actions to optimize results.
- Establish and maintain relationships with clients, creditors, and external agencies to facilitate the resolution of outstanding debts and negotiate repayment plans when necessary.
- Review and assess delinquent accounts, identifying high-risk cases and initiating appropriate recovery actions, including legal proceedings if required.
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards governing debt collection practices, maintaining a high level of ethical conduct at all times.
- Prepare regular reports and presentations on debt recovery activities, including progress updates, performance analysis, and recommendations for process enhancements.
- Stay informed about changes in legislation and market trends affecting debt recovery operations, adapting strategies and tactics accordingly.
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork, accountability, and professional development among team members.
- Handle escalated customer inquiries and complaints, resolving issues promptly and effectively to uphold the company's reputation and customer satisfaction.
Credit Manager
Maisha Bora Sacco Ltd
01.2021 - 07.2023
- Assess the creditworthiness of new and existing customers by analyzing financial statements, credit reports, and other relevant information to determine their ability to fulfill payment obligations.
- Develop and implement credit policies and procedures to ensure consistent and fair evaluation of credit applications, in compliance with company guidelines and regulatory requirements.
- Review and approve credit limits for customers based on risk assessment, payment history, and market conditions, balancing the need to mitigate risk with the opportunity to maximize sales revenue.
- Monitor and manage the company's overall credit exposure, identifying potential risks and implementing appropriate risk mitigation strategies to protect against losses.
- Establish and maintain relationships with customers, sales teams, and other internal stakeholders to facilitate the resolution of credit-related issues and ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Collaborate with collections teams to manage overdue accounts and minimize bad debt losses, implementing collection strategies and negotiating repayment terms when necessary.
- Stay informed about changes in market conditions, industry trends, and regulatory developments affecting credit risk management, adapting strategies and policies accordingly.
- Prepare regular reports and presentations on credit performance, including key metrics, trends, and recommendations for improvement, to senior management and stakeholders.
- Provide leadership and guidance to credit analysts and other team members, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and professional development.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards governing credit management practices, maintaining a high level of ethical conduct and integrity at all times.
Senior Credit Officer
Safaricom Sacco Ltd
01.2019 - 12.2022
- Conduct comprehensive credit analyses of loan applications, including financial statements, credit reports, industry trends, and other relevant information, to assess the creditworthiness of borrowers.
- Evaluate the risk profile of prospective borrowers, considering factors such as repayment capacity, collateral, and market conditions, to determine appropriate credit limits and terms.
- Develop and recommend credit policies, procedures, and guidelines to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the credit underwriting process, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Review and approve credit proposals within designated authority limits, escalating larger or more complex transactions to senior management for approval as necessary.
- Monitor the performance of existing loan portfolios, conducting periodic reviews and risk assessments to identify potential issues or areas of concern, and recommending appropriate actions to mitigate risk.
- Collaborate with relationship managers, underwriters, and other internal stakeholders to structure credit facilities that meet the needs of borrowers while aligning with the company's risk appetite and strategic objectives.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior credit officers, sharing knowledge and best practices to support their professional development and enhance the overall effectiveness of the credit team.
- Stay abreast of changes in regulatory requirements, market conditions, and industry trends affecting credit risk management, and ensure that policies and procedures are updated accordingly.
- Foster positive relationships with clients, regulators, and other external parties, representing the company professionally and ethically in all credit-related matters.
- Prepare regular reports and presentations on credit portfolio performance, including key metrics, trends, and recommendations for improvement, for senior management and board of directors.
Loans Officer
Chai Sacco Ltd
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Review loan applications and supporting documentation submitted by prospective borrowers, ensuring completeness and accuracy of information provided.
- Assess the creditworthiness of applicants based on factors such as income, employment history, credit history, and debt-to-income ratio, in accordance with company policies and regulatory guidelines.
- Conduct financial analysis and risk assessment to determine the appropriate loan amount, interest rate, and repayment terms for approved loan applications.
- Communicate effectively with applicants to explain loan options, terms, and conditions, and address any questions or concerns they may have throughout the loan process.
- Coordinate with underwriters, loan processors, and other internal stakeholders to facilitate the timely processing and closing of approved loans, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal policies.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of loan applications, approvals, and disbursements, utilizing loan management systems or databases as required.
- Provide ongoing support to borrowers during the life of the loan, responding to inquiries, processing payments, and assisting with requests for modifications or extensions as needed.
