Credit Analyst

Overview

A financial institution is seeking a highly motivated Credit Analyst to join their credit department. This full-time, exempt position reports to the Credit Department Officer and involves evaluating the creditworthiness of applicants across various loan types including commercial, real estate, agricultural, and consumer loans. The role requires strong financial analysis skills, attention to detail, and the ability to provide sound credit recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze credit quality and risk by reviewing financial statements, tax returns, credit reports, collateral values, and conducting independent online research.
• Prepare accurate financial spreads, ratio analyses, and cash flow models using spreadsheet and word processing tools.
• Develop comprehensive credit presentations detailing repayment capacity, collateral descriptions, loan-to-value calculations, and summaries of strengths, weaknesses, and risks.
• Collaborate with loan officers to assess client needs, loan structure, and pricing; communicate directly with clients as needed.
• Ensure credit analyses and presentations comply with internal credit policies, loan administration procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Document policy or documentation exceptions and prior-to-close conditions.
• Assign and recommend credit risk ratings according to loan policy guidelines.
• Participate as a non-voting member of Loan Committee meetings, exercising sound judgment and maintaining constructive communication.
• Determine whether to furnish or refuse requests for information based on confidentiality, requiring strong judgment and quick decision-making.
• Identify irregular or suspicious transactions and take appropriate steps to prevent loss; assist in compliance with BSA/AML/OFAC regulations.
• Assist with annual loan reviews, portfolio monitoring, and support auditors during internal and external audits.
• Support credit department tasks such as reviewing construction loan draw requests, appraisal reports, and environmental reports.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support departmental and organizational goals.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field from a four-year college or university.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of related experience, preferably in a commercial banking environment.
• Additional coursework, certifications, or experience in financial analysis, business intelligence, data analytics, credit risk management, or banking technology is preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced analytical and risk assessment skills, including proficiency with fractions and percentages.
• Ability to self-review and identify errors in written presentations, analyses, and reports.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting principles, economics, and credit analyst techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving, report writing, grammar, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to produce clear, professional credit presentations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Broad understanding of loan policy, loan operations, and overall banking procedures.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365 applications, including formulas, pivot tables, financial models, data analysis tools, reporting features, and emerging AI-enabled productivity solutions.
• Understanding of core banking processing systems to assemble data and generate reports effectively.

Traits of a Successful Candidate

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Analytical proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Critical thinking and sound independent judgment.
• Adaptability to varying portfolio volume demands.
• Thorough risk assessment expertise.
• Highly self-motivated and inquisitive.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to navigate difficult or contentious conversations successfully.

Working Conditions

• Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with a minimum of 40 hours per week; longer hours may be required.
• Remote or hybrid work schedules may be considered based on candidate qualifications and team needs.
• Work environment is a well-lit office with moderate noise levels.
• Job duties may require standing, walking, using hands, reaching, talking, hearing, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to focus.
• Ability to travel by air, rail, automobile, or bus if required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Total compensation ranges from $65,000 to $90,000 annually.
• The employer offers a generous benefits package.

Location

• Not specified; remote or hybrid options may be available depending on qualifications and team needs.