Smart Money Cymru Community Bank is a progressive and growing financial cooperative providing affordable, ethical finance and banking services to communities in Wales. Smart Money is based in Caerphilly with additional offices in Blackwood, Llandod, Newport and Tredegar.
We are looking to recruit a full time Loan Assessor.
You will be joining a dynamic, professional and supportive team.
Salaries are reviewed every year in Spring and Autumn to take account of cost of living and performance. You can expect your annual full-time equivalent salary to start at £23,492.
The role is office based at our Caerphilly branch and/or Blackwood, Newport, Tredegar.
Main Roles & Responsibilities
* Assess personal loan applications for creditworthiness and affordability.
* Verify applicant information including income, expenditure, employment, credit history, and collateral.
* Apply internal lending criteria and regulatory guidelines to determine loan eligibility.
* Communicate decisions clearly and empathetically to members, offering alternative solutions where appropriate.
* Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with audit and compliance standards.
* Contribute to continuous improvement of loan processes and member experience.
* Meet loan assessment targets in line with company objectives
* Provide cover in the Customer Adviser Team to ensure all daily tasks are met
* Any other duties that could be reasonably expected in this post and in the best interests of Smart Money Cymru.
Desirable Skills, Experience and Personal Specification
* Proven experience in loan assessment, underwriting, or financial services.
* Strong understanding of credit scoring, affordability checks, and lending regulations (e.g., FCA, PRA).
* Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
* High attention to detail and accuracy.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Familiarity with loan management systems and financial software.
* Good literacy and numeracy skills
* Computer literate (use of Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel)
* Appreciation of and commitment to the overall aims and purpose of the credit union movement
* Able to work in a busy office environment
* Committed to the values of Smart Money Cymru
* Able to work under pressure, to tight deadlines and with minimal supervision
* Good interpersonal skills
* Good organisational skills, ability to prioritise and work on own initiative
* Able to work as part of the team
* Flexible, yet focused
* To be totally confidential
* To be committed to working in a team of paid and volunteer staff
* Willing to participate in training
Values & Culture
We are a member-first organisation committed to ethical lending, financial inclusion, and community impact. The Loan Assessor must embody these values and contribute to a culture of trust, transparency, and service excellence.
Benefits include
* Low interest personal loan scheme
* Healthcare package
* Pension scheme
CLOSING DATE IS 9am on Tuesday 2nd September 2025.
Applicants will then be selected for a face to face interview to be held at our Caerphilly branch with a date TBC.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £23,492.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company events
* Company pension
* Health & wellbeing programme
Application question(s):
* Do you have experience in loan assessment?
* Will you able to commute between our four branches as required, based in Blackwood, Caerphilly, Newport + Tredegar? Ideally this will be by your own private transport.
Education:
* GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 02/09/2025
Reference ID: SMART/TLCA