Credit Risk Analyst

ABOUT US

Ascend is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest credit unions in the United States, with over $4 billion in assets. With an occupation-based field of membership, Ascend is focused on the expansion and diversification of the select employee groups it serves, which creates greater security for the credit union and its member-owners. Approximately 650 employees serve more than 260,000 members from 27 Middle Tennessee branch locations, Regional Operations Center, Teller Center and Corporate Headquarters. Ascend recognizes that its employees are critical to the credit union’s sustained success and future growth. Our employees are the face of the credit union and their personal successes fuel the success of the team. Through collaboration between employees, management, our membership and our Board, we fuel an engine that propels the credit union forward.

WHAT WE OFFER

Thank you for your interest in a career with Ascend Federal Credit Union! Being employed by Ascend is vastly different than just holding a job. The credit union prides itself on providing employees rewarding career opportunities, competitive benefits and a unique work culture. The credit union’s commitment to its employees is fostered by its commitment to the member-owners, ensuring dedicated and engaged employees to serve the membership. Ascend’s vision to be the most loved credit union in our market by employees and members alike has earned the credit union distinctions including Federal Credit Union of the Year (NAFCU, 2015), Best Credit Union to Work For (2016-2025) and Training MVP Awards (2015-2025).

WHAT YOU WILL DO EVERYDAY

As a Credit Risk Analyst, you will support the Chief Lending Officer in monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on credit risk across the Credit Union's consumer, mortgage, and commercial loan portfolios. This is a foundational role with significant opportunity for growth as the Credit Union continues to enhance its credit risk management framework and analytical capabilities. Initially, the Analyst will focus on portfolio monitoring, reporting, and trend analysis. Over time, the role will expand to include advanced risk analytics, policy development support, and the delivery of strategic credit risk insights. The ideal candidate will bring prior credit or analytical experience and demonstrate strong intellectual curiosity, initiative, and a genuine interest in helping build and strengthen the Credit Union's credit risk function. #LI-KB1

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

Portfolio Risk Monitoring & Analysis

• Monitor credit performance indicators including delinquency, charge offs, recoveries, risk ratings, and portfolio migration trends.
• Analyze loan performance by product type, borrower characteristics, vintage, and other relevant risk segments.
• Identify emerging credit risk trends, early warning indicators, and areas of potential concern or opportunity.
• Support the development and enhancement of credit risk models, tools, and frameworks used to evaluate credit proposals and provide risk-based recommendations.

Reporting & Data Management

• Prepare recurring and ad hoc credit risk reports for management, committees, and the Board.
• Assist in the development and refinement of credit risk dashboards and reporting tools, with increasing automation over time.
• Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and documentation integrity.
• Collaborate with Lending, Finance, and IT to improve data quality and analytical capabilities.
• Utilize programming and analytical methodologies to develop and maintain financial databases, reports, and statistical models.
• Industry, Economic & Regulatory Awareness
• Monitor economic conditions, industry trends, and peer data relevant to the Credit Union’s loan portfolios.
• Stay informed on regulatory guidance and examiner expectations related to credit risk management.
• Assist with preparation for regulatory exams, audits, and internal reviews.

Risk Policy & Governance Support

• Provide analytical support for credit policy, underwriting standards, and risk tolerance evaluation.
• Monitor performance of loans approved with policy exceptions or elevated risk characteristics.
• Assist with loan review processes, portfolio reviews, and post implementation evaluations of lending programs.
• Ensure credit activities, documentation, and reporting comply with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices.

 Please note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. The organization reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties at any time, with or without notice, to meet business needs.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Analytics, or a related field; or equivalent relevant experience is required

Work Experience

• 3-5 years Experience in credit and financial analysis, risk and management reporting, audit support, and data analytics preferred, but not required if the candidate demonstrates strong analytical aptitude and learning ability 
• Experience in a credit union or regulated financial institution is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in Excel; experience with reporting or business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Basic knowledge with consumer, mortgage, or commercial lending products.
• Demonstrated interest in portfolio analytics, risk modeling, or credit policy development.
• Occasional after hours or deadline driven work may be required during reporting cycles or examinations.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to interpret financial, credit, and performance data.
• Ability to communicate insights clearly to both technical and non technical audiences.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn and expand responsibilities over time.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.

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Ascend Federal Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer.