CRE/SBA Loan Processor

Role Description

The SBA / CRE Loan Processor is a highly experienced, hands‑on role responsible for independently managing complex SBA and Commercial Real Estate (CRE) loan transactions from approval through funding and post‑closing. This position serves as a senior technical resource within the loan processing function, providing expertise, guidance, and informal mentoring to other processors while ensuring loans are processed accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulatory, SBA, and institutional requirements. The role plays a key part in risk mitigation, audit readiness, and operational continuity by handling high‑complexity loans, supporting escalations, and contributing to process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in Commercial and/or SBA lending within a financial institution, with strong emphasis on loan processing, documentation, and loan operations.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of SBA policies, procedures, and basic loan structuring.
• Strong understanding of applicable State and Federal lending regulations and internal lending policies.
• Minimum of five (5) years of hands‑on SBA and/or CRE loan processing experience using LaserPro Documentation or comparable commercial loan documentation systems, including complex borrower and loan structures.
• Experience with SBA documentation platforms such as LaserPro SBA Lending Solutions, T‑Soft, SBA Complete, or similar systems.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with borrowers, brokers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a deadline‑driven, high‑volume environment.
• High attention to detail with the ability to identify compliance risks, documentation discrepancies, and operational issues.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Intermediate mathematical skills, including interest calculations and balance verification.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to resolve complex, non‑standard issues involving multiple variables.

Requirements

• Serves as a subject‑matter expert for SBA and CRE loan processing, documentation, and compliance requirements.
• Provides guidance and informal mentoring to loan processors on complex files, SBA SOP interpretation, documentation standards, and risk considerations.
• Acts as an escalation resource for complex loan structures, documentation issues, compliance concerns, or operational challenges.
• Reviews complex loan files and documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance; identifies exceptions and recommends resolution.
• Supports consistency in processing standards, internal controls, and best practices across the SBA/CRE loan processing team.
• Participates in process improvement initiatives by identifying inefficiencies, risk exposures, and opportunities to enhance turnaround time, quality, and controls.
• Collaborates cross‑functionally with Commercial Lending, Credit Administration, Compliance, Operations, Legal, and Member Services.
• Takes full ownership of assigned SBA and CRE loan files, actively managing timelines from approval through funding and post‑closing.
• Processes approved loans in compliance with credit union lending policies, SBA requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Works closely with Loan Originators, Brokers, Applicants, Title Companies, attorneys, and third‑party vendors to collect, review, and verify required documentation.
• Communicates lender conditions clearly and professionally to Brokers and Applicants and confirms satisfaction prior to closing.
• Prepares SBA applications, eligibility documentation, and supporting materials for SBA approval and Guaranty issuance.
• Prepares and reviews all SBA, CRE loan, and credit union membership documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Orders appraisals, environmental reports, title commitments, tax transcripts, insurance certificates, UCC filings, and other due diligence items; ensures collateral positions are properly researched and perfected.
• Coordinates loan closings and funding, including document execution, funding accuracy, and post‑closing follow‑up.
• Demonstrates intermediate to advanced working knowledge of SBA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Commercial Real Estate regulations.
• Ensures loans are processed in compliance with State and Federal regulations, internal policies, and SBA guidelines.
• Maintains fully documented, exam‑ready loan files.
• Supports internal audits, regulatory examinations, and SBA reviews, including responding to requests and assisting with remediation efforts.
• Assists with data gathering and reporting related to audits, General Ledger support, and management review.
• Partners with Member Services to facilitate small business deposit account and membership opening as needed.
• Performs cross‑functional operational support and special projects as assigned by Commercial Banking Management.

Company Description