
UMBA
Collections and Debt Recovery Officer – Nairobi, Kenya | Umba Microfinance Bank 2025
Essential Job Details
- Position Title: Collections and Debt Recovery Officer
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Employment Type: Full-Time
- Number of Vacancies: 1
- Salary: Not specified
- Category/Department: Collections
- Reporting To: Management (Specific reporting line not specified)
- Application Deadline: Not specified
- Reference Number: Not specified
Introduction
The finance and accounting jobs in Kenya sector is thriving, offering professionals a chance to make a significant impact, and this Collections and Debt Recovery Officer role in Nairobi is a standout opportunity. This position is designed for a proactive individual with strong negotiation skills and a passion for ethical financial recovery. By managing overdue debts while fostering positive customer relationships, you will contribute to the financial stability of a leading pan-African digital bank. This career opportunity blends strategic debt prevention, compliance with legal standards, and customer engagement, providing a platform to advance your career in Kenya’s dynamic financial services industry.
About Umba
Umba is a trailblazing pan-African digital bank operating in Kenya and Nigeria, committed to delivering accessible and cost-effective financial services. Headquartered in Nairobi, Umba harnesses machine learning and AI to create intelligent, affordable banking solutions tailored for emerging markets. In 2023, Umba acquired a deposit-taking microfinance bank in Kenya, now known as Umba Microfinance Bank, which has achieved an impressive 19% average monthly growth rate and 6x revenue growth in 2024. Umba’s mission is to transform Africa’s financial landscape by offering a comprehensive range of digital banking products through Android, iOS, and web platforms. With a culture of innovation, determination, and customer-centricity, Umba is an exciting workplace for Kenyan professionals eager to contribute to a transformative financial ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
The Collections and Debt Recovery Officer will ensure effective debt recovery while maintaining ethical practices and customer relationships. Key responsibilities include:
- Achieve 100% collection targets for outstanding debts across respective branches to meet organizational objectives.
- Adhere to debt recovery procedures, strictly following company policies and the Debt Recovery Cycle for compliance and efficiency.
- Provide proactive guidance to clients to prevent debt collection situations, identifying improvement areas.
- Manage relationships with collection agencies, investigators, auctioneers, yards, valuers, and other service providers in the recovery process.
- Maintain a Portfolio at Risk (PAR) below the specified percentage to mitigate financial risks for branches.
- Ensure asset liquidation, including repossessed vehicles, follows established procedures.
- Generate daily collection progress reports, highlighting concerns and updating management on portfolio status.
- Monitor car track systems in vehicles daily, reporting offline trackers and providing coordinates for repossession.
- Track debt collection reports for officers, maintaining accurate records aligned with company goals.
- Implement internal control systems to minimize risks associated with products and documentation.
- Identify potential risks or loopholes in processes and recommend mitigation strategies to protect the company.
- Engage in active listening to understand debtors’ reasons for non-payment, facilitating tailored repayment solutions.
- Negotiate payment plans or debt repayments with debtors to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Oversee repossessed vehicle management and disposition to ensure efficient recovery.
- Promote and market cars ready for sale post-auction to recover company funds.
- Collaborate with auctioneers and private investigators to execute recovery instructions promptly.
- Maintain accurate debt status records, including car tracking, statements, and CRB data submissions.
- Uphold data security and confidentiality for company and customer information.
- Perform ad hoc duties as directed by management to support the collections department.
These responsibilities demand strong communication, organizational, and negotiation skills, coupled with a commitment to ethical debt recovery.
Qualifications and Skills
To succeed in this finance and accounting jobs in Kenya role, candidates must demonstrate the following qualifications and skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred but not explicitly required).
- Minimum 2-3 years of experience in collections, debt recovery, or a related financial role (inferred from “Experienced” requirement).
- Strong communication skills to interact professionally with customers and third parties.
- Persuasive and assertive negotiation abilities without being aggressive.
- Comfortable with extensive travel for site visits to support debt recovery efforts.
- Ability to navigate different locations efficiently for field-based tasks.
- Licensed to ride a motorbike is an advantage for field operations.
- Ability to handle difficult conversations and remain composed under pressure.
- Trustworthy and ethical, with a commitment to representing the company positively.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) for reporting and record-keeping.
- Familiarity with car tracking systems or similar asset management technologies.
- Knowledge of debt recovery regulations and compliance standards in Kenya.
- Strong organizational skills to manage documentation and track debt statuses.
- Detail-oriented with a focus on maintaining data security and confidentiality.
Preferred qualifications include experience in microfinance or digital banking and familiarity with Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) processes. Candidates with ethical judgment and proactive problem-solving skills will excel in this role.
Company Culture and Values
Umba fosters a vibrant, innovative, and purpose-driven work environment focused on transforming Africa’s financial landscape. The organization values determination, collaboration, and customer-centricity, empowering employees to exceed expectations and drive change. Umba’s use of AI and machine learning creates a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Umba offers a supportive setting where employees are encouraged to take initiative and contribute to rapid growth. The Nairobi team thrives in a fast-paced environment, working together to build Africa’s best digital bank.
How to Apply
Apply now for the Collections and Debt Recovery Officer position. To submit your application, please upload the following documents via the Umba careers portal at: Apply for Collections and Debt Recovery Officer:
- Updated CV detailing your experience in collections or debt recovery.
- Cover letter explaining your interest in the role, negotiation skills, and alignment with Umba’s mission.
- Copies of relevant certificates or qualifications (if applicable).
