Sr. Commercial Credit Analyst I

Columbia Bank Northeast; Fair Lawn (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Employee ownership

Paid time off

Wellness resources

Job summary

Columbia Bank is seeking a Senior Commercial Credit Analyst I to evaluate and underwrite Commercial and Industrial, Construction, and Commercial Real Estate transactions of moderate to high complexity in New Jersey. The role supports lending by underwriting credit analyses, recommending loan structures, and ensuring policy compliance.

The candidate will analyze financial statements, assess collateral, and prepare memorandums for management review, while mentoring junior analysts and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of four years of progressive commercial credit analysis experience in banking or financial institution.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in financial statement and cash flow analysis.
• Working knowledge of commercial loan products, policies, procedures and federal regulations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze borrower and guarantor financial statements, tax returns, and cash flow projections to determine repayment ability.
• Evaluate collateral adequacy and assess overall credit risk for commercial loan requests.
• Prepare credit memorandums for management review and approval, including financial analysis and risk assessment.
• Determine and assign appropriate risk ratings in line with bank policy.
• Collaborate with loan officers on loan structures and accompany meetings/site visits.
• Provide guidance to junior analysts on analysis techniques and policy application.

Skills

Financial statement analysis

Cash flow analysis

Credit analysis

Collateral evaluation

MS Office

Credit software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Accounting/Finance

Tools

MS Office Suite

Bank credit software

Job description

Columbia Bank is a full-service consumer and commercial bank serving individuals, businesses, and communities across New Jersey, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. Through our banking, title, insurance, and wealth management businesses, we provide a broad range of financial solutions tailored to our customers’ needs. We are also committed to strengthening the communities we serve through employee volunteerism, community partnerships, and the Columbia Bank Foundation.

Why this Role Matters

The Senior Commercial Credit Analyst I is responsible for evaluating, analyzing, and underwriting Commercial and Industrial (C&I), Construction, and Commercial Real Estate (CRE) transaction requests of moderate to high complexity. This role supports Commercial Lending by preparing thorough credit analysis, recommending loan structures, and ensuring compliance with the Bank’s credit policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. The “Level I” designation reflects advanced proficiency in financial analysis, solid understanding of credit risk, and the ability to work independently with limited oversight.

What You’ll Deliver / Areas of Impact

Credit Analysis and Underwriting

• Analyze borrower and guarantor financial statements, tax returns, and cash flow projections to determine repayment ability. Spread and interpret financial data using bank-approved software.
• Evaluate collateral adequacy and assess overall credit risk for commercial loan requests.
• Prepare clear and concise credit memorandums for management review and approval; incorporating financial analysis, repayment ability, collateral adequacy, as well as an assessment of industry, market and economic conditions.
• Determine and assign appropriate risk ratings in accordance with Bank policy.

Collaboration and Support

• Work closely with commercial lending and credit department management to develop loan structures that balance client needs with the Bank’s risk appetite. Accompany commercial loan officers on client/prospect meetings and site visits.
• Provide support and guidance to junior level credit analysts on analysis techniques and credit policy application.

Portfolio Oversight and Credit Risk Management

• Reviews credit file reviews performed by Portfolio Managers to identify early warning signs of credit risk and assess the appropriateness of the assigned risk rating
• Perform annual credit file reviews as needed.

Regulatory and Policy Compliance

• Maintain knowledge of the Bank’s credit policies and procedures as well as credit risk trends, banking regulations and industry best practices.
• Ensure all credit analysis is prepared in accordance with the Bank’s internal policies and regulatory requirements.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or other related field required.
• Minimum of four years of progressive commercial credit analysis experience in banking or financial institution.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in financial statement and cash flow analysis.
• Working knowledge and understanding of commercial loan products, policies, procedures and federal regulations.
• Understanding of loan structuring, credit documentation and collateral evaluation.
• Working knowledge and understanding of commercial loan products, policies, procedures and federal regulations.
• Strong aptitude for figures and accuracy.
• Proven problem solving and decision-making ability.
• Ability to work independently, effectively, and efficiently under time constraints.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments with good organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer software including MS Office applications and other specialized credit analysis, financial statement spreading and lending software.

Technology Qualifications

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Comfortable using multiple systems and digital tools in a fast-paced banking environment.
• Strong computer skills, including virtual collaboration, document management, and reporting tools.
• Exposure to or willingness to learn emerging workplace technologies is highly desired.

How We Take Care of You

Build a stronger future for yourself, your family and the communities we serve. At Columbia Bank, meaningful work comes together with a collaborative and rewarding culture, opportunities to learn and grow, and a total rewards package designed to support your health, financial security and overall wellbeing. Benefits include healthcare choice, retirement savings with company support, employee ownership, wellness resources, education and student loan programs, paid time off and financial protection. Join a company where your contribution is valued, your growth is supported and your career can make a meaningful impact.

The hours that you will dedicate to work (TBD by Manager)

Columbia Bank and its affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans