Job Description

Address

We’re always looking for bright individuals to join our growing organization. As a part of the First Financial Family, we will invest in your development and provide a dynamic work environment where you’re challenged, valued and empowered every day. We strive to be the best destination for the industry’s top talent, creating a diverse, collaborative workplace that celebrates innovation and change. We are one team, working together to get things done.

Job Description:

Office Location:

Abilene, Texas, United States

SCOPE/CONTACTS:

• Originate, structure, underwrite, and execute complex SBA 7(a) and 504 lending transactions, including business acquisitions, partner buyouts, ownership transitions, owner-occupied commercial real estate, equipment financing, debt refinancing, and working capital facilities.
• Apply advanced commercial credit and underwriting expertise to evaluate borrower financial performance, cash flow sustainability, debt service capacity, collateral adequacy, and transaction risk while structuring financing solutions that align with bank credit policy and SBA SOP requirements.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to business owners, Relationship Managers, and referral partners by translating complex credit, regulatory, and SBA requirements into practical financing strategies that support client objectives, mitigate risk, and enhance portfolio profitability.
• Lead transactions through the full lending lifecycle, including opportunity assessment, pre-screening, financial analysis, underwriting, credit presentation, approval, documentation, and closing, ensuring sound credit quality, policy adherence, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with and support Relationship Managers and credit partners on deal structuring, underwriting strategy, risk assessment, and client communication, helping drive transaction execution, strengthen client relationships, and elevate the overall customer experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in originating new SBA loan business by working directly with Relationship Managers and their customers/prospects.
• Continually work to develop new business through both internal and external lead generation.
• Provide guidance to loan prospects as it relates to SBA Lending.
• Work with the entire SBA Lending team to drive business and resulting in loan closings and fundings.
• Promote bank services with goal of developing long term customer relationships.
• Must actively participate in Customer Service First sales and service culture, support the values of the organization and follow established company policies and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Business Degree with emphasis in accounting, finance, or marketing as well as credit training and/or minimum 2 years commercial lending experience (relevant work experience may substitute for the degree requirement) is required.
• Working knowledge of SBA Loan Products including the SBA’s Standard Operating Procedures is necessary.
• Formal credit training is preferred.
• Ability to analyze and understand financial statements of various business types as well as personal financial statements and tax returns is necessary to present a loan presentation to a committee.
• Strong attention to detail, problem solving skills, and ability to prioritize work to execute tasks in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment is required.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal are necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment while contributing to shared organizational goals.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills in order to ascertain and respond to customer needs and objectives in an effort to advance the client relationship and meet the Bank's objectives.
• Strong personal drive and initiative, demonstrated work ethic, and ability to work independently is necessary.
• Ability to function within a team focused environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and related computer applications is also required.
• Must be able to work with limited supervision.

The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to decide the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)