Credit Analyst

Credit Analyst

This position is based in Northbrook, IL, and requires the ability to be in the office.

SmartBiz Bank offers a broad range of business banking solutions to small businesses across the U.S. – solutions built specifically to serve the dynamic needs of entrepreneurs and foster the growth of the small business community. SmartBiz Bank's commitment to transparency and personalized customer service offers an unparalleled banking experience, ensuring small businesses have the financial services they need to grow and thrive. Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, with an additional office in Austin, Texas, we are proud to serve both our local and national small business communities.

Position Overview

The Credit Analyst is responsible for reviewing the creditworthiness of individuals or businesses to determine the risk involved in lending money or extending credit for the bank's Commercial and SBA Lending divisions. In order to meet and exceed loan growth targets, multiple deals need to be sourced and reviewed. All C&I and SBA Loans follow the loan policy of the bank, the OCC, the FDIC, and the SBA policies and procedures.

Pre-Deal Submission:

• Analyzes credit data and financial statements of individuals or businesses to identify the degree of risk involved in lending money or extending credit.
• Prepare Pre-Flight of the potential loan for the Chief Credit Officer and Senior Management to determine if moving forward with a proposal and ultimately to underwriting meets with the Bank's and management's expectations, along with the bank's overall strategy.
• Assist with structuring the loan specifics.
• Prepare a deal checklist of items needed for credit submission for loan officer review.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities as it relates to deal management:

• Work with multiple loan files in various stages of completeness to move them towards credit submission.
• Gather all items needed for credit submission by following a pre-determined credit submission checklist.
• Interact with the borrower to ensure all items are needed for a complete package.
• Collaborate with the loan officer and the customer to answer any additional questions in order for loan approval.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities as a Credit Analyst and Commercial Loan Portfolio Management:

• Maintain ongoing credit training.
• Manage and assist with various commercial and SBA lending underwriting transactions for approval.
• Organize, prepare, and present loan presentations to loan committee.
• Prepare annual loan file reviews.
• Monitor the loan policy exception report with review and quarterly updates.
• Maintain the loan portfolio and manage all ticklers and exceptions.

Who You Are:

• 2+ years of experience in financial services
• Strong knowledge of commercial banking underwriting, SBA small loan underwriting is a plus
• Exceptional oral & written communication skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field
• Experience with Salesforce is a plus

Opportunities & Benefits at SmartBiz Bank

Join a mission-driven team that's reimagining small business banking. At SmartBiz Bank, we're building the future of financial access — empowering entrepreneurs to thrive while creating meaningful careers for our people.

What We Offer:

• Shape the future of small business banking — help drive innovation and financial inclusion for business owners nationwide.
• Competitive compensation — including salary, performance-based incentives (for certain roles), and equity participation in a fast-growing financial institution.
• Comprehensive benefits — 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees, spouses, and dependents. 100% employer-paid life and disability insurance, and an employee-funded 401(k) retirement plan.
• Time to recharge — a flexible vacation policy designed to promote rest, balance, and well-being.
• Inclusive, people-first culture — guided by our values of empathy, excellence, and bold innovation, with equal opportunities for all.

SmartBiz Bank is an Equal Opportunity employer and is proud to provide equal employment opportunity to all job seekers without regard to any status protected by applicable law. California residents can learn more about how we use your information by visiting