Associate Credit Officer, FCF

About the role

First Commercial Finance Associate Credit Officers provide leadership, direction, oversight, and guidance in commercial finance credit origination, underwriting, and management. The position may be responsible to provide leadership, direction, and guidance to the Market or Portfolio Managers, Credit Analysts or Underwriters, and Loan Origination or Sales staff. Associate Commercial Finance Credit Officers share responsibility with line and product management for the credit quality of assigned portfolios and are members of various credit approval and Problem Loan Committees.

Responsibilities

• Exercise lending authority up to $5 million in exposure and provide recommendations to Executive and Senior Management for approval of credit requests exceeding $5 million.
• Work with credit analysts, portfolio analysts, and underwriters to foster a clear understanding of FFB/FCF Credit Culture and Credit Management expectations for origination, underwriting, and management of commercial finance credit.
• Ensure completion and appropriate management of Credit Quality, Management, Underwriting, Analysis, and Client or Concept reviews in concert with FFB Credit Culture.
• Approve and recommend commercial credits within the bank’s Credit Approval Policies and Processes within assigned credit authority.
• Participate in various Credit and Credit Risk committees to gain a holistic perspective on organizational credit management.
• Contribute to the development of improved Policies and Processes that support creditworthy, profitable growth.
• Participate in Corporate Management and Strategy meetings when requested.
• Review Credit Quality (Past Due’s, Classified, Non-Accrual, Charge-Offs) and Credit Management (Matured Loans, Credit, Documentation, and Policy Exceptions) with appropriate credit staff to achieve “Satisfactory” or better results.
• Share responsibility for ensuring appropriate assignment of Asset Quality Ratings on all loan relationships.
• Assist Special Asset officers in developing workout strategies, including Exit vs. Retain decisions.
• Review and/or negotiate proposed legal loan documents when requested by FCF management, Commercial Credit Officer, or FCF Counsel.
• Assist in training related to Credit processes, policies, and management.
• Manage the pipeline of new and existing loans.
• Perform other duties as assigned by FCF management or Credit Officer.

Requirements

• 8+ years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated lending authority and experience managing credit exposures up to or exceeding $5 million.
• Extensive understanding of commercial banking products, services, and lending processes.
• Deep understanding of asset quality rating systems and credit classifications.
• Proficient in financial statement analysis, cash flow modeling, and risk assessment for complex commercial transactions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret financial, business, and market data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with senior and executive management, committees, and clients.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

Regularly handles complex commercial finance credit transactions, often multi-faceted and requiring deep analytical review. Works across a broad set of credit management activities, including credit quality assessment, asset classification, legal documentation reviews, policy development, and pipeline management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Responsible for direct management of a team of commercial finance underwriters.

Physical Requirements

• Primary work environment is a professional office setting with standard business hours; work is primarily sedentary, involving prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working at a computer.
• Frequent use of computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment.
• Occasional standing, walking, and light lifting (up to 20 lbs.).
• Occasional travel required to visit other offices, business partners, or clients by car and/or air.
• Ability to effectively communicate in person and via electronic means.

Compliance

The associate is responsible for meeting all compliance requirements imposed on First Financial Bank by State and Federal law and regulation, as well as all related First Financial Bank policies and procedures. This includes Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC, Suspicious Activity reporting requirements, and all other lending and deposit compliance requirements.

Pay

$120,000/year - $170,000/year

Benefits

We have relevant, thoughtful benefits and programs that support every aspect of our associates' holistic wellbeing. Incentive eligibility applies to all roles except Co-Op, Intern, or Student positions.