Credit Underwriter

Credit Underwriter

Ventura, CA

AgWest Farm Credit is a member-owned financial cooperative that provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in a seven-state territory in the Western United States. AgWest is part of the 100+ year-old Farm Credit System – the leading provider of credit to American agriculture.

AgWest champions the growth and advancement of agriculture, the value of rural communities, and the vital contribution our customers make to the economy and society. We serve customers in 59 locations throughout the West.

We are in search of a Credit Underwriter I, II, or III (internally known as Credit Analyst) to join our California Lending and Insurance department in Ventura. This full-time position reports to the VP, Credit and assists in providing sound, constructive credit and related services, typically supporting a portfolio of simple to moderately complex credit relationships.

Compensation Information

The base salary range for this position in Ventura, California is:

Level I: Typical starting range: $69,400 - $92,500 Full base salary range: $69,400 - $104,100 Annual performance-based incentive target is 10% of base.

Level II: Typical starting range: $75,700 - $101,600 Full base salary range: $75,700 - $114,600 Annual performance-based incentive target is 12% of base.

Level III: Typical starting range: $83,100 - $114,600 Full base salary range: $83,100 - $144,100 Annual performance-based incentive target is 15% of base.

*Relocation assistance will be provided to eligible candidates who must relocate to accept this position.

Essential Duties

• Gather financial and business-related information from customers, prospects and other available resources through personal interviews, phone interviews, and other information resources.
• Analyze basic financial statements, including opinions and notes, tax records, "in house" prepared financial statements and pro forma statements.
• Prepare credit analysis and make recommendations to appropriate management for review.
• Comply with documentation expectations, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Support customer relationships through marketing and servicing financially related products by communicating with customers, their professional representatives and employees at the branch office or customer locations.
• Effectively participate in the Large Loan process as needed to provide high quality products to be delivered within the agreed time frames and within the risk parameters acceptable to the organization.
• Complete in-person farm visits, collateral inspections and document observations including but not limited to visually inspecting the condition and valuation of loan collateral.
• Conduct research of agricultural and related industries and commodities to determine viability, trends and opportunities for the organization to strengthen its position.
• Establish rapport with and develop/maintain confidence of customers and prospective customers.
• Represent the organization at public relations events by joining or actively supporting appropriate agricultural organizations, civic groups or commodity groups and actively participating in sponsored events and programs.
• Accurately classify and identify appropriate charge-offs reserves, cash income accounting and allowances on assigned loans.
• Assist in credit investigations on applicants including public record searches, credit bureau reports, employment and income verification and asset and liability verification.
• Participate in loan closings by ensuring the appropriate documentation is completed and understood by the customer.
• Ensure effective and accurate credit administration through coordination with relationship managers and others.
• Participate in assigned industry teams or industry task forces as needed; assist teams with detailed industry studies and the organization of industry specific customer educational events.
• Effectively work with customers and collaborate with other teams to make referrals and cross-sell products, to meet customer needs.
• Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Other duties as assigned.

Travel Requirements

• AgWest employees may occasionally be asked to travel for all-staff or team meetings not included in the standard travel requirements for the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or ag-related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of loan programs and financially related services
• Knowledge of agricultural practices

Workplace Flexibility

• After an initial in-office training period, this position is eligible for workplace flexibility and a one-time home office stipend.

Benefits Offered by AgWest

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic term life and AD&D insurance (fully paid for by the company)
• Paid days off annually: 15 vacation*, 15 sick, 12 holidays and 3 volunteer
• 401(k) plan (6% match plus 3% employer contribution)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Jeans are welcome at work every day at AgWest!

*Vacation accrual rates increase with tenure.