- Valid motorbike license (if applicable).
Ensure all documents are submitted through the provided link. Umba is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you encounter any requests for payment, please report them to Umba’s HR Department via the careers portal contact. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
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finance and accounting jobs in Kenya, collections officer Nairobi, debt recovery jobs Kenya, Umba Microfinance Bank careers, digital banking jobs
Why This Role Matters
The finance and accounting jobs in Kenya sector plays a vital role in promoting financial inclusion, and this Collections and Debt Recovery Officer position at Umba is at the heart of that mission. By effectively managing overdue debts and fostering positive customer relationships, you will ensure the financial stability of a rapidly growing digital bank. Your efforts will directly support Umba’s goal of delivering accessible banking solutions across Africa, impacting customers’ financial well-being.
Career Growth in Collections
This role offers substantial opportunities for professional growth within finance and accounting jobs in Kenya. You will develop expertise in debt recovery, negotiation, and risk management, leveraging technologies like car tracking systems and AI-driven financial models. Umba’s innovative environment provides access to training and resources, preparing you for leadership roles in Kenya’s financial sector.
Nairobi as a Financial Hub
Nairobi, Kenya’s dynamic capital, is a leading center for finance and accounting jobs in Kenya, offering a vibrant environment for professionals. As the base for this role, Nairobi provides access to a robust financial ecosystem, modern infrastructure, and opportunities to collaborate with top digital banks. The city’s status as a regional innovation hub makes it an ideal location for ambitious professionals.
Supporting Umba’s Mission
Umba’s mission to revolutionize Africa’s financial landscape through AI and automation is central to this role. By achieving collection targets and preventing debt, you will contribute to the bank’s financial sustainability and customer-focused approach. Your work will support Umba’s impressive growth, including its 19% monthly growth rate and 6x revenue increase in 2024.
Ethical Debt Recovery Practices
This role emphasizes ethical debt recovery, balancing assertiveness with empathy. Through active listening and negotiation, you will create repayment solutions that benefit both Umba and its customers. Your commitment to confidentiality and compliance will reinforce Umba’s reputation as a trusted financial institution.
Managing Vendor Relationships
You will manage relationships with third parties, such as auctioneers, investigators, and valuers, ensuring timely recovery processes. By coordinating with service providers and maintaining accurate records, you will streamline operations and enhance efficiency, a critical aspect of finance and accounting jobs in Kenya.
Risk Management and Compliance
Maintaining a low Portfolio at Risk (PAR) and adhering to debt recovery procedures are key to this role. You will implement internal controls, identify risks, and propose mitigation strategies to safeguard Umba’s financial interests. Your understanding of Kenyan regulations and CRB processes will ensure compliance throughout.
Field Operations and Travel
This position involves extensive travel for site visits, requiring adaptability and navigation skills. A motorbike license is advantageous for field tasks, such as monitoring car trackers and coordinating repossessions. Your ability to operate effectively across diverse locations will be essential for success in this role.
Leveraging Technology
Umba’s use of AI and automation extends to its collections processes. You will utilize car tracking systems and other technologies to manage assets and repossessions. Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel for reporting and tracking will enhance your performance in this finance and accounting jobs in Kenya role.
Customer-Centric Approach
Maintaining positive customer relationships is a cornerstone of this position. By offering proactive debt prevention advice and engaging in active listening, you will help clients avoid financial distress. Your clear and professional communication will strengthen Umba’s customer-centric reputation.
Preparing for Success
To excel in this finance and accounting jobs in Kenya role, focus on sharpening your negotiation skills, risk management expertise, and attention to detail. Familiarity with car tracking systems, CRB processes, and financial regulations will give you a competitive edge. A proactive, ethical mindset and comfort with field travel are key to thriving in this dynamic environment.
Impact of Your Work
As a Collections and Debt Recovery Officer, your work will directly contribute to Umba’s financial stability and growth. By achieving collection targets, managing repossessions, and promoting asset sales, you will support the bank’s mission to provide affordable financial services. This role offers a chance to make a lasting impact on Kenya’s financial landscape.
Joining a Pan-African Vision
By joining Umba, you will become part of a pan-African movement to transform banking through innovation. This role provides opportunities to collaborate with a diverse team across Kenya and Nigeria, gaining insights into digital banking and financial inclusion. Your work in Nairobi will connect you to a broader mission of empowering African communities.
Application Process Details
To ensure a successful application, carefully prepare your documents. Your CV should highlight your experience in collections, negotiation, or financial roles, while your cover letter should articulate your passion for Umba’s mission and your ability to handle challenging conversations. Submit all documents via the Umba careers portal to be considered for this exciting finance and accounting jobs in Kenya opportunity.
Why Choose a Career with Umba?
Umba is a leader in digital banking, offering a platform for professionals to drive financial inclusion across Africa. As a Collections and Debt Recovery Officer, you will work with a passionate, innovative team committed to exceeding customer expectations. Umba’s focus on growth, diversity, and technology makes it an ideal workplace for ambitious Kenyan professionals seeking finance and accounting jobs in Kenya.
Final Notes
This finance and accounting jobs in Kenya opportunity with Umba is a chance to align your career with a transformative mission. By driving ethical debt recovery and supporting financial inclusion, you will play a critical role in Umba’s success. Prepare your application carefully, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in digital banking.
Disclaimer: The Kenyan Job Finder is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring company directly. Please do not send your applications to us, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
To apply for this job please visit umba.applytojob.com.
By The Kenyan Job Finder Team
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