Commercial Banking Associate

SSB002 SOUTHSTATE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

SouthState Bank is seeking a Commercial Banking Associate in Pensacola, FL. The program targets new graduates with a strong academic record and internship exposure, offering hands-on experience in underwriting, loan processing, and relationship management.

You will work onsite, collaborate with banking staff and sales partners, and develop sales acumen to grow business banking opportunities while completing required compliance training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree completed within the last 2 years with a minimum GPA of 3.4; prior internship in finance, banking, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Learn and apply credit underwriting concepts and evaluate financial statements and credit data.
• Assist in managing client portfolios, monitor loan performance, and support loan proposals.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree (last 2 years)

Tools

Excel

Banking software

Job description

The SouthState story is one of steady growth, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to helping our customers move forward. Since our beginnings in the 1930s to becoming a trusted financial partner across the South and beyond - we are known for combining personal relationships with forward-thinking solutions. We are committed to helping our team members find their success while maintaining the integrity of our values: building trust, fostering lasting relationships and pursuing excellence. At SouthState, individual contributions are recognized, potential is cultivated and team members are inspired to achieve their greater purpose. Your future begins here!

SUMMARY

Our Commercial Banking Associate Program is designed for new graduates with a 3.4 GPA or higher and prior internship experience. This program offers a structured start to your banking career, fostering group dynamics and consistency. After training onsite in Tampa FL for the first 6months, you’ll return to your local market. As a Commercial Banking Associate you’ll develop expertise in underwriting, loan processing, portfolio management, and relationship management. This hourly role equips you to acquire new Business Banking clients and enhance existing relationships. With strong performance and available opportunities, you may progress to the Commercial Portfolio Analyst role and then into other roles over time. Key areas of focus include commercial term loans, lines of credit, cash management, treasury services, owner-occupied and investment real estate loans, and SBA-guaranteed loans. You’ll collaborate with commercial banking staff and sales partners to build your knowledge and sales capabilities, driving business banking opportunities. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to meet various lines of business leaders and work on projects to broaden your exposure and impact. The role demands excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Credit and Underwriting: Learn and understand how financial spreads work. Practical application to learn different tiers. Learn how to assist in evaluating credit applications by analyzing financial statements, credit reports, and other relevant data to assess risk and creditworthiness. Prepare preliminary underwriting documents and structure loan proposals. Understand how to assist and monitor and manage assigned client portfolios, including tracking loan performance, identifying potential risks, and recommending solutions to maintain portfolio health. Conduct periodic reviews of client accounts to ensure alignment with financial goals and bank standards.

Relationship Management: Understand and apply skills to facilitate the loan origination process by gathering and verifying client documentation, ensuring compliance with bank policies and regulatory requirements. Learn from internal teams to streamline loan approvals and closings. Learn what it takes to build and maintain relationships with Retail, Small Business Banking, Business Banking, Middle Market and Commercial clients by addressing inquiries, providing tailored financial solutions, and ensuring high-quality service. Collaborate with sales partners to identify and pursue new business opportunities, including prospecting for potential clients in the commercial banking sector. Assist in preparing presentations and proposals to attract new clients and expand market presence. Develop sales acumen to contribute to business growth and client retention.

Project Collaboration: Participate in cross-functional projects with various lines of business, such as product development, process improvements, or market analysis, to gain broader exposure to banking operations. Engage with business line leaders to understand strategic priorities and contribute to team initiatives.

Learning and Development: Complete all compliance courses as prescribed by job function. Actively participate in training sessions to develop technical skills in areas like financial analysis, credit risk assessment, and treasury services. Build product knowledge in commercial term loans, lines of credit, cash management, owner-occupied and investment real estate loans, and SBA-guaranteed loans. Attend leadership training.

Sales Support: Work closely with commercial banking staff to support sales efforts, including preparing client pitches and identifying cross‑selling opportunities for treasury services and other banking products. Develop sales acumen to contribute to business growth and client retention.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree within the last 2 years, with a minimum GPA of 3.4, preferred. Previous internship experience, preferably in finance, banking, or a related field. Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with financial modeling or banking software is a plus.

This role provides a comprehensive foundation for a successful career in commercial banking, with hands‑on experience, mentorship, and exposure to leadership. Upon successful completion of the program, associates will progress/transition to the Commercial Portfolio Analyst Role for a period of 6 - 18 months.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/CLASSES

Required annual compliance training, New Employee Orientation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is onsite in an office environment 5 days a week: 40hours a week.

Work Location: 4920 Bayou Blvd Pensacola, Florida 32503.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled/veterans.

Our business model supports the unique character of the communities we serve and encourages decision making by the banker that is closest to the customer. We think and act like owners and measure success over entire economic cycles. We prioritize soundness before short‑term profitability and growth.