Business Loan Officer

Solicitation, analysis and coordination of approving or denying credit to members. Also provide members with products or services that are associated with their lending needs. These are done in accordance with Westby Co-op Credit Union procedures and lending limitations.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

The Business Loan Officer position is made up of three different levels, Business Loan Officer 1, 2 and 3. Each level represents a loan officer with varying levels of lending knowledge, experience, production capabilities, portfolio management, relationship building and underwriting skills. A description of the levels are as follows: Business Loan Officer 1 – Entry level position with a focus on basic tasks and support, with close supervision and training. Business Loan Officer 2 – Mid level position that involves a greater range of responsibilities with more independence and sound judgment. Business Loan Officer 3 – Advanced level position that involves high level experience and expertise with very little to no supervision required. All Business Loan Officers are responsible for the below tasks.

• Meet and interview with existing and potential borrowers to understand their financial needs.  
• Gather financial and credit related information to determine if the borrower qualifies for financing.  
• Must be able to negotiate and structure loans to meet the borrower’s needs and adhere to loan regulations. 
• Have a strong understanding of financial statements and credit ratios to determine the strength of the borrower.  
• Develop and maintain a commercial loan portfolio through strong relationships skills.
• Must understand loan documents and be able to communicate the legality of the contract to the member.
• Make onsite visits to the borrower’s place of business to better understand the business and build the relationship.
• Demonstrates a helpful, polite, friendly attitude along with providing exceptional member service.
• Responsible for following up on delinquent loan accounts, insurance needs and other issues that may arise.  
• Maintains orderly files on each account with complete and accurate detailing of all correspondence.
• Keeps abreast of changes in consumer, commercial, business, and agricultural lending trends as they apply.
• Other job-related duties as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of this position.

Work Relationships and Scope: Reports directly to the Business Lending Manager. Will have regular contact with members and employees of the Lending Department. 

Performance Dimensions:

• Must maintain the integrity of confidential business information and follow all guidelines on confidentiality.
• Provide outstanding services to co-workers & members.
• Possess the ability to attend to numerous details with frequent interruptions under the stress of maintaining courteous, effective, and timely relations with a variety of individuals and personalities.
• Promotes quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability, and thoroughness of work performed.  
• Is punctual, flexible, reliable, and demonstrates a friendly and helpful attitude.
• Possess ability to gain the trust and respect of members, management, and employees. Also maintains a positive, professional, team-oriented working relationship with staff and outside vendors.
• Enhance job growth through continuing education, as required or necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.  
• Three years of experience in a lending department. Experience in interviewing preferred. Professional sales experience beneficial.
• Knowledge of the consumer, commercial, agricultural loan policies, credit granting criteria, interest rates and how they are computed, and required documentation for each type of loan needed.  
• Knowledge of interviewing skills and techniques required.

Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehend consequences of various situations and refer them to the appropriate staff for resolution. 
• Manage personal workflow and meet deadlines by being organized, detailed, and task oriented. 
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to work with a wide range of personalities in a courteous, effective, and efficient manner.  
• Knowledge and ability to apply current financial service industry standards, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to present ideas, report facts and other information clearly and concisely. 
• Proficient knowledge of the Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficient operation of a variety of general office equipment such as a computer, software applications, typewriter, calculator, telephone, copy machine, fax machine and other similar devices or programs related to the position.

Working Conditions:

Job Conditions/Work Location: The majority of work will be performed in a normal office environment. Hours of work will generally be during regular business hours. There will be some variation in work hours due to special projects, deadlines, education and other concerns. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Will make periodic visits to branch locations.

Physical Requirements: Ability to sit for extended periods of time, regularly access files (some standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, lifting and carrying of usually light materials.) Frequent mental and visual concentration required for computer usage.

Equipment Used: Various software programs, telephone, computer, copy machine, calculator, fax machine, and other office equipment.

Hazards: Only those present in a normal office setting; no known hazards. In the course of working with the public, the employee may, on a very limited basis, encounter abusive, aggressive or unpredictable threatening behavior. Must observe safety and security practices at all times.  

Acknowledgment: This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this position. It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by leadership. All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.