Senior Business Finance Officer

The Senior Business Finance Officer plans, coordinates and administers business finance and real estate lending products that support equitable economic growth and opportunity for Portlanders. This position also works directly with economic and real estate development department staff to assist businesses with access to internal and external financial and technical resources.

Essential Functions and Major Responsibilities
a) Lending and Investment Execution: Analyzes loan requests for appropriate program eligibility, determines financial capability, and recommends financing packages. This includes a complete credit and financial analysis of proposed projects, relative to the guidelines established by the Agency, including but not limited to analyzing balance sheets, profit and loss statements, cash flow projections and business plans.

b) Application Management: Provides professional assistance, technical information, and guidance throughout all phases of the loan and investment application process. Identifies appropriate financial resources. Collects required information to ensure the timely documentation, administration, and approval of financing applications. Works in coordination with the Legal Department to complete applicable legal documentation. Coordinates closing and funding. Verifies compliance with the program requirements and maintain records in accordance with established audit procedures.

c) Portfolio Management: Proactively works with the Asset and Investment Manager on portfolio management. Analyzes and responds to client requests for modifications. Recommends technical assistance with partnering organizations. Works with Loan Servicing and Legal staff on delinquent and workout loans including legal action.

d) Project Coordination: Manages contracts for real estate development loan transactions during disbursement. Creates internal and external loan-related documents and status reports; maintains loan project schedule and budget, and tracks disbursements during construction and checklist for final disbursement.

e) Business Assistance/Customer Relations: Works collaboratively with external stakeholders, clients and with internal Prosper Portland teams to develop relationships and a pipeline of eligible Prosper Portland business finance prospects. Provides excellent customer service and subject matter expertise to business owners, partners, and community groups in business planning, project feasibility, sustained growth, and access to capital.

Additional Responsibilities and Functions

• Attends meetings and participates in other cross-functional team activities.

• Assists with budgeting and funding requests; tracks project billings and expenditures; prepares schedules and status reports.

• Collaborates with Lending Team to improve program guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Participates as a key member of a business start-up, expansion, or recruitment project, offering business finance expertise and guidance on deal structuring and terms.
• Performs all other relevant duties as assigned.

Job Scope

• Position operates under minimal supervision.
• Position receives management-level approval of major decisions yet determines own day-to-day practices and priorities.
• Position is responsible for underwriting highly complex business finance transactions that can have a significant financial, political, and operational impact to the agency.

Interpersonal Contacts
Contacts are made both inside and outside Prosper Portland and are made by phone, email and in person. External contacts include working closely with business owners, partners at financial institutions, members of the development community, planning commissioners, business associations, property owners, legal counsel, representatives of other governmental agencies, non-profit agencies, potential purchasers of Prosper Portland property, contractors and the general public. Internal contacts are made
within Prosper Portland, including Executive team, Financial Investment Committee (loan review committee), and staff in other departments, as well as City departments or bureaus and Commissioners. Interactions require promoting understanding and achieving consensus in a variety of forums, from small working groups to large, multi-interest committees. Cooperation and persuasive skills are necessary. Contacts are made on own initiative and can include sensitive or confidential information.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Position has no direct supervision responsibility; however, position may oversee the work of consultants, contractors, sub-consultants, and temporary contract help and/or other temporary/students/ staff.

Leadership Responsibilities
Position is expected to function in a leadership role by clearly demonstrating and acting in accordance with Prosper Portland's values, and serving as a role model for others.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Knowledge and Skills

• Thorough knowledge of and experience in small business, commercial, and real estate lending, including an understanding of terminology, policies, and best practices.
• Advanced knowledge of and ability to underwrite, close, and modify loans for both traditional and alternative forms of lending.
• In-depth understanding of business and real estate development finance.
• Strong financial analysis skills with the ability to use analytical tools in credit analysis, risk management and compliance.
• Excellent analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with flexibility to adapt to changing assignments and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills that demonstrate cultural curiosity and an ability to work with others across differences.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including the use of persuasion, negotiation, public speaking, and business writing capabilities; bilingual a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Demonstrated curiosity and dedication to advancing racial equity with the ability to embed Prosper Portland's equity goals into programs and business practices.
• Ability to practice sound judgment, discretion, sensitivity, and maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other computer applications such as loan servicing, financial calculators, customer relationship management and records management.

Minimum Education/Training
Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, economic development, public administration or related field or an equivalent combination of training and work experience.

Minimum Experience
Five years of experience in business and commercial loan underwriting, or five years of business and commercial loan underwriting and three years in one or more of the following areas: financial or credit analysis, economic development, community development, real estate development, or equivalent experience. A Master's degree in a related field will substitute for one year of experience.

Physical Requirements
Position requires ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time along with the ability to frequently move throughout the office. Position often uses a computer and other standard office equipment. Position must communicate and interact frequently with internal and external stakeholders
regarding complex issues.

Working Conditions
Normal working hours Monday through Friday (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) in an office environment; however, additional hours may be needed to meet deadlines. Attendance and participation at evening and weekend meetings may be necessary.