At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct credit assessments and analyse financial data for SME lending applications.
- Company: Join a dynamic, early-stage SME lending business with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a founding team and enjoy excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of lending by influencing credit policies from day one.
- Qualifications: Strong financial analysis skills and sound commercial judgement required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid - 3-4 days in office)
Employment Type: Full-Time or Contract to Perm
Permanent Salary: 100k+ or £500pd inside IR35
About the Business:
Our client is a well-funded, early-stage SME lending business with ambitious plans to build a high-quality UK loan book from the ground up. Backed by experienced entrepreneurs with a strong track record of building and scaling successful businesses, the firm is focused on providing fast, flexible, and responsible funding solutions to underserved small and medium-sized enterprises. With an initial loan book of approximately £2m and clear plans to scale significantly over the coming years, this is a unique opportunity to join at founding stage and play a key role in shaping the credit function, underwriting standards, and risk framework of a growing lending platform.
The Opportunity:
The SME Credit Analyst will take ownership of end-to-end credit assessment for SME lending applications. This is a hands-on underwriting role requiring strong financial analysis skills, sound commercial judgement, and the ability to make well-reasoned lending recommendations. You will work closely with the founding team to evaluate borrower risk, structure lending facilities, and help define credit policies and processes as the business scales. This is a rare opportunity to have direct influence on how a lending business is built and operated from day one.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct full credit assessments of SME loan applications.
- Analyse financial statements, management accounts, and cash flow information.
- Assess affordability, repayment capacity, and overall business viability.
- Evaluate sector risks, market conditions, and borrower-specific factors.
- Assign credit risk ratings and recommend appropriate lending structures.
- Spread and normalise financial accounts, identifying key trends and risks.
- Build and interpret cash flow models, including stress testing scenarios.
- Analyse working capital cycles, liquidity positions, and seasonal fluctuations.
Credit Analyst in London employer: Harvey Nash
Join a dynamic and innovative SME lending business in London, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the credit function from the ground up. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this role offers competitive compensation and the chance to make a meaningful impact in providing flexible funding solutions to underserved businesses. Embrace a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while being part of a passionate team dedicated to building a high-quality loan book.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Credit Analyst in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Harvey Nash. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Credit Analyst in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Harvey Nash.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Harvey Nash's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harvey Nash
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Harvey Nash.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Harvey Nash will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Harvey Nash employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
