First VP, Commercial and Industrial Credit Underwriting

SCHEDULE: Full-time; Monday through Friday

LOCATION: 131 E Main St, Hills, IA 52235

BENEFITS: Our employees are our most valuable assets, so we invest in them with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Our philosophy of taking care of the customer extends to taking care of our employees so that they, in turn, can take good care of themselves and their families. Join Hills Bank and let us surprise you with even more perks!

SCOPE:

The First VP, Commercial and Industrial Credit Underwriting specializes in the evaluation of the credit worthiness of Commercial and Industrial (C&I) clients and is responsible for preparing complete and accurate credit analysis in a timely manner. The First VP, Commercial and Industrial Credit Underwriting determines the borrower's ability to repay loans and lines of credit including those used to provide working capital for businesses, term financing for business and/or equipment acquisition as well as letters of credit. These functions include the underwriting/approval of loans originated by the Commercial Lending team, approval of loan applications within lending authority, and reviewing of existing credit relationships in the financial review process. These duties include reviewing and analyzing financial information, determining loan structuring and pricing, determining adherence to loan policy, and assigning risk ratings to the existing relationships. Additional duties within the position include overseeing the preparation of monthly asset quality reports, financial information spreading process, approval of external appraisals and internal evaluations, and leading special projects as needed. The ideal candidate for the position will have excellent communication skills, ability to multi-task and meet deadlines, and have an acute attention to detail while working independently in a fast-paced environment.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Credit Underwriting

• Collaborate with the Commercial Lending team in the preparation of credit loan applications through the credit underwriting process. The First VP, Commercial and Industrial Credit Underwriting will be responsible for the completion of unbiased, objective and thorough underwriting for new and existing credit proposals, including owner-occupied commercial real estate, business term loans, debt consolidation, lines of credit, standby letters of credit, and loan participations/syndications.
• The First VP, Commercial and Industrial Credit Underwriting will be responsible for making recommendations for improving asset quality, underwriting and providing strategic direction with focus on the C&I portfolio.
• Approve loan applications within lending authority set in commercial loan policy.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to Commercial Lending team by determining loan structuring, credit worthiness of customers, adherence to loan policy, and overall risk to bank capital. The First VP, Commercial and Industrial Credit Underwriting will determine if loan requests should ultimately be pursued.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of company and personal financials including the comprehension and analysis of income statements, balance sheets, cash flows, tax returns, and credit reports.
• Responsible for determining if "subject to" requirements have been met prior to the release of loan documents for signature.
• Attend monthly Board Meetings as directed.
• Proficient understanding of Commercial Loan Policy and ability to accurately identify exceptions, answer policy related questions, and provide recommendations on policy changes.

Asset Quality

• Perform financial reviews by analyzing financial information received from existing loan customers with increased complexity and exposure. The financial review process involves making an assessment of the credit quality of the relationship, assigning risk ratings to the relationship, and documenting the decision to maintain asset quality.
• Communicate credit risk rating, loan policy exceptions, and recommendations for credit improvements to the Commercial Lending team on their existing portfolio. Will work closely with Commercial Lending team to identify areas of improvement and complete action plans to improve relationships. Will be expected to follow up to assure that the improvements have occurred on the relationship.
• Assist in the conversations with internal, regulatory, and third-party examiners on credit relationships.

Other Responsibilities

• Complete assigned tasks on a weekly/monthly/quarterly basis. The First VP, Commercial and Industrial Credit Underwriting will be expected to develop sustainable processes to grow high quality loans in the C&I portfolio. This would include developing processes and assessing the risk related to these items. Areas could include but are not limited to:
  • Responsible for understanding financial statements and tax returns to complete the financial information spreading on all commercial loan types and credit relationships with specific focus on C&I portfolio. Will be expected to provide recommendations for improvements to spreads and ratio analysis.
  • Responsible for the approval of commercial credit cards and ACH approval process. Would be expected to work with Treasury Management and Treasury Management Support to improve underwriting and documentation on approvals.
  • Preparation of monthly and quarterly asset quality related reports and other portfolio monitoring reports with specific focus on C&I related accounts.
  • Establish loan covenants and closing conditions and develop sustainable monitoring processes to test and track loan covenants.
  • Assess collateral coverage by creating borrowing base advance formulas and reviewing accounts receivable aging reports and inventory schedules.
  • Assist in developing process for SBA loans and similar loan programs to enhance quality loan growth, including ongoing monitoring.
  • Work on other credit related projects as directed by the Vice President, Credit Underwriting Manager.
• Will work closely with the Credit Analysts and Credit Underwriting Officers to complete loan requests and financial review requirements with specific emphasis on C&I loans. This will include assisting in the training of these positions and reviewing of work being completed.

Community Involvement

• As part of the overall team of bank employees, this position will be requested to help support and participate in other bank activities.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university in the field of business, including specific courses in accounting, finance, and economics; and five to seven years' banking experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and analyze financial statements, tax returns, credit reports, and loan documents required.
• This job requires skills needed in a typical office environment. This includes computer skills, communications skills, as well as utilization of office equipment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER