Job Summary 

The Credit Review Officer is an integral role in identifying, measuring, monitoring, and controlling credit risk. The Appraisal & Credit Review Department ensures that the Bank’s credit risk management practices are consistent with the most current Interagency Guidance on Credit Risk Review Systems. The role supports the Credit Review Senior Manager (CRSM) in the completion of the annual credit (loan) review plan by conducting independent credit reviews conforming to the Credit Review Charter and Policy. The candidate will demonstrate an expertise in credit analysis, financial analysis, collateral analysis, loan structure, economic impact on credit risk, appropriate risk grading determination, and effective credit risk mitigants to opine on asset and portfolio credit quality. 

Essential Duties 

• Independently assess the overall quality of the Bank’s loan portfolios and key risk characteristics through analysis of the adequacy of underwriting decisions, and ongoing portfolio management.  
• Assess risk ratings for loans selected for review to ensure assigned credits maintain their high quality while considering key metrics such as borrowers' operational and financial strengths/weaknesses, cash flow, leverage, liquidity and net worth, and other characteristics.

• Perform and document walkthroughs of key processes, risks, and controls for credit related examinations.
• Compile and analyze issues identified in the loan reviews supported by complete, clear, and concise work paper documentation. 
• Execute continuous monitoring as assigned.

• Supports the CRSM in providing assurance to the Board Audit Committee, executive management, external auditors, and regulators that risk rated assets and loan portfolios of the Bank are managed, evaluated, and risk-graded in a manner that is consistent with corporate policies and regulatory standards.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of both Commercial & Industrial (“C&I”) and Commercial Real Estate (“CRE”) segments across different business sectors and property types. 
• Familiarity with residential, SBA, and other specialty lending. 
• Develop a deep proficiency in using the Bank’s credit review tool.
• Effectively utilize down time, identify issues requiring research, and conduct that research using appropriate resources.
• Assist with updating the Credit Review Charter, policy, procedures, and other related documents on an annual basis.

• Complete all assignments within established timetables to enable the issuance of all assigned reports and other deliverables by the applicable deadlines.

• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with management, learning and understanding the business to better provide value-added services, help management achieve objectives, and enhance customer satisfaction.

• As directed by the CRSM, assist external reviewers and regulators in the execution of their audits/ examinations
• Maintain appropriate knowledge of the Bank’s commercial lending products and credit administration policies, procedures, and practices.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.  
• Maintain a professional development plan to continually develop credit skills.

Complies with all State and Federal Banking regulatory requirements, including but not limited to: BSA, Anti-Money Laundering OFAC, CIP, Financial Elder Abuse Reporting, Sexual Harassment, Information Security, and privacy requirements.  This position will elevate suspicious activity to supervisory staff and/or BSA department.  Completes compliance and other technical training workshops as assigned.

Basic Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Sound judgment, integrity, and commitment to ethical behavior
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and treat sensitive information with discretion
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and communication skills 
• Ability to present findings and conclusions to stakeholders across the Bank. 
• Proficient with MS Office products
• Strong analytical skills and cash flow analysis experience
• CashSuite proficiency
• Ability to work independently.
• Detail oriented, accurate, and organized
• Strong time management skills.

Officer Title Eligibility

For qualified positions, the Bank may designate an Officer Title to an employee who seeks and/or meets defined competencies for an eligible position. This position qualifies for the officer title(s) Assistant Vice President, Vice President.

Equipment Operated 

• Desktop Computers 
• Standard Office Equipment (copiers, fax machines) 

Physical Requirements & Work Environment 

• Requires sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Requires lifting up to 10 pounds.
• Office setting w/controlled temperature 
• Travel to branches or other Bank offices is occasionally required.

Education and Experience 

• BS or BA Degree required, preferred majors in Accounting, Business Administration, or Economics or equivalent work experience required.
• Five or more years of credit analyst, loan officer, loan review, loan workout or related experience required.
• Banking/financial services experience required.
• Current knowledge of industry lending practices required.
• Loan review certification or other related certification encouraged.
• Data analysis a plus

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees will be required to perform additional related work duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and/or management.

Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

November 4, 2024