Branch Manager/Escrow Officer - Woodland Hills, CA

Branch Manager/Escrow OfficerWilliston Financial Group (WFG) is the Portland, Oregon-based parent company of several national title insurance and settlement services providers, including WFG Lender Services and WFG National Title Insurance Company. One of only six national underwriters, WFG achieved a national footprint faster than any title insurance provider in history. The WFG family of companies offers full-service title insurance and settlement services for use in residential and commercial mortgage and real estate transactions nationwide.Job Purpose: The Branch Manager/Escrow Officer is responsible for supervising escrow personnel in order to ensure superior escrow services are provided while maximizing profitability. This is achieved by utilizing technology, communication and collaboration skills in an effort to co-exist with clients, consumers and WFG personnel in a manner compliant with WFG Policies and Procedures, state and other laws.Essential Job Functions:Complete real estate escrow transactions by determining requirements; clearing title; assembling, preparing and reviewing closing documents; disbursing fundsDetermine escrow requirements by studying and clarifying buyer, seller, and lender instructionsObtain clear title by ordering title reports; resolving title defects; satisfying existing liens and encumbrances against property or principalsPreparing transaction documents by completing forms and statements; collecting and reviewing existing documentsCompleting calculations by prorating taxes and interest- purchase transactions onlyCompleting closing transaction documents by assembling documents; reviewing papers with parties; explaining provisions and procedures; answering questions; checking documents for completeness and accuracy; obtaining signaturesComplete closing by recording and filing documents; preparing and distributing final closing statements and title; prepare HUD by utilizing lender instructionsClose escrow accounts by balancing and dispersing fundsComply with regulatory requirements by adhering, and enforcing adherence to requirementsEnhancing organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishmentsDevelopment of a superior workforce and escrow departmentDevelopment of WFG company culture that emphasizes employee engagement, our 4 Cs, quality of work, key employee retention and high performanceDevelopment of ongoing personal improvement and engagement in keeping up with real estate industry changesLead employees by encouraging employee contribution and engagement through goal setting, feedback, performance development planning on a regular basisLead employees to meet WFG's expectations for productivity, quality and goal accomplishmentAssist the State Escrow Manager with annual Employee ReviewsMonthly review of Trial Balance/Un-cashed checks reports and ensuring items are cleared regularlyKnowledge of WFG products, services and company policies and proceduresMaintain compliance with company policies and proceduresMaintain employee work schedules, including PTO, overtime scheduling and cover absenteeismAppropriately communicate organization information through monthly department meetings, one-on-one meetings and appropriate emailMaintain transparent communication with State Escrow Manager and Division ManagerInteract with clients, real estate agents/brokers, attorneys, consumers, lenders and any other parties involved in transactions when necessaryResolve complaints and maintain records per policies and procedures and report to State Escrow ManagerMaintain a profitable escrow desk in accordance with WFG Policies and Procedures for Escrow and SettlementComplete with all WFG Scholar training requests in a timely mannerMaintain a positive attitudeAdditional duties as may be assigned by managementComply with applicable State licensing requirementsKnowledge, Skills and Abilities:Minimum of five years running a profitable escrow desk including the supervision of escrow assistants.Thorough understanding of escrow law, local city and state requirements.Thorough understanding of RESPA, TILA, Dodd-Frank and CFPB rules.Thorough understanding and adoption of ALTA Best Practices.Ability to work with mathematical concepts (fractions, percentages, ratio's and proration's).Strong customer service skills; demonstrate excellent comprehension and organizational skills.Ability to manage multiple actions as once; flexibility to reprioritize quickly.Possess leadership qualities; understand the importance of setting a good example of uncompromising dedication to accomplish the company's vision and goals.Desire to engage in personal growth development.Strong ability to present information and respond to questions from personnel, clients and consumers.Act as an innovator by generating ideas to encourage collaboration, critical thinking and engagement, as well as solving practical problems.Basic Qualifications:High school diploma or general education degree (GED).Ability to read, write and interpret in English.Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and escrow production software e.g. ResWare, RamQuest, AtClose, IClosings and/or others.Possess five years related experience and/or training.Preferred Qualifications:College degree in business or finance preferred.Supervisory Responsibility: This position has supervisory responsibilities.Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.Physical Requirements/ADA:No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.Routine deadlines; usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; travel or other inconveniences have advance notice; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor.Job frequently requires sitting, handling objects with hands.Job occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching, talking, hearing, and lifting up to 10 lbs.Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Days and hours of full –time position are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Part-time positions may be considered.Travel: No travel is expected for this position.