Job Description

About us:

ConnectOne Bank proves that putting people first is a better way to do business. At ConnectOne, we’re builders — of businesses, communities, and equity. Most importantly, we’re building opportunities. Our mission is to ensure our employees feel empowered to make important decisions, reach their potential and truly make an impact.

ConnectOne is a growth organization by design; it is part of our DNA and we take pride in seeing our employees grow with us. Founded in 2005 by an entrepreneur, we have grown into a high-performing commercial bank, inspiring a new model for our industry’s future. By embracing technology and all the ways it can help us become a world-class service organization, we support small business owners by fueling their mission.

People First is the blueprint for our culture. It is at the foundation of everything we do and the decisions we make. At ConnectOne, you have the opportunity to be a part of a dynamic culture and team. Develop your forward-thinking skills, thrive in an entrepreneurial setting, and succeed at “a better place to be”.

ConnectOne Bank is an Equal Housing and Equal Opportunity Lender, and a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

About this role

The Residential Loan Closer is directly responsible for the integrity of loan closing, due diligence, documentation, funding, and booking review for assigned loans. The Closer ensures that loan structure and terms conform to the credit approval and bank policies, that all closing requirements have been satisfied, and that all exceptions are identified and appropriately mitigated. The position requires an understanding of policies and procedures as they relate to the lending function

In this role you will

• Support the Bank’s “People First” focus and rules of engagement—maintaining a professional demeanor, working as an active member of the CNOB team, providing all clients excellent service, always striving to make CNOB “A Better Place to Be”.
• Manage assigned pipeline and process approved loans for closing and funding of Residential Mortgages (e.g., Conventional, FHA, Jumbo), Consumer Loans, Renewals, Extensions, and Modifications.
• Initiate and drive the overall loan closing process – develop and maintain internal and external relationships; coordinate the activities, decisions, and communications amongst the internal deal team, outside counsel and third parties (e.g., title companies and insurance agents).
• Responsible for the integrity of loan closings, due diligence, documentation, and compliance (e.g., drafting commitment letters, review of closing documents, completion of closing checklist; ensuring loan structure and terms conform to credit approval and bank policies, pre closing special conditions are satisfied, and exceptions are identified and appropriately mitigated).
• Use judgment to make decisions that are in alignment with bank policies and risk tolerance guidelines.
• Proactively identify potential risks and adverse situations that may impact the bank’s interest; communicate and/or escalate risks, pursue corrective action, and drive solutions.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with internal and external clients (e.g., client facing activities such as conference calls, correspondence, pre- and post-closing meetings).
• Generate reports to monitor loan closing pipeline, loan closing target dates and deadlines; ensure loan origination system (nCino) is updated and correct at all times.
• Order and/or review title commitments, flood search, appraisals, and property searches; coordinate receipt of all required third-party reports.
• Review and confirm insurance certificates / adequate coverage is in place prior to closing (e.g., property/hazard insurance, liability, builder’s risk, flood & contents).
• Prepare in-house loan documents for new loans, modifications, renewals and/or extensions on the CSI system.
• Review organizational documents to determine compliance with Patriot Act and Beneficial Ownership.
• Prepare tax and insurance escrow analysis as required; verify escrow amount to be collected at closing.
• Preparing flow of funds (Closing Letter) for Bank Counsel (which includes wire break-down, fees, etc.); review Settlement Statements and prepare funding wires.
• Prepare Booking sheet and coordinate the timely booking and funding of scheduled loan closings with the Booking & Administration Team.
• Ensure that all loans are closed without material, administrative or compliance exceptions.
• Follow up and clear loan documentation exceptions, approved post-closing documentation, and filed and recorded documents.
• Ensure all proper disclosures are provided and compliance with residential mortgage regulations (e.g., TRID guidelines, fair lending) is met.
• Ensure that all communication with clients is positive; escalate any issues as needed to the appropriate party; take ownership and follow daily as necessary until conclusion.
• TRID Compliance: Prepare and issue accurate closing disclosures within regulatory timelines, monitoring borrower receipt to meet the 3-day rule.
• Document Preparation: Assemble and verify loan closing packages, including notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, and specific investor requirements.
• Balancing and Funding: Reconcile final loan figures, fees, and disbursements with closing agents/title companies, and authorize funds for transfer.
• Condition Clearance: Review loan files to confirm all underwriting conditions are satisfied prior to generating closing documents.
• Coordination: Act as the primary point of contact for borrowers, loan officers, processors, and title companies to schedule closings and resolve issues.

Must haves

• Strong “People First” interest and ability.
• Knowledge of relevant Federal and State banking regulations.
• Superior knowledge of residential loan documentation, title policies, appraisals, and individual borrower formation documents. Knowledge of TRID guidelines and residential mortgage products (e.g., Conventional, FHA, Jumbo).
• Knowledge of processing underwriting and/or closing procedures / federal lending regulations governing real estate lending.
• Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.
• Strong mathematical skills for balancing.

Bonus Points For:

• Working knowledge of Google applications and products is preferred.
• Working knowledge of nCino platform is helpful, but not required
• Notary public for the state or NJ or NY is preferred but not required
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred, but not required.

Additional information

Benefits:

• World class health, vision, and dental benefits on day one
• 401k with employer match
• Hybrid work from home (depending on role)
• Employee appreciation events (team building, softball games, food truck days, etc..)
• Employee assistance programs (EAP)
• Wellness programs (flu shot, preventive care, health programs and services discounts, etc..)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Discount perks
• CNOB Community Service Events

….and much, much more!

Studies have shown that individuals from underrepresented groups, may only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Roles evolve over time, especially with innovation, and you may be just the person we need. We hope you're open to learning new skills and growing with us. We encourage you to apply to continue making us “a better place to be!”

ConnectOne Bank is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate with respect to any term, condition or privilege of employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, or status of an individual in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

ConnectOne Bank also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Talent Acquisition.