Junior Risk Analyst (Security & Covenants)
Are you a detail-oriented finance professional with a passion for risk management? We are looking for a Junior Risk Analyst to support our Security Risk Management team. In this role, you will be responsible for monitoring borrower compliance, tracking financial covenants, and ensuring that our loan agreements are managed with precision.
You will play a vital role in the transaction lifecycle, acting as a gatekeeper for data accuracy and a support system for our senior risk managers and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
Covenant Tracking: Support the monitoring of borrower performance against key ratios like DSCR, leverage, and liquidity.
Financial Review: Assist in reviewing borrower financial statements to ensure they meet the conditions set out in their credit facilities.
Reporting & Data: Maintain monitoring tools and trackers, ensuring all transaction milestones are recorded accurately.
Stakeholder Support: Collaborate with Credit, Legal, and Risk teams to facilitate compliance checks and internal approvals.
Risk Escalation: Identify early warning signs in financial data and flag them for senior review.
Requirements & Experience
We are looking for a candidate who combines a strong academic background with a “can-do” attitude and a high level of technical accuracy.
Educational Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree: Finance, Economics, Commerce, Banking, or Technology.
Mandatory: FETC in Business, Commerce, and Management Studies.
Bonus: A Postgraduate degree or progress toward an MBA/CFA is a plus.
Experience & Skills:
Experience: Ideally 1–3 years in a banking environment, preferably within Trade Operations or Risk.
Regulatory Knowledge: Basic understanding of Basel III/IV and South African Exchange Control Regulations.
Tech Savvy: Advanced Excel skills are non-negotiable (you should be comfortable with complex formulas and data analysis).
Attention to Detail: You must be the kind of person who spots a 1% discrepancy in a financial statement.
Career Advice for Aspiring Risk Analysts
The transition into Corporate Risk is a significant career move. Here is how to position yourself:
Master the Ratios: Be ready to explain exactly how to calculate a Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) and, more importantly, what it tells you about a company’s health.
Focus on Compliance: In your application, emphasize your experience with “Governance” or “Control” environments. Banking is highly regulated; we need to know you respect the rules.
Show Your Analytical Process: During an interview, don’t just give the answer—walk us through how you analyzed the data to get there.
Be Process-Driven: Show that you can manage multiple “trackers” and “checklists” without letting anything slip through the cracks.
Position Details
Entity: Absa Bank Limited
Level: Junior / Entry-Mid Level
Core Focus: Security Risk & Collateral Management
Possible interview questions
“Why do you want to work for Absa specifically, rather than another ‘Big Four’ bank?”
“How do our values (Trust, Resourceful, Stewardship, Inclusion, Courage) resonate with your professional journey?”
“What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the South African banking sector in the next 3 years?”
“How do you keep up to date with current financial trends and market news in South Africa?”