Loan Booking Officer

SBM Bank Kenya is seeking a detail-oriented and results-driven Loan Booking Officer to join its Workplace Banking Unit. In this role, you will be at the heart of the bank's check-off lending operations — responsible for sourcing, processing, and booking salaried loans primarily targeting government and institutional employees. You will play a critical role in growing and safeguarding the check-off loan portfolio while ensuring full compliance with internal credit policies, Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) regulations, and data protection requirements.

This is an excellent opportunity for a credit professional with hands-on experience in salary-based or payroll lending who is eager to make a measurable impact on portfolio growth, customer experience, and risk management within a dynamic banking environment.

• Accurately capture and book disbursed check-off loans into employer payroll systems in a timely manner.
• Submit deduction schedules to assigned employers ahead of payroll cut-off dates and confirm all payments are effected.
• Receive, review, and validate loan applications for completeness, accuracy, and policy compliance before processing.
• Set up check-off deduction instructions correctly with respective employers and facilitate timely loan disbursements.
• Take prompt remedial action on under-deducted or unbooked loans upon receipt of check-off payments.
• Undertake loan restructuring where necessary, ensuring repayment capacity is adequately assessed and documented.
• Monitor assigned portfolios to keep Portfolio at Risk (PAR) and roll rates within approved bank thresholds.
• Identify and follow up on dropped loans, underpayments, and skipped deductions resulting from staff exits — including resignations, retirements, and dismissals.
• Track payroll deductions and proactively follow up on delayed or missed employer remittances.
• Engage employers and borrowers to resolve repayment disputes and support collection and recovery efforts.
• Handle customer complaints, loan stoppages, and processing queries with professionalism and efficiency.
• Provide timely feedback to branch teams on Employer Letter of Undertaking (LoU) confirmations.
• Ensure all loan files comply with KYC, AML, and credit policy requirements, with proper physical and digital filing maintained.
• Escalate any identified irregularities, compliance concerns, or fraud risks promptly.
• Prepare and submit regular management reports on portfolio performance, sourced loans, and key operational issues.

• Must hold a Bachelor's degree in Banking, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a closely related discipline.
• Must demonstrate at least 2–3 years of practical banking experience, with direct exposure to check-off lending, salary lending, payroll-based credit, or a related credit function in a commercial bank or microfinance institution.
• Must be able to accurately process and book loans into employer payroll systems with minimal errors and within strict deadlines.
• Must be capable of independently monitoring a loan portfolio, identifying early warning signs, and taking corrective action to manage PAR and roll rates.
• Must demonstrate working knowledge of Kenyan banking regulations, CBK guidelines, KYC/AML requirements, and Data Protection obligations.
• Must be able to liaise effectively with government ministries, institutional employers, and HR/payroll departments to resolve deduction issues.
• Must be proficient in banking core systems and MS Office applications, particularly Excel for portfolio tracking and reporting.
• Must possess strong analytical skills to assess repayment capacity during loan restructuring and handle escalations professionally.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for handling customer queries and building employer relationships.

The salary for this position is competitive and aligned with industry standards for mid-level banking professionals in Kenya. Based on market benchmarks, the estimated monthly gross salary ranges from KES 80,000 to KES 130,000, depending on experience and qualifications. SBM Bank offers a comprehensive employee benefits package reflective of a leading regional banking institution.

• Competitive salary within the banking sector pay scale
• Medical insurance coverage
• Performance-based bonus
• Professional development and training opportunities

Ideal candidates are proactive banking professionals with a proven track record in check-off or payroll lending who thrive in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment. You are highly organised, deadline-conscious, and comfortable managing multiple employer relationships while keeping portfolio risk firmly in check. You understand the nuances of government and institutional payroll cycles and can navigate employer HR and finance offices with confidence.

Do not apply if you have no prior banking or credit experience, if you have not worked directly with payroll-based or salary lending products, or if you are uncomfortable with strict compliance, documentation standards, and regulatory reporting requirements. This role is not entry-level and requires demonstrated autonomy in credit operations.

• Prepare an updated CV clearly highlighting your experience in check-off lending, payroll loans, or related credit functions.
• Write a concise cover letter addressed to SBM Bank Kenya's Human Resources team, explaining your suitability for this role and your experience managing loan portfolios.
• Submit your application through SBM Bank's official careers portal or the job platform where this vacancy was advertised.
• Ensure all documents are submitted before the advertised closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.