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. As part of the Farm Credit System, AgWest supports agriculture and rural communities.

Responsibilities

• Gather financial and business-related information from customers, prospects, and other resources through personal and phone interviews, and analyze financial statements, including tax records and pro forma statements.
• Analyze credit and prepare analysis on small and medium-sized portfolios, submitting sound credit analysis and recommendations for review.
• Support customer relationships by marketing and servicing financially related products, communicating with customers, their representatives, and employees at branch offices or customer locations.
• Participate in the Large Loan process as needed to deliver high-quality products within agreed timelines