Trade Finance Analyst

Trade Finance Analyst (PR/593796) Houston, Texas

A global commodities trading firm is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Trade Finance Analyst to join its finance team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to international trade transactions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of global trade practices and work collaboratively across departments to support international business growth.

• Serve as the main point of contact for trade finance matters, including letters of credit, purchase orders, lines of credit, and accounts receivable financing.
• Liaise with banks and counter parties to ensure timely financial security, payment receipt, and cargo delivery.
• Assist the trade or credit team in controlling counter party credit risk through factoring.
• Manage cash flow needs using factoring or other types of debt financing.
• Review contract provisions to ensure alignment with trade finance instrument requirements and company policies.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with banking partners through regular communication and updates, identifying areas for improvement.
• Identify and develop new banking relationships to enhance the organization’s banking portfolio.
• Perform credit analysis of international banks.
• Collaborate with trading, operations, risk, and legal teams.
• Communicate proactively across departments.
• Support trade finance policy and procedural reviews, including recommendations for:
  • Additional systems to support trade finance functions.
  • Enhancements to existing internal processes.
• Develop and implement innovative trade finance solutions to improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with country-specific regulations and legal requirements.
• Prepare ad hoc strategic and financial reports as needed.
• Monitor trade finance-related models within ERP and SAP systems.
• Conduct internal audits and risk control testing for trade finance procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Some experience in trade finance within a commodity trading company or banking sector, preferably in oil, energy, or related industries.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin Chinese is preferred.
• CDCS (Certified Documentary Credit Specialist) certification is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of UCP 600, ISP 98, and URR 525.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or equivalent software.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with global teams across multiple time zones.
• Capability to manage large volumes of information efficiently.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced trading environment, working both independently and collaboratively.