Credit Officer

Job Summary:

This position will be responsible for functions associated with the commercial credit risk management of the bank. This position will be responsible for identifying and understanding developing trends and providing a thorough, independent assessment of a borrower's capacity to withstand the risks posed by these trends through the preparation of written, in-depth analyses of business, management and industry factors. A primary component of this position will involve the exercise of independent judgment and discretion on matters pertaining to the identification and management of the credit risk and quality of the bank's commercial loan portfolio.

Primary Duties:

• Spread and analyze financial statements, both commercial and agricultural, for existing and prospective clients. Provide preliminary recommendation regarding the feasibility of the credit request.
• Prepare independent, written credit evaluation of new, renewal or modification loan proposals as well as annual credit reviews.
• Identify trends and analyze performance in order to develop an assessment of credit risks. (With focus on Agricultural credit underwriting)
• Participate in the maintenance of the accuracy of the bank's loan risk rating system and validate that loan risk ratings accurately reflect the risks inherent in the credit.
• As required, monitor credit quality through the review financial information such as interim financial statements, to provide early warning of possible deterioration.
• Attend joint client calls with commercial/ag lending officers, when appropriate.
• Provide input to lending officers on terms under which a credit request could be structured including costs, repayment methods and collateral requirements.
• Participate in loan committees as needed.
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the Bank's credit policies, procedures, processes and manage to best practices.
• Assist Credit Manager and/or Credit Officer Team Lead(s) with the training and development of staff as requested.
• Participate in the administration of the Bank's loan policy and ensure adherence to loan conditions.
• May also support other credit risk management activities including those related to preparation of executive management and/or board of directors' reports, internal or external audits, and regulatory examinations.
• Provide guidance to loan document representative and commercial loan coordinator in preparation of loan documentation.
• Provide support to the secondary exposure approval process for ACH requests as needed.
• Mentor other Bank team members in the credit administration process.
• Know by name and face as many customers and employees as possible, calling them by name as often as possible.
• Know and practice LOCBUTN, our Golden Rules, and Bell Bank Customer Service Standards.
• Know, understand, and live the company values and bottom line.
• Conduct activities consistent with established Bell Bank policies, procedures and systems, the Bell Bank Employee Conduct policies, the Bank Secrecy Act and all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations.
• All employees are responsible for information security including compliance with policies and standards which protect sensitive information.
• Prompt and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Skills Required:

• B.A. in accounting, finance, business administration, agri-business, or related field.
• Four or more years of credit, lending or examining experience. (Strong preference of Ag lending or underwriting experience)
• Working knowledge of loan documentation.
• Above-average written and communication skills.
• Proficiency with computer technology.
• FINPACK experience preferred
• Ability to deal with multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.