Credit Underwriter

About the role

AgWest Farm Credit is a member-owned financial cooperative serving farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners, and crop insurance customers in seven Western U.S. states. We are part of the Farm Credit System, a leading provider of credit to American agriculture. We serve customers in 59 locations across the West and are seeking a Credit Underwriter I, II, or III to join our Credit Resolution Team in Rocklin, California.

Responsibilities

• Service existing accounts by meeting with and receiving information from customers.
• Complete customer visits and document observations, including visually inspecting loan collateral, evaluating management practices, and assessing expected repayment.
• Make quality credit decisions to ensure customer service, a high-quality loan portfolio, and effective loan administration.
• Maintain and monitor loan performance and service assigned accounts.
• Prepare credit analysis and submit recommendations to supervisors or loan committees for approval.
• Approve loans within delegated authority.
• Gather financial information through interviews and reviews of financial statements, legal opinions, tax records, and other financial documents.
• Comply with organization documentation expectations, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Service assigned accounts with the goal of providing efficient customer service and maximizing the return on troubled assets through proactive servicing and timely coordination with other divisions and portfolio groups.
• Establish rapport with and develop confidence in customers and prospective customers.
• 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, CBI reports, employment and income verification, and asset and liability verification.
• Review loan documents prior to closing to ensure appropriate documentation is completed and participate in loan closings.
• Ensure a high degree of credit administration by developing and implementing sales/servicing plans and coordinating actions with financial specialists.
• Communicate with other divisions and portfolio groups to ensure timely transfers between divisions and portfolio groups to meet customer service needs and organizational objectives.
• Support customer relationships to ensure profitability of assigned portfolios.
• Value real estate, personal property, and other collateral following assigned procedures.
• Visually inspect the property and assign a value based on organization guidelines.
• Effectively work with customers and other Farm Credit employees and outside parties.
• This may include travel to farms or other locations to meet with customers.
• Represent and communicate the values, purpose, and mission of the organization to employees, customers, the public, and other target audiences.
• This may include joining or actively supporting appropriate agricultural organizations, civic groups, or commodity groups and actively participating in sponsored events and programs.
• Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or ag-related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One to two years' accounting or financial industry experience.
• Understanding of applicable credit laws and regulations, and bankruptcy law and collection procedures.
• Knowledge of appraisal techniques and principles.
• Thorough knowledge of credit classifications and sound loan administration practices.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic term life and AD&D insurance (fully paid 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!

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.

Workplace Flexibility

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

Compensation

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

• Level I: Typical starting range $69,400 - $92,500, Full base salary range $69,400 - $104,100, Annual performance-based incentive target 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 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 15% of base.

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