Commercial Lending Officer II

First Financial Corporation Indiana - Chattanooga, TN

Full-time - Mid Level

Chattanooga, TN

Rental and Leasing Services

About the position

The Commercial Lender II is responsible for originating, underwriting, and closing commercial loans without a developed portfolio. This role involves developing and cultivating long-term customer relationships while managing risk by ensuring compliance with lending policies, corporate policies, and government laws and regulations. The position requires accountability for managing existing customer relationships and new business development, with the goal of progressing to a Commercial Lending Officer.

Responsibilities

• Loan origination - provide information to the applicant regarding bank policy, complying with regulations, and obtaining explicit and sufficient verifiable information for a final qualified approval or denial decision.
• Loan underwriting - review applications and appropriate documentation for a loan approval or denial decision including analyzing all pertinent financial data and evaluating the adequacy of any collateral.
• Loan closing - carry out all transactions necessary to comply with all laws and regulations, securing any collateral being pledged.
• Monitor Bank procedures to ensure proper attachment and perfection of collateral as required under Bank policy.
• Represent the organization with customers, the financial community, and the public to maintain an appropriate corporate image.
• Cross-sell additional banking products when appropriate.
• Assist customers in making appropriate buying decisions.
• Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of features and benefits of all accounts.
• Develop and maintain a loan portfolio referral system for qualified customers.
• Develop and expand customer call plans for assigned client base and prospective clients.
• Review business trends and advise clients regarding expected fluctuations and economic changes.
• Conduct sales presentations to existing and potential clients.
• Maintain active and up-to-date customer files for assigned clients and prospective clients.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or Accounting preferred, but not required.
• Minimum 1 to 3 years prior experience in commercial lending, audit, loan review, or finance.
• Proven experience demonstrating the development of customer relationships and the cultivation of referral sources.
• Ability to exceed sales goals including comfort with prospecting and calling on existing customer base.
• Excellent problem solving and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to work in a time sensitive environment, working varied hours in a flexible schedule.