Job Description

SCHEDULE: Full-time; Monday through Friday (8:00 am – 4:30 pm) Average of 40 hours/week

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 primary responsibility of the Credit Underwriting Officer is to assist with the commercial and agricultural credit functions of Hills Bank. These functions include the underwriting of loans originated by the Commercial Lending Staff with the ability to approve applications within lending authority and reviewing of existing credit relationships in the financial review process. These duties include the reviewing and analyzing of financial information, providing recommendations on loan structuring and pricing, determining adherence to loan policy, and assigning risk ratings to the existing relationships. Additional duties within the position include the preparation of monthly asset quality reports, overseeing the financial information spreading, approving of external appraisals and internal evaluations, and 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 staff in the preparation of credit loan applications through the credit underwriting process. Underwriting would include determining the adequacy of the primary and secondary repayment source, analysis of financial information, formatting requests to adhere to loan policy, and assessing overall risk to bank capital on all commercial loan types at Hills Bank.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to Commercial Banking staff by providing recommendations on loan structuring, credit worthiness of customers, adherence to loan policy, and overall risk to bank capital. Credit Officer will determine if loan requests should ultimately be pursued.
• Approve loan applications within lending authority set in commercial loan policy.
• Credit Officer will be expected to further develop their expertise within a particular loan type.
• Detailed 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.
• Attend weekly loan committee meetings as directed, prepare visual summary of loan presentations, and summarize "subject to" items determined by committee members.
• Attend Board Meetings when directed and present loan applications in lender absence.

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 staff on their existing portfolio. Will work closely with lending staff to identify areas of improvement and develop action plans to improve relationships.
• 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. Tasks will be assigned based on area of expertise and workload. The Credit Officer will be responsible to proactively manage and improve processes with direction from supervisor and complete all task with little oversight or correction. 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.
  • Approve of internal property evaluations in accordance to FIRREA and complete collateral summaries to adhere to loan policy guidelines.
  • Responsible for the approval of commercial credit cards and will assist with the ACH approval process.
  • Preparation of monthly and quarterly asset quality related reports and other portfolio monitoring reports.
  • Work on other credit related projects as directed by the Senior Vice President, Credit Underwriting.
• Will work closely with the Credit Analyst I & II to complete loan requests and financial review requirements. 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.
• A minimum of 3 years of commercial credit underwriting 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.
• Requires work before or after normal business hours.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/VETERANS/DISABILITY