Commercial Lending Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

We are changing FINANCE to finance CHANGE!

At  Climate First Bank , we're redefining what banking can be. As a Florida Benefit Corporation and FDIC-insured commercial bank, we offer a full suite of personal and business services—including solar, residential, commercial, ESOP Banking, Structured Finance and SBA loans—all designed to power a better future. We're proud to be a Certified B Corporation, a member of 1% for the Planet, and part of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), reflecting our deep commitment to sustainability, transparency, and ethical banking.

With branches in  St. Petersburg, Winter Park, Mount Dora , and a growing  digital presence , we're proving that banking can be a force for good. We don't just support environmental and social causes—we're built on them.

Under our Holding Company,  Climate First Bancorp , we are also powered by OneEthos.  OneEthos operates at the intersection of fintech and traditional banking to expand access to inclusive, values-driven financial services. Regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank, it equips Community Banks, Credit Unions, CDFIs, and Green Banks with ethical lending tools—especially in climate finance and solar lending.

We're seeking  driven, mission-aligned individuals ready to make an impact. If you're passionate about sustainability, thrive in a fast-paced, results driven environment, and want to be part of something bigger, you will feel right at home.

Our team is one of  goal-setters, go-getters, problem solvers, thought leaders, and changemakers . We celebrate wins, tackle challenges head-on, and push boundaries. Fueled by purpose, we thrive where perseverance and passion turn ambitious goals into reality.

At Climate First Bank, we're investing in your future. We offer a comprehensive, people-first benefits package that supports your health, finances, and work-life balance. Please note that benefit eligibility varies by employment status and that benefits for part-time employees may differ from those listed below.

Compensation  —  In addition to the base salary, this position may be eligible for an annual bonus, incentives and equity. Actual compensation is based on industry salary ranges, internal salary structures, experience, skills and other job-related factors.

Health Coverage — 100% employer-paid for employees; employer contribution for dependents by Us

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 
• Health Savings Account (HSA) 
• Free Telemedicine access via Teladoc

Financial Wellness & Wealth Building

• 401(k) with 6% Employer Match —No Vesting Period.
• Employee Stock Options 
• Exclusive Employee Banking Perks 
• 0% Financing for Employee Solar Loans 
• Employee Only Mortgage Product  with exclusive interest rates and terms.
• 0% Financing for Eligible Electric Vehicles (EVs) 
• Referral Incentives 

Generous Paid Time Off

• 2–4 Weeks of Vacation based on officer level plus additional tenure-based time.
• 64 Hours of Paid Sick Time  for all full-time employees.

Protection & Peace of Mind

• Company-Paid Life Insurance 
• Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life, Accident & Critical Illness Coverage  
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)  with free counseling, legal, and financial services.

Now Hiring: Commercial Lending Assistant

We're seeking a  Commercial Lending Assistant who'll be the driving force behind your lender's success. You provide support where needed, ensure timely loan processing and are a source of information for internal stakeholders and the borrowers.  This role is a unique blend of commercial banking expertise, customer service and administrative support.

What You'll Contribute:

Loan Process Management

• Manage the loan process efficiently and proactively from origination through closing.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of documentation every step of the way while resolving documentation exceptions.
• Input financial information into the loan system and update financial statements.
• Prepare files for portfolio review.
• Maintain prospect lists and run reports to track maturing lines/loans.
• Keep your lender in the know on portfolio activity by monitoring past due accounts.
• Ensure consistent communication and follow up on portfolio past dues.

Lender's Right Hand

• Provide ongoing sales support and identify sales and cross-sell opportunities.
• Coordinate materials for presentations.
• Assist with scheduling sales calls.
• Handle the daily routine tasks, expedite ad-hoc requests and support CRM management as directed.
• Keep your lender on track and ensure timely completion of all requests and requirements.

Administrative Support

• Coordinate the opening of deposit and other banking services with branch and deposit operations partners.
• Build strong internal relationships to ensure quick turnaround times on all requests.
• Act as the primary resource for your borrowers and respond to customer inquiries or issues with urgency and outstanding customer service.
• Support your lender with administrative tasks, including reporting and various HR related matters.

Champion Our Mission, Protect What Matters

• Adopt a commitment to environmental, social, economic, and racial justice.
• Stay informed of applicable regulatory requirements and complete all mandatory compliance and IT training.
• Pursue and demonstrate an understanding of established Bank policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Question suspicious activity and collaborate closely with the respective department(s) to help prevent fraudulent activity.

What Makes a Stand-Out Candidate:

Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in finance or equivalent education and formal training paired with strong accounting and math skills is a strong plus.
• Prior experience supporting commercial bankers.

Entrepreneurial Self-Starter - You take charge of your work product and take pride in delivering consistently great and measurable results. Once you know what is expected of you, you run with — and know when to slow down and ask for help. You understand what it takes to bring tasks to completion, can anticipate and mitigate slowdowns and have a unique ability to balance efficiency and attention to detail. A high-pace and high-expectation environment excites you and you can't wait to push yourself to new professional heights in a company that rewards high performance.

Organization & Efficiency- You manage your time like a pro and stay focused under pressure. You love a good system but also adapt to changing routines. You're a master note-taker and checklist fanatic and stay on top of things with ease and consistency.

Master Communicator- You communicate with confidence, precision, and professionalism. You listen deeply and respond thoughtfully and engage stakeholders at all levels efficiently and tactfully.

Banking & Fintech Acumen - You understand banking and commercial lending deeply and can easily spot opportunities for process improvements. You are also a compliance wiz, have excellent knowledge of regulatory requirements — and you're ready to put that knowledge to work.

Tech-Forward and Analytical Thinking - You learn new tools quickly, are excited by innovation and leverage technology to create efficiencies.

Commitment to Being a Team Player - You lift others up, share ideas, and bring positive energy to everything you do. You know how to operate as a part of a larger team and love contributing to the big picture. You're dependable and always happy to lend a hand where needed.

The Work Environment:

• Remote role within Central Florida with the expectation to travel occasionally to branches.
• Occasional U.S. travel for company events.
• Occasional need to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Tobacco-Free employer. All employees must affirm to be non-smokers or affirm commitment to cessation within 90-days of offer acceptance.
• Sustained standing and sitting, frequent communication (speaking and listening) and use of PC, including typing or sustained attention to monitor, occasional lifting up to 20 lbs.

The Hiring Process:

Applications must be submitted through the official application link. Resumes sent via other channels may be delayed or bypassed. Processing times may vary. Candidates selected to move forward will be contacted by the hiring team.

Our process follows the Topgrading Methodology — we hire A-Players through a structured, transparent process that includes:

• Cognitive and personality assessments
• An application form spanning your full education and work history
• 3 conversation stages with key team members- get to know us!
• Credit and background checks conducted before the final interview
• Final Step: Connect us with former mentors and managers of our choice for reference chats.

We do not offer visa sponsorship and will not pursue candidates without valid work authorization.

Equal Opportunity Statement:At Climate First Bank we truly believe that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our success. Diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values and mission. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/VeteransE -Verify Statement: This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9