Sr Credit Officer

Where you will work: This position offers a hybrid work option up to 50% remote and is based out of the Bloomington, IL; Morton, IL; or Macomb, IL office locations.

The contributions you will make: This position analyzes new complex credit requests, makes loan servicing decisions for existing clients and performs other essential credit duties. Completes the financial analysis and underwriting on a variety of industries livestock and crop producers throughout Compeer’s territory and the United States. Credit decisions are made based on targeted credit quality levels and volume/growth levels set by executive leadership. The incumbent approves or denies requests within their delegated authority with a majority of the time being spent on completing analysis for large, complex loans, and communicating with internal and external team members. Frequently meets with clients and Lending Specialists to discuss loan packages and provide financial counseling to clients. Visits clients regularly to view their operations.

A typical day: 

Credit Analysis

• Analyzes complex financial and supporting documentation submitted for formal and informal lending and servicing requests.
• Enters balance sheets and earnings statements into spreading software. Generates post close balance sheets and projections for analysis.
• Identifies, communicates, and assists in the collection of financial information required to process lending and servicing requests.
• Makes recommendations and/or approves under delegated authority loans and establishes appropriate terms and structures to manage risk and maintain sound credit administration.
• Constructs credit narratives for internal and external review.
• Creates innovative credit packages to meet client needs. Provides financial solutions to ag-related loans.
• Works closely with Lending Specialists to appropriately structure new and existing client loans.
• Works closely with originating banks through the loan process to assist them with processes, credit related issues and loan structures for the livestock industry.
• Participates in client meetings with Lending Specialists to enhance client relationships.
• Works closely with Lending Specialists to assist in balancing credit risk with loan growth.
• Facilitates negotiation of credit agreements between Compeer, borrower, participants and outside counsel.
• Prepares and packages syndications and participations for sale.

Loan Servicing and Credit Administration

• Proactively monitors lending portfolio and loan performance for the organization and provides direction for loan classification. Completes annual reviews in a timely manner.
• Monitors interim financial reports, borrowing base certificates, compliance certificates, and other reports to monitor loan compliance.
• Works directly with sales team or with clients to develop a plan to cure loan delinquencies or other servicing requests.
• Monitors the performance of clients and works directly with Sales and Risk Asset Unit to develop and maintain servicing plans and other monitoring requirements for higher risk client relationships
• Provides guidance and is a resource for structuring credit packages.
• Services internal and external clients by supporting team members and processing loan requests, loan servicing requests, and other credit requests.
• Processes, underwrites and approves service requests on existing loans already booked.
• Responds timely to internal and external audit requests regarding designated account information.
• Continues to learn new processes and responsibilities for monitoring loans and performance.
• Works collaboratively with Financial Officers and other team members to implement Team Relationship Model approach with clients.
• Meets with clients to provide quantitative assessments of financial performance in relation to Compeer credit standards and industry norms.
• Assists clients in gaining a better understanding of their financial position and set goals for the future.

Internal Projects

• Works on special projects including new loan programs and internal process evaluation.
• Participates in ongoing special projects to improve service to the client as well as credit administration.

Industry Knowledge

• Serves as a resource/mentor to lending and team members in training regarding financial information, policies, procedures, and credit related matters.
• Works closely with credit and sales leaders to determine appropriate training opportunities.
• Builds and maintains knowledge and skills as an industry resource by continuing to attend meetings, seminars, conferences and tradeshows for industries financed by the bank.
• Participates in industry updates and webinars to stay up-to-date on market changes and other industry news.
• Visits larger site operations to complete management assessments to better understand their set-up.

The skills and experience we prefer you have: 

• Bachelor’s degree in ag business, finance, economics or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in credit analysis in a financial institution, preferred.
• Knowledge of federal and state (Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) laws, regulations and compliance requirements specific to the financial industry and Farm Credit.
• Advanced knowledge of agricultural businesses and operations, crop insurance and livestock industries and associated production practices.
• Thorough knowledge of loan products, services and credit operations.
• In-depth understanding of credit processing and servicing activities, accounting principles and practices, credit analysis, credit administration, monitoring and portfolio management.
• Advanced interpersonal, collaboration, communication, team building, problem solving, analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office applications, customer relationship management (CRM) programs, internal underwriting and database systems.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing situations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other teams to achieve goals and represent the business.
• Valid driver’s license.

How we will take care of you:

Our job titles may span more than one career level (associate, senior, principal, etc.). The actual title and base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is eligible for variable compensation and other benefits.