Job Description
At Vantage Bank, we're driven by a deep commitment to supporting our customers, valuing our employees, embracing diversity, fostering meaningful connections, and providing outstanding service every step of the way. JOB SUMMARY The Commercial Lending Associate is responsible for assisting the Commercial Relationship Manager in underwriting and coordinating the closing of complex consumer, residential, equipment, SBA, commercial building and business loans in compliance with the bank’s lending policies and procedures. The Commercial Lending Associate works on credit and collateral exceptions and past dues and promotes business for the bank by maintaining good customer relations and referring customers to appropriate staff for additional products and services. They assist in attaining established Bank, regional and branch goals by supporting the Commercial Relationship Manager through active participation in sales management and officer call programs. ESSENTIAL DUTIES The duties listed below may not include all responsibilities that the person in this role may be asked to perform. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties as assigned. Interviews prospective applicants and requests specified information related to loan or credit application; corresponds with applicants to resolve questions regarding application information. Performs prequalification assessment and analysis of financial condition and risk of financing requests within framework of Bank credit culture and current economic and industry trends. Gathers and analyzes all information necessary to present a financing request to Senior Management or Loan Committee for approval. Meets with existing or potential customers, conducts site visits, negotiates loan terms and conditions, refers and recommends loan acceptance to Chief Credit Officer or Loan Committee. Coordinates processing of approved loans. Ensures loans are processed according to agreement, customer needs and conform to Bank lending policies. Obtains sufficient information and documentation from customers and solves problems related to processing and servicing loans within assigned portfolio. Approves loan disbursements in accordance with agreements. Ensures that credit inquiries and UCC filings are researched to determine credit worthiness and appropriate collateral positioning are achieved. Ensures that certification or deletion of collateral is made by the appropriate personnel. Underwrites and processes renewals of credit facilities. Assists in approving draws from lines of credit, and fund transfers within specified limits. Reinforces the application of superior customer service along with appropriate follow-through with involved customers and employees. Develops and maintains knowledge of financial industry, economy, market conditions, rates, vendors, and competition. Represents Bank in various community, civic, and community reinvestment functions to further enhance the Bank’s image and develop additional business; assists the Bank in establishing and maintaining market position in the financing arena. Cross sells the Bank’s other products and services, referring customers to appropriate staff as indicated. Responds to inquiries or refers to the appropriate department or person and exhibiting the necessary follow-through with customers or staff involved. Consistently applies advanced decision-making techniques, approvals and requests as they apply to existing policies and procedures, remaining within assigned approval limits and using these instances as learning tools for employee development. Processes, solves and answers complex customer transactions, problems or inquiries. Ensures compliance with all Bank policies and procedures, as well as all applicable state and federal banking regulations, which include BSA, CIP, and OFAC requirements. Assists Commercial Lenders manage credit and collateral exceptions and past dues. Other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS These specifications are general guidelines based on the minimum experience normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform the position in a satisfactory manner. Individual abilities and organizational limitations may result in some deviation from these guidelines. Bachelor’s degree in Business, related field, or equivalent experience required. Accounting or Finance degree strongly preferred. 10+ years of related commercial banking experience required. Prior work experience relating to financial analysis preferred. Ability to read, analyze and interpret g