SBA Operations Assistant

Cathay Bank; El Monte (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Full-time benefits

Job summary

Cathay Bank in El Monte, California is seeking an SBA Operations Assistant to support the SBA team with daily loan processing and underwriting tasks. This entry-level role provides administrative and operational support to ensure timely loan processing, portfolio management, and servicing, with opportunities to learn SBA guidelines and advance within the department.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, maintain records, and contribute to a caring, team-oriented culture with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field) or equivalent work experience.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic understanding of banking or commercial lending processes is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong communication and follow-up skills.
• Willingness to learn SBA guidelines and internal loan procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist underwriting and operations teams with daily loan processing.
• Follow up on insurance requirements and maintain tracking logs.
• Monitor loan conditions, ticklers, and document expiration items.
• Pulling credit reports and ordering appraisal/environmental reports.
• Conduct SBA-related searches (CAIVRS, Nexus/LexisNexis, D&B).
• Obtaining preliminary title reports and related documentation.
• Coordinate with internal departments, customers and third-party vendors to collect required documents.
• Maintain accurate records of all reports and searches ordered.
• Work closely with Loan Underwriting Team and Loan Portfolio Team.
• Perform other duties and special assignments as assigned from time to time.

Skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Communication

SBA knowledge

Banking basics

Office software

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

People Drive Our Success

Are you enthusiastic, highly motivated, and have a strong work ethic? If yes, come join our team! At Cathay Bank – we strive to provide a caring culture that supports your aspirations and success. We believe people are our most valuable asset and we proudly foster growth and development empowering you to achieve your professional goals. We have thrived for 60 years and persevered through many economic cycles due to our team members’ drive and optimism. Together we can make a difference in the financial future of our communities.

What our team members are saying:

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GENERAL SUMMARY

The SBA Operation Assistant will be supporting the SBA team by with daily operations of the SBA Department, with a focus on underwriting and operation processing functions. This entry-level role provides administrative and operational support to ensure timely loan processing, portfolio management and servicing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist underwriting and operations teams with daily loan processing activities
• Follow up on insurance requirements and maintain tracking logs
• Monitor loan conditions, ticklers, and document expiration items
• Perform due diligence tasks, including:
  • Pulling credit reports
  • Ordering and tracking appraisal and environmental reports
  • Conducting SBA-related searches (e.g., CAIVRS, Nexus/LexisNexis, D&B)
  • Obtaining preliminary title reports and related documentation
• Coordinate with internal departments, customers and third-party vendors to collect required documents
• Maintain accurate records of all reports and searches ordered
• Work closely with Loan Underwriting Team and Loan Portfolio Team
• Perform other duties and special assignments as assigned from time to time

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field) or equivalent work experience
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Basic understanding of banking or commercial lending processes is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Strong communication and follow-up skills
• Willingness to learn SBA guidelines and internal loan procedures

OTHER DETAILS
$26.00 – $39.00 / hour
Pay determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
This position may be eligible for a discretionary bonus.

Cathay Bank offers its full-time employees a competitive benefits package which is a significant part of their total compensation. It is our goal to provide employees with a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs which includes, coverage for medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health saving account (HSA) with company contributions, voluntary coverages, and 401(k).

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Cathay Bank is an Equal Opportunity and Aff…? We welcome applications for employment from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, gender, national origin, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy and related medical conditions, childbirth and breastfeeding), reproductive health decision-making, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information or characteristics, disability or medical condition, military status or status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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Cathay Bank endeavors to make www.CathayBank.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact, Mickey Hsu, FVP, Employee Relations Manager, at [phone] or [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.