SBL Closing Specialist III

First Merchants Corporation; Lorida (FL); Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base pay plus bonuses

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401k

Health savings account

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Additional benefits

Job summary

First Merchants is seeking an SBL Closing Specialist III to join our team. This role manages the closing process from approval through funding, mentors staff, and serves as lead trainer and protocol developer as needed.

The position supports remote work within our footprint and requires strong SBA knowledge, compliance, and the ability to handle multiple loans with deadlines while delivering exceptional customer service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or relevant field.
• 7+ years of related experience.
• Demonstrated management, leadership and coaching skills.
• LaserPro experience.
• Flexibility and adaptability/collaboration skills.
• Excellent listening skills and coachability.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office – Word, Outlook, Excel.
• Strong critical thinking, problem solving, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple loan submissions/tasks in various stages.

Responsibilities

• Lead the SBA loan closing process from approval through funding.
• Coach, mentor, and develop staff; act as lead trainer and protocol developer.
• Prepare closing documents and order/title work per loan type.
• Review and analyze closing documentation and ensure SBA/compliance requirements are met.
• Coordinate with customers and third parties to gather necessary information.
• Order appraisals, environmental, valuations, tax transcripts, and title work.
• Maintain files and closing checklists; manage deadlines in a time-sensitive environment.
• Provide feedback to Underwriter and assist with pre-close file reviews.
• Project larger/complex loans and contribute to department procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Problem-solving

Time management

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Flexibility

Collaboration

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Finance Accounting or relevant field

Tools

LaserPro

Microsoft Office

Job description

First Merchants is seeking an SBL Closing Specialist III to join our team! This position is responsible for all aspects of the closing process from approval through funding while maintaining accurate and complete files that meets all SBA and internal bank requirements. This role will manage, coach, mentor and develop staff while also serving as the lead trainer and protocol developer as needed. This position can be remote within our operational footprint.

As part of this role you will:

• Intermediate knowledge of SBA SOP
• Knowledge and understanding of Bank Loan Closing Process
• Responsible for being compliant with all regulations and compliance requirements pertaining to job function.
• Organize files in accordance with the file folder hierarchy
• Conduct communication with customers and applicable third parties to facilitate the gathering and synthesis of all relevant and necessary information
• Analyzes the file and prepares the closing checklist based upon the loan approval and loan type
• Run and review all relevant third-party reports and search for available data on public websites as necessary to support the loan presentation including OFAC, SAMS, CAVIRS
• Orders appraisal, environmental, business valuations, and equipment appraisals
• Orders title work for real estate property from the Title Company
• Review closing documentation such as Articles, Operating Agreement, and Business Licenses
• Prepares IRS 8821 Forms and orders tax transcripts from the IRS
• Reviews insurance certificates for bank and SBA
• Orders flood determinations, lien, judgement and suit searches
• Prepares loan closing documents in LaserPro
• Effectively manage time and priorities to meet deadlines, dealing with multiple loan requests simultaneously in a time-sensitive environment.
• Maintain a superior level of customer service with both external and internal customer and favorably represent the Bank to such customers
• Upon receipt of a loan package, will review, analyze, and determine closing requirements
• Review and provide initial feedback to Underwriter on documents such as purchase agreements and leases
• Files UCC to perfect bank’s lien position on business asset collateral
• Review of Title Commitment and Closing Statement
• Regularly completes all loan file due diligence
• Assists other team members with pre-close file reviews
• Ability to determine what is required to perfect security interest in collateral and determine when loan is ready to close
• Negotiate Landlord Waivers while meeting SBA requirements and maintain collateral security for the bank
• Works on larger/more complex loans
• Manages, coaches, mentors, and develops assigned staff
• Assists with developing department procedures and protocols
• Carry out such other duties as may be assigned or requested

To be successful in this position, we require the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or relevant field
• 7+ years of related experience
• Demonstrated management, leadership and coaching skills
• LaserPro experience
• Flexibility and adaptability/collaboration skills
• Excellent listening skills and coachability
• An ability to problem-solve and think proactively
• Proficient with Microsoft Office – Word, Outlook, Excel
• Strong Critical thinking, problem solving, and excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple loan submissions/tasks in various stages simultaneously

First Merchants offers the following:

• Base Pay PLUS Bonuses
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Additional Benefits

A little about us:

First Merchants is guided by a genuine philosophy of being a meaningful place to work and having a prosperous impact across all walks of life throughout the communities we serve, including consumers, businesses and other organizations. Our Vision, Mission and Team statement reflect and reinforce that authentic service philosophy.

Our Vision is:

To enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.

Our Mission is:

To be the most responsive, knowledgeable, and high-performing financial organization for our clients, teammates, and shareholders.

Our Team:

"We are a collection of dynamic colleagues with diverse experiences and perspectives who share a passion for positively impacting lives. We are genuinely committed to attracting and engaging teammates of diverse backgrounds. We believe in the power of inclusion and belonging."