Loan Assistant I

SSB002 SOUTHSTATE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

SouthState Bank in Savannah, GA is seeking an entry-level Loan Assistant I to support the Commercial lending team through the full life cycle of simple loans.

You will collect borrower documentation, input data into loan processing systems, coordinate closings, and ensure timely fulfillment of loan files, post-closing tasks, and related client communications. This role offers growth within commercial lending and a clear path to advancement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in banking/finance is an asset.
• 1 year in commercial lending documentation preferred.
• 1 year of commercial banking support experience for client inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Track loan pipeline, maturities, uninsured reports and past dues.
• Ensure compliance with state/federal lending rules and bank policies.
• Collect and organize borrower documentation (income verification, credit reports, IDs).
• Input data into loan processing systems accurately and efficiently.
• Provide back-up support to other Loan Assistants for PTO and absences.
• Order title searches, UCC searches, appraisals, flood certifications as needed.
• Coordinate closings with lenders, attorneys, and clients.
• Initiate disbursement of closing funds via checks or wires.
• Review closed/funded loans for document completion and timely booking.
• Maintain post-closing documentation tickler and report status weekly.
• Communicate with settlement agents, registries, and title agencies as needed.

Skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Excellent communication

MS Office

Independent thinking

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree asset

Tools

Loan processing systems

Credit reports

Document management

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/OBJECTIVES

The responsibility of a Loan Assistant I is to direct the timely processing and fulfillment of Commercial loans. Additional tasks may be assigned at the direction of the Market Leaders. As a Loan Assistant I, you will provide essential support with the deal team with the management of simple commercial loans and basic client relationships. Your primary responsibilities will include collecting and organizing borrower documentation, inputting data into the loan processing system, and assisting with the preparation of loan files for loan closings and funding and the fulfillment of post-closing documentation requirements. You will also serve as a point of contact for clients throughout the life cycle of their lending relationship. This entry-level role is perfect for individuals looking to start a career in commercial lending, with opportunities for growth and development.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in tracking and management of the loan pipeline, loan maturities, the uninsured reports, and past dues reports, ensuring timely processing and adherence to deadlines.
• Remain knowledgeable of all State and Federal lending and documentation regulations as well as Bank policies and guidelines ensuring compliance.
• Collect and organize all necessary documentation from borrowers, such as income verification, credit reports, and identification.
• Input data into loan processing systems accurately and efficiently.
• Provide back-up support to other Loan Assistants to cover PTO requests, and absences.
• Order title searches, UCC searches, appraisals and flood certifications as needed.
• Coordinate closings with lenders, attorneys, insurance agents and clients.
• Initiate the disbursement of closing funds and issue loan proceeds via checks and/or wires.
• Review closed and funded loans for document completion, ensure that loans are booked in a timely and accurate manner.
• Contact settlement agents, register of deeds, and title insurance agencies to obtain post-purchase documentation, as necessary.
• Maintain a tickler system on any outstanding post-closing documentation (collateral and exception monitoring) and report on status during weekly meetings.

LENDER / CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Maintain clear and effective communication with lenders (likely 1-2), and other stakeholders throughout the loan process. Provide exceptional client service through offering assistance and responding to questions and requests for information. Notify clients of any issues or discrepancies that may arise and assist in resolving them.

CULTURE CHAMPION

Advocate our culture by providing prompt, efficient, and exceptional customer service. Build internal and external relationships with customers. Demonstrate a commitment to the Company's core values. Strong work ethic, results driven, committed to meeting deadlines and achieving company and department goals. Participate with community organizations and in community projects. Actively participate in learning and development for continued personal and professional development.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND COMPLIANCE

Ensures confidentiality of all sensitive material and matters, directs documents to the appropriate parties, obtains approvals as necessary, and ensures deadlines are met. Adhere to compliance, security and internal guidelines and requirements for position and applicable compliance and consumer protection regulations, preventing fraud and protecting customer assets. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPETENCIES

SKILLS NECESSARY Excellent time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail required. Excellent communication, and interpersonal skills. Excellent computer skills required, especially Microsoft Office. Ability to prioritize tasks, think and work independently. Ability to exercise good judgment to analyze and problem solve situations that arise. Ability to exercise personal and professional responsibility and work with limited direction.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor's degree or additional course work in banking, finance or lending is an asset.

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of experience in commercial lending documentation is preferred. A minimum of one (1) year of Commercial Banking support experience or client service experience within a financial institution by being able to field client's account inquiries and/or maintenance requests with clear and efficient communication.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/CLASSES

Required annual compliance training, New Employee Orientation

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to effectively access and interpret information on computer screens, documents, and reports. This position requires a large amount of time in front of a computer. This can be done sitting or standing with use of the right desk.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position could be in a cubicle or private office environment that may be loud throughout the day. If applicable telecommuting roles no matter if hybrid or 100% full time telecommuting must have a secure home office environment that is free from background noise and distractions. They must also have a reliable private internet connection that is not supplied by cellular data (hot spot). Cable or fiber connections are preferred. Requirements are subject to change, as new systems and technology are delivered.

TRAVEL

Travel may be required to meet with lender and/or client meetings as needed. In addition, travel may be required to attend all hands meetings, career development, site visits, acquisition/merger support, etc.

WORK LOCATION

25 Bull Street #100 Savannah, Georgia 31401

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.