- Monitor loan portfolios to identify early signs of credit deterioration or delinquency, and take proactive measures to address issues and minimize potential losses.
- Stay informed about changes in lending regulations, market conditions, and industry trends, and ensure that loan origination and servicing practices remain compliant and up-to-date.
- Participate in training programs and professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills in lending practices, risk management, and customer service.
Accounts Receivable Clerk
Salama Hotel
01.2015 - 12.2019
- Process incoming payments from customers, including checks, credit card payments, and electronic funds transfers, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of posting to accounts receivable ledger.
- Reconcile customer accounts and resolve discrepancies or disputes in a timely manner, working closely with sales teams, customer service representatives, and other internal stakeholders as needed.
- Prepare and send invoices, statements, and reminders to customers regarding outstanding balances, following up on overdue accounts and initiating collection actions as necessary.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of accounts receivable transactions, adjustments, and aging reports, utilizing accounting software or spreadsheets as required.
- Assist with month-end closing activities, including preparation of journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reports related to accounts receivable.
- Monitor aging of receivables and identify potential bad debts or credit risks, escalating issues to management for further review and resolution.
- Respond to inquiries from customers regarding billing issues, payment status, and account balances, providing prompt and courteous customer service at all times.
- Collaborate with internal departments to streamline billing and collection processes, identify opportunities for process improvements, and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Stay informed about changes in accounting standards, regulations, and industry trends related to accounts receivable management, and ensure compliance with relevant requirements.
- Assist with other finance-related tasks and projects as assigned by supervisor or management.
Education
High School Diploma -
Litein Boys High School
Kericho11.2014
Bachelor of Science - Accounting And Business Management
Kenya Highlands University
Kericho05.2013
High School Diploma -
Eldoret Polytechnic
Eldoret07.2009
Skills
- Leadership Skills: Ability to lead and motivate a team of debt recovery agents, providing guidance, support, and direction to achieve collection targets and objectives
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for effectively communicating with clients, customers, team members, and other stakeholders This includes negotiation skills for resolving disputes and arranging repayment plans
- Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills are needed to assess delinquent accounts, identify high-risk cases, and develop effective debt recovery strategies based on data analysis and trends
- Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze complex situations, identify root causes of issues, and develop creative solutions to overcome obstacles in the debt recovery process
- Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial statements, credit reports, and other financial documents to evaluate the creditworthiness of debtors and make informed decisions regarding repayment arrangements and recovery strategies
- Knowledge of Debt Collection Laws and Regulations: Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices governing debt collection practices to ensure compliance and ethical conduct in all debt recovery activities
- Customer Relationship Management: Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with clients, creditors, and customers, while also handling escalated inquiries and complaints professionally and effectively
- Team Collaboration: Capacity to collaborate with other departments, such as legal, compliance, and finance, to coordinate efforts and leverage resources in the debt recovery process
- Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills are essential for managing multiple accounts, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Attention to Detail: Being detail-oriented is crucial for accurately documenting account information, tracking progress, and ensuring compliance with procedural requirements
- Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, handle stressful situations with resilience, and maintain a positive attitude in challenging environments
- Ethical Conduct: Commitment to upholding high ethical standards and integrity in all debt recovery activities, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times
Referees
Mr. Joash Mekenye
Senior Manager Debt Recovery Unit
Rafiki Microfinance Bank
P. O. Box 12755 - 00400
Nairobi
E-Mail: jomae@rafiki.co.ke
Cell No +254 724804890
Ms, Mary Muthoni
Human Resource Manager
Maisha Bora Sacco Ltd
P. O. Box 72713-00200
Nairobi
E-Mail:
Tel No: +254 709446000
Ms, Tabby Karagu
Human Resource Manager
Safaricom Sacco Ltd
P.O. Box 2392– 00606
Nairobi
E-Mail:
Cell No: +254 729720715
Timeline
Assistant Manager Debt Recovery
Rafiki Microfinance Bank
07.2023 - Current
Credit Manager
Maisha Bora Sacco Ltd
01.2021 - 07.2023
Senior Credit Officer
Safaricom Sacco Ltd
01.2019 - 12.2022
Loans Officer
Chai Sacco Ltd
01.2018 - 12.2020
Accounts Receivable Clerk
Salama Hotel
01.2015 - 12.2019
High School Diploma -
Litein Boys High School
Bachelor of Science - Accounting And Business Management
Kenya Highlands University
High School Diploma -
Eldoret Polytechnic