The Senior Credit Officer role is pivotal in overseeing Tenwek Hospital’s credit control operations, ensuring timely billing, efficient collection, and accurate reconciliation of accounts from all clients, including the Social Health Authority (SHA), Corporate Insurers, and Private Entities. Reporting directly to the Finance Manager, this position involves providing leadership to the Credit Team, enforcing credit policies, mitigating financial risk, and ensuring sustainable cash flow in alignment with the hospital’s financial objectives and Christian stewardship principles.
Key Responsibilities
Credit Control and Receivables Management
- Supervise end-to-end credit management processes including billing, invoicing, posting, collections, and reconciliations.
- Monitor account performance and ensure timely collection of outstanding balances.
- Liaise with the Social Health Authority (SHA) and Corporate Insurance Providers to resolve claim discrepancies, denials, and delayed payments.
- Oversee preparation and submission of accurate monthly debtors’ aging analysis and performance reports.
- Ensure all credit transactions comply with hospital policies and statutory requirements.
- Recommend and implement strategies to minimize bad debts and optimize working capital.
Leadership and Supervision
- Lead, mentor, and appraise a team of Credit Officers and Credit Clerks, ensuring high performance, teamwork, and accountability.
- Allocate tasks and set performance targets aligned to departmental goals.
- Conduct regular training and coaching to enhance team competency in credit management systems and customer service.
Relationship and Stakeholder Management
- Maintain effective communication with internal departments (Billing, Claims, Finance, and Clinical Units) for smooth claim processing.
- Build strong relationships with insurance companies, government agencies, and corporate clients to foster prompt settlements.
- Participate in periodic SHA and insurer meetings to address operational bottlenecks and policy changes affecting claims processing.
Policy, Compliance, and Reporting
- Enforce adherence to the hospital’s Credit Policy and recommend improvements based on operational realities.
- Prepare periodic reports on collection trends, key account performance, and credit risk analysis.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations, audit requirements, and internal control procedures.
- Support internal and external audits by providing requested credit documentation and reconciliations.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the Finance Manager or hospital management.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, or Credit Management Certification) is an added advantage.
- Minimum of 8 years’ progressive experience in hospital or insurance credit management, with at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity.
- Demonstrated expertise in handling SHA, NHIF, and corporate insurance billing and reconciliation.
- Strong understanding of healthcare finance systems, ERP billing modules, and credit control principles.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- High integrity and professional ethics in handling sensitive financial data.
- Proficient in MS Excel and accounting systems (e.g., Navision, SAP, or similar).
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Commitment to the hospital’s Christian values and mission of compassionate service.
