Credit Counsellor for Small Business

We are seeking an individual with experience in business finance or insolvency to support small businesses experiencing significant financial strain.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in SME finance, banking, or accounting, with the ability to identify a business’s financial challenges, develop debt restructuring proposals, and provide financial turnaround strategies where the business is viable.

Key Functions

Financial Assessment & Review
a) Conduct financial assessments of small businesses across diverse industries.
b) Analyse financial statements, including profit and loss accounts, management accounts, balance sheets, and bank statements.
c) Identify financial weaknesses (e.g., cost structure issues, revenue deterioration, poor working capital management, leverage issues, cash flow gaps, and liquidity shortfalls).
d) Evaluate the company’s viability based on quantitative financial and qualitative parameters and metrics.
e) Identify immediate risk areas, including insolvency concerns, covenant breaches, or impending defaults.

Debt Restructuring / Advisory
a) Develop balanced and practical debt restructuring proposals (e.g., repayment tenor extensions, interest adjustments) aligned with the business’s capacity and lenders’ expectations.
b) Identify realistic and actionable turnaround pathways focused on revenue growth, cost rationalization, cash flow management, and debt reduction.
c) Assess unviable businesses objectively and guide owners toward responsible decision-making options.

Professional Experience

Minimum 5–10 years’ experience in:
● SME/commercial banking (credit, risk, remedial management, special assets handling).
● Accounting or corporate audit, preferably with exposure to distressed entities or direct experience in business restructuring /insolvency.
● Knowledge of banking practices, credit processes, and insolvency matters is highly desirable.

Technical Skills
● Strong Microsoft Excel skills for financial analysis and modelling.
● Proficient in Microsoft Word for proposal writing.
● Strong financial analytical skills, particularly in reviewing financial and bank statements.
● Knowledge of loan documentation and covenant structures is highly desirable.

Soft Skills
● Professional objectivity while exercising empathy.
● Analytical, structured, and solution-oriented thinking.
● Strong communication and negotiation abilities.
● Ability to work independently with distressed business owners, often under financial and mental pressure.
● High integrity and professionalism, especially in handling confidential and sensitive information.

Education / Accreditations

● Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Accountancy, Finance, Banking, or Business Administration; CPA or ACCA preferred.
● Training or certification in insolvency, restructuring, or turnaround management is a plus.