Senior Credit Analyst

Senior Credit Analyst

The Senior Credit Analyst is responsible for evaluating the creditworthiness of new and existing clients by conducting comprehensive financial analyses and risk assessments. This role facilitates timely and accurate valuation services and supports the Bank's credit approval process by preparing detailed credit memos, interpreting financial data, and recommending loan structures that align with regulatory compliance and Bank risk tolerance.

Essential Functions:

• Lead the evaluation of complex commercial loan requests to support comprehensive credit analysis and ensure sound credit decisions are aligned with Bank policy and regulatory standards.
• Manage the collection of financial statements, conduct annual reviews, and perform covenant testing for an assigned commercial portfolio.
• Ensure credit reports and recommendations are thorough, accurate, and compliant with internal credit policies and industry's best practices.
• Collaborate with management to identify and mitigate potential risks, maintaining a balanced credit portfolio aligned with strategic business objectives.
• Partner with commercial lending officers, relationship managers, and cross-functional teams to gather relevant information, assess credit risk, and structure credit facilities that effectively balance risk mitigation with business opportunity.
• Evaluate loan requests by preparing written credit assessments for proposed commercial loans by assigning risk ratings and recommending appropriate loan structures and covenant recommendations.
• Assign appropriate risk ratings and provide oversight on loan structures, aligning with the Bank's credit policy and risk appetite.
• Clearly communicate complex credit analyses and recommendations to stakeholders, including management, in a concise and actionable manner.
• Support loan and credit line negotiations by providing insights on terms and conditions when needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of credit assessments, decisions, and supporting rationale in accordance with audit and regulatory standards.
• Prepare regular reports on the performance of the commercial credit portfolio, highlighting key risks, emerging trends, and growth opportunities.
• Communicate findings to management that may adversely impact loan collateral or a borrower's ability to repay, ensuring timely escalation of potential credit concerns.
• Collaborate with relationship managers to obtain current financial information for existing and proposed loans and ensure timely tracking and scanning of documents into the system.
• Review loan files as needed to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance with established lending guidelines and regulatory standards.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of the Bank's lending policies and procedures and proactively identify and report exceptions to policy.
• Provide audit support by preparing documentation, facilitating system access, and responding to inquiries from internal and external auditors.
• Ensure all credit files are complete and accurate; identify documentation deficiencies and coordinate with loan officers and credit administration for prompt resolution.
• Mentor and train junior analysts, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and guidance necessary for success in their roles.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiencies and risk mitigation.
• Comply with government, regulatory, and Bank policies and procedures.

Other Duties:

• Perform other duties assigned, in support of departmental goals and organizational priorities.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related field required.
• Minimum of five years of experience as a Commercial Credit Analyst required.
• Experience in underwriting C&I transactions required.
• Experience utilizing commercial LOS system desired.

Key Competencies:

• Requisite Requires several years of related experience and above average technical training and/or formal education.
• Authority Operates with some latitude of actions over functional activities.
• Analytical Demands a high level of analytical skills, decisive thinking, and the ability to assess complex situations with confidence and precision.
• Supervision Operates in an independent capacity, focusing on executing assigned tasks without direct supervisory responsibilities. While collaboration with colleagues and departments is essential, the position does not involve overseeing staff or managing personnel.
• Interpersonal Relations/Customer Service Strong people skills are essential, as this role involves frequent interactions that may require persuasive communication to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ethics/Integrity Possesses a comprehensive understanding of industry best practices, professional behaviors, and the applicable laws, rules, and regulations that govern ethical business conduct. Consistently upholds the highest standards of integrity, demonstrating unwavering commitment to fairness, compliance, and respect in all interactions. Fosters a workplace culture rooted in professionalism, accountability, and ethical decision-making.
• Adaptability Knowledge of successful approaches, tools, and techniques to seamlessly transition processes, optimize workflows, and foster resilience in evolving environments.
• Productivity Manages workload effectively, ensuring tasks are prioritized and executed with efficiency. Maintains a purposeful approach, consistently meeting goals and objectives while optimizing resources and time management.
• Quality - Identifies opportunities for improvement and delivers high-quality outcomes within established deadlines.

Knowledge and Performance Expectations:

• Advanced financial analysis and credit underwriting skills.
• Strong understanding of banking regulations, loan documentation, and risk management principles.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, financial modeling software, and loan origination systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, analytical, mathematical, and critical thinking skills.
• Comfort with working in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift quickly.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues across various departments maintaining a professional demeanor.

• Efficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Consistently attend work, meetings, and required training or staff events.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The work environment is typically a professional office setting within a financial institution, which may include branch locations, administrative offices, and client-facing areas. Employees are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality in accordance with banking regulations and company policies.

Work is generally performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment with standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, printers, and copiers.

Physical demands of the position may include, but are not limited to:

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a workstation or services counter.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for operating computers, handling documents, and using standard office equipment.
• Routine walking within the office or branch to attend meetings, assist clients, or perform job-related tasks.
• Visual acuity to read printed materials, review electronic documents, and perform detailed work.
• Auditory ability to regularly communicate effectively in person and over the phone.
• Sustained concentration and attention to detail are critical for performing analytical tasks and ensuring accuracy.
• Occasional physical movements such as standing, reaching, bending, and twisting may be necessary.
• Light lifting, up to 10 pounds, may be required to transport files, office supplies, or small equipment.

Accommodation:

The work environment and physical demands described provide a detailed representation of what employees might encounter in the workplace while performing the essential duties of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Work Schedule and Availability:

The Bank maintains a standard 40-hour work week to ensure operational consistency and employee engagement. While some schedule flexibility is required based on location assignments, availability during core business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) is essential for supporting key functions.

Travel Requirements:

Periodic travel is required to other branch locations or offsite venues for training, meetings, or operational support. Travel is typically planned.

EEO Statement:

Community Bank is an equal employment opportunity employer.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.