Escrow Assistant

At Columbia, we create a great place to work by offering a unique brand of relationship banking and fostering a culture where associates thrive. We are dedicated to supporting our customers and communities, and we can only achieve this through the dedication of our associates.

We value Trust, Ownership, Growth, Empathy, Teamwork, Heart, Enjoyment, and Relationships, and we are eager to meet candidates who embody these core values. We are always on the lookout for results-focused individuals who can think independently, work collaboratively, and support our broader purpose.

Think of us as financial partners, because at Columbia, we believe the best way forward is together. Together for people. Together for business. Together for better.

About the Role:

The Escrow Assistant assists with all aspects of running the day-to-day operations of the Escrow department and assisting clients with their escrows. Responsible for the quick and efficient movement of customer funds and documents on a daily basis while adhering to company policies and procedures and ensuring compliance.

• Prepare escrow documents necesseary to ensure a smooth process for all parties assembling documents, reviewing documents with parties, explaining provisions, answering questions, reviewing completed documents for accuracy and obtaining signatures.
• Order title documents, resolve title defects, and prepare and coordinate satisfaction/release of existing liens and encumbrances against property or Sellers. Working with municpalities to insure any liens are removed at closing.
• Completing review of escrow documents to ensure they are checked for accuracy, proper signatures are collected, and acknowledgements and legal descriptions are correct.
• Coordinate with closing agents, attorneys, brokers and principals to confirm documentation and funds necessary for closing are in.
• Track incoming, closed, and cancelled transactions. Account for any missing documents needed for the file and to insure all funds have been disbursed.
• Reply to requests for documents and others basic requests from clients and escrow officers.
• Coordination with BSA to insure CBO requirements are completed
• Prepare instructions to accounting for incoming wires and outgoing wires. Review and prepare disbursements to clients and third parties for closing along with the processing and distribution of said payments.
• Assist Escrow Officer with any other administrative needs in order to manage the escrow process..
• Analyze industry trends and emerging technologies to identify potential new payment methods and solutions. Develop and execute strategies to enhance the customer payment experience.
• Evaluate and negotiate contracts with payment processors, vendors and banks to optimize pricing and service levels.
• Manage ongoing efforts to modernize existing payment channels with an eye on building stable and reliable systems.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including internal departments (finance, treasury management, customer service, international), banks, payment processors and vendors.
• Leads the ACH and Wires processing teams, GL Balancers, systems analysts= and operations staff providing direction, coaching, training and ongoing development opportunities. Develops and implements departmental processes and procedures.
• Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
• Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
• May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
• Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Umpqua corporate culture in all actions and words.
• Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
• Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”
• May perform other duties as assigned.

About You:

• H.S. Diploma/GED.
• 1-3 years of administrative experience or experience as an escrow officer or assistant is required.
• Proven proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, internet applications, and company specific databases.
• Experience with processing software RBJ preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of escrow processing transactions.
• Ability to successfully work with high priority and high net-worth clients.
• Requires maintaining exceptional customer service and communication skills with clients and team members under great pressure and/or deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to multitask.
• Ability to take initiative and work closely with the team on projects as assigned.
• Possess strong accuracy and organization skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, highly demanding, high volume, dynamic, corporate environment.
• Developing professional expertise, applies company policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues.
• Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety
• of factors. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Builds productive internal/external working relationships.
• Normally receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new projects or
• assignments.

Job Location(s): Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).

Los Angeles, CA
 

Our Benefits:

We offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits. The pay range for this role is $24.87-$41.45, and the pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.

We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.

Our Commitment to Diversity:

Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: [email protected].

To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:

Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.