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FLORENCE MWAKAI

@florencemwakai

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Credit management leader with 15+ years driving low PAR, compliant lending, and profitable portfolios.

Kenya

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What I'm looking for

I’m seeking a senior finance or credit management role where I can lead credit operations, strengthen compliance and risk controls (including PAR), and improve reporting and decision-making through accurate, timely portfolio analysis.

I’m a driven credit and finance professional with over 15 years of experience managing credit operations, loan portfolios, and customer relationship management in banking and SACCO environments. I’ve overseen branch credit portfolios exceeding Kshs 200M, leading teams of up to 10 staff while ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing portfolio at risk to 1%.

At Equity Bank Ltd., I managed and grew the regional credit portfolio across two branches, acting as principal deputy to the Branch Head of Credit. I enforced strict compliance with credit policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, achieving 100% audit compliance in credit documentation for three consecutive years. I also streamlined the collateral perfection process by coordinating across the branch, Head Office, and the Legal Department, reducing average time-to-security perfection by 10 days.

From my earlier role as Credit Officer, I drove micro-finance portfolio growth and stability by managing 24 groups totaling over 400 members, supporting savings, loan collections, and reconciliation. I executed the full loan processing cycle—from appraisal and site visits to pre-disbursement checks—while delivering financial literacy training and mentorship to group officials. I consistently maintained a high-quality loan portfolio of over Kshs 15 Million with 1% PAR through diligent appraisals, monitoring, and proactive risk mitigation.

More recently, as an Entrepreneur / Business Owner of Divine Cereals, I founded and managed all operational aspects of the business, personally negotiating with suppliers and implementing inventory management to reduce waste. I led profitability through cost-saving financial controls, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and a strong customer service focus that supported repeat sales. I’m now looking to leverage my credit management and financial expertise into a senior finance or credit management role.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Business Owner

Current

Divine Cereals

Apr 2022 - Present (4 years 1 month)

Founded and managed a retail cereals business, negotiating with suppliers and implementing inventory management to optimise stock levels and minimise waste. Drove profitability through cost-saving financial controls, budgeting, and cash-flow forecasting, achieving steady revenue streams and repeat customer sales.

Inventory Management Negotiate With Suppliers Retail Operations Financial Control Budgeting Cash Flow Forecasting Profitability Management Customer Service

Credit Administrator

Equity Bank Ltd.

Jul 2014 - Mar 2022 (7 years 8 months)

Managed and grew a regional credit portfolio across two branches as principal deputy to the Branch Head of Credit, supporting asset quality targets and minimizing risk exposure. Achieved 100% audit compliance for three consecutive years, reduced collateral perfection time by 10 days, and authored PAR (Portfolio at Risk) analysis and monthly regulatory returns for executive decision-making.

Credit Administration Portfolio Management PAR Analysis Regulatory Reporting Collateral Perfections Risk Assessment Document Management

Credit Officer

Equity Bank Ltd.

Nov 2010 - Jun 2014 (3 years 7 months)

Drove micro-finance portfolio growth by managing 24 groups totalling 400+ members, overseeing savings, loan collections, and reconciliation with high accuracy. Maintained a Kshs 15M+ loan portfolio with 1% Portfolio at Risk (PAR), executed end-to-end loan processing, and delivered financial literacy training and counselling to group officials.

Microfinance Loan Processing Portfolio Management PAR Group Appraisals Risk Mitigation

Youth Leader

Jesus Celebration Centre

Feb 2008 - Aug 2010 (2 years 6 months)

Served as a youth leader, supporting mentorship and delivery of activities for young people. Strengthened team discipline and community engagement through consistent leadership and guidance.

Mentorship Leadership Training Delivery Team Coordination Community Engagement Communication Mentoring

Accountant

Alarms Sacco

Jun 2009 - Jan 2010 (7 months)

Maintained member account controls, including registration, cash books, and reconciliations, ensuring 100% compliance with Ministry of Co-operatives regulations. Led month-end closing, producing verified loan schedules and final accounts with a 3-business-day turnaround, and improved financial reporting accuracy by 18% through daily bank and imprest reconciliations.

Bookkeeping Bank Reconciliation Month End Close Imprest Accounting Financial Reconciliations Regulatory Compliance

Accountant

Undugu Sacco

Nov 2007 - Jun 2009 (1 year 7 months)

Handled day-to-day accounting responsibilities for member operations in a SACCO environment, supporting accurate record-keeping and compliance requirements. Contributed to financial controls and reporting through reconciliations and maintenance of member account records.

Accounting Reconciliations Financial Reporting Compliance Support Record keeping