Credit Underwriter
About the role
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 a Credit Analyst I, II, or III) to join our Credit Resolution Team in Spokane, Washington.
Responsibilities
- Service existing accounts by meeting with and receiving information from customers.
- Complete customer visits and document observations.
- This requires visually inspecting the condition and value of loan collateral, evaluating the customer's management practices and expected repayment.
- Make quality credit decisions to ensure customer service, a high quality loan portfolio and loan administration.
- Monitor loan performance and service assigned accounts.
- Prepare credit analysis and submit recommendations to supervisor or loan committee for action.
- Approve loans within delegated authority.
- Gather financial information through interviews in person and by phone, read audited financial statements, legal opinions, tax records and other financials.
- Comply with organization documentation expectations, procedures, laws and regulations.
- Service assigned accounts with the objective 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 of 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. May 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 and ensure timely transfers between divisions and portfolio groups to meet customer service needs and organization objectives.
- Serve as a liaison between customers and other Farm Credit employees and outside parties.
- Represent and communicate the values, purpose, and mission of the organization to employees, customers, the public and other target audiences.
- This may include traveling to farms or other locations to meet with customers.
- 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.
- Generally, requires one to two years' accounting or financial industry experience.
- Understanding of applicable credit laws and regulations, and bankruptcy law and collection procedures.
- Ability to market, sell, and effectively negotiate terms on AgWest products, including loan programs, interest rate programs, and financially related services, both verbally and in writing.
- 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 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!
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 Spokane, Washington is:
- Level I: Typical starting salary: $60,000 - $80,300, Full base salary: $60,000 - $90,400, Annual performance-based incentive at target is 10% of base.
- Level II: Typical starting salary: $66,200 - $88,700, Full base salary: $66,200 - $99,900, Annual performance-based incentive at target is 12% of base.
- Level III: Typical starting salary: $72,600 - $99,900, Full base salary: $72,600 - $125,200, Annual performance-based incentive at target is 15% of base.