Credit Analyst III

First Commerce Bank; Lakewood Township (NJ); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

First Commerce Bank in Lakewood, NJ seeks an experienced Credit Analyst/Underwriter to assess commercial loan requests, including CRE and C&I. You will analyze financial data, prepare cash flow analyses, and present recommendations to management for credit decisions.

The role requires 3–5 years of underwriting experience, a Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, and strong regulatory knowledge. On-site position with salary starting at $85,000, negotiable by experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; specialized bank lending education/training.
• 3–5 years commercial credit underwriting experience, including CRE and C&I lending; SBA and non-profit underwriting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform credit analysis to evaluate creditworthiness for commercial loan requests; coordinate with departments; assist training of new analysts.
• Prepare cash flow analyses to assess debt service capability; document analyses for approval.
• Provide recommendations on credit structuring; document rationale for approvals/denials; evaluate repayment options.
• Maintain records and reports; ensure adherence to lending policies; respond to inquiries within policy timeframes.

Skills

Underwriting

Financial analysis

MS Office

Regulatory knowledge

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

MS Office

Financial software

Credit systems

Job description

Not a remote role. In office role located in Lakewood, New Jersey

Starting Salary $85,000.00 (Negotiable upon Experience)

Basic Qualifications

Education/Training: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field of study required; specialized bank lending education/training.

Skill(s): Intermediate to advanced commercial real estate underwriting skills and experience; proficient in English, reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics skills; ability to manage a moderate workload on a consistent basis with limited oversight; attention to detail; ability to work under strict time requirements or under tight timeframes; proficient interpersonal relations and communication skills; advanced organizational skills; intermediate to advanced financial analysis skills; proficient PC skills including Microsoft Office and ability to learn specific financial software; thorough knowledge of current related regulations; skills sufficient to train and/or mentor new Credit Administration personnel.

Experience: A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years commercial credit underwriting experience, including commercial real estate and C&I lending related experience required. SBA and non-profit underwriting experience preferred.

General Responsibilities

Responsible for performing credit analysis to evaluate the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses for commercial loan requests; coordinating work within the department, as well as with other departments; assisting with training and mentoring of new and/or entry level credit analysts; complying with operating policies and procedures established for the credit analysis function; communicating with appropriate personnel; responding to inquiries or requests for information; maintaining appropriate records and providing assigned reports.

• Performs credit analysis on more complex credits to evaluate the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses of which the following are illustrative:
• Receives application and related financial data on prospective and active borrowing accounts, e.g., tax returns, financial statements, credit reports, and lender interview and investigation sheets, etc.
• Analyzes data and evaluates the short- and long-run prospects of the individual or business; determines the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money; assists in determining the likelihood that the borrower will be able to meet their financial obligations on an on-going basis.
• Ensures that all credit analysis activities are conducted in accordance with prescribed lending policy.
• Prepares necessary cash flow analysis to evaluate the ability of the individual and/or borrower to service the requested debt.
• Provides thorough documentation of all financial analysis work, including ratios and other related information; provides a complete analysis suitable for presentation to appropriate approving authority; prepares related reports.
• May make recommendations to appropriate management on the structure of credits and the granting or denying of loans; prepares sufficient information to document recommendations to approve, decline or counteroffer an application.
• Evaluates customer records and recommends repayment options based on cash flow, earnings, savings data, payment history, and purchase activity.
• Reviews individual and commercial customer files to identify and select delinquent accounts for collection.
• Compares liquidity, profitability, and credit histories of establishments being evaluated with those of similar establishments in the same industries and geographic locations.
• Evaluates data and information contained in various third party reports and documents, such as appraisals, environmental reports and lease agreements.
• Prepares written compilation of their analysis in the prescribed format for review and presentation.
• Confers with credit association and other business representatives to exchange credit information.
• Consults with customers to verify financial and credit transactions; resolves customer complaints.
• Ability to manage and process multiple credit requests of varying degrees of complexity on an on-going basis.
• Review, update and evaluate existing loan customer relationships and credit files to determine continued creditworthiness and ability to meet their financial obligations; prepare written recommendation with sufficient support to document the credit file or recommend for a risk rating adjustment.
• Assembles, maintains and reviews credit files to ensure all necessary information is in the file and the file contains all the appropriate information and documentation.
• Trains new credit administration personnel as appropriate.

2. Abides by the current laws and organizational policies and procedures designed and implemented to promote an environment which is free of harassment and other forms of illegal discriminatory behavior in the workplace.

3. Cooperates with, participates in, and supports the adherence to all internal policies, procedures, and practices in support of risk management and overall safety and soundness and the Bank's compliance with all regulatory requirements.

4. Coordinates specific work tasks with other personnel within the department as well as with other departments in order to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of information.

5. Communicates with management and staff personnel in order to integrate goals and activities.

6. Responds to inquiries relating to his/her particular area, or to requests from other Bank personnel, customers, etc., within given time frames and within established policy.

7. Maintains appropriate records and provides assigned reports.

Ancillary Duties

• Performs tasks which are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, but which may be altered or re-designed depending upon individual circumstances.

Job Location

All levels

1700 Avenue of the States

Suite 301

Lakewood, NJ 08701

Equipment/Machines

• Telephone
• Printer
• Copy machine
• Scanner
• Calculator

First Commerce is dedicated to providing people, businesses, and communities in our markets with high quality products and services with superior customer service. We provide products and services through secure, user-friendly technology and customer friendly locations. Our relationships are founded in our desire to be responsive to the financial needs of our customers in an atmosphere of personal attention, professionalism, trust, integrity and fairness. First Commerce prides itself on maintaining personal communications beginning with the Board of Directors.

First Commerce Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.