Trade Finance Officer

Role Overview

This role is responsible for the accurate and efficient processing of Trade Finance, Treasury Back Office, and SWIFT/RTGS transactions on behalf of the Bank's customers. Day to day, you will review transaction instructions, reconcile suspense and CIT accounts across multiple currencies, settle Forex and investment deals, and ensure regulatory returns are submitted on time. Your work directly supports the Bank's compliance obligations and enables business centres and clients to rely on smooth, error-free payments and trade products.

Key Responsibilities

• Reconcile suspense and CIT accounts in EURO, USD, and KES daily; investigate and correct mispostings in iMAL, query branches on outstanding entries, and ensure each account is balanced, verified, and authorised by approved signatories.
• Maintain deal tickets in the Islamic treasury module and prepare payment, receiving, and settlement instructions for Forex and investment placements.
• Process incoming SWIFT and RTGS payments by confirming test keys from correspondent banks, verifying cover in Nostro or CBK accounts, applying daily Treasury rates, and posting credits to customer accounts in iMAL.
• Handle outgoing SWIFT and RTGS payments: review branch-scanned instructions for correct signatories and available cover, input messages into the SWIFT system, record all transactions in the registers, and issue confirmations to branches.
• Prepare letters of guarantee as submitted by branches, confirm all documentation is in place before release, and advise branches on current trade finance tariffs and documentary requirements.
• Book and collect charges for trade finance products in iMAL, input letters of credit into SWIFT for onward transmission, and keep customers informed of amendments, queries, and required documentation.
• Compile and deliver CBK daily and monthly Foreign Exchange returns, the weekly TFA report, and any other periodic reports requested by Management.
• Carry out additional duties assigned by Management from time to time to support the overall efficiency of the operations team.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A degree in Finance, Business, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of banking operations experience, with direct exposure to trade finance, payments, or back-office processing.
• Hands-on familiarity with SWIFT, RTGS, and EFT processing workflows.
• Working knowledge of KYC and AML principles as applied in banking operations.
• Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail, especially when handling high-volume transactions and regulatory deadlines.
• Excellent problem-analysis and reporting skills, plus strong interpersonal and listening abilities.
• Sound understanding of Money Markets, foreign exchange, and treasury management systems; experience with iMAL is an added advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, internet, and email; must be honest, dependable, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

What We Offer / Why Join

This is a chance to deepen your expertise in Trade Finance, Treasury settlement, and cross-border payments within a commercial banking environment. You will work in a fast-paced setting that values precision, integrity, and regulatory discipline. A remuneration package commensurate with the role and your experience will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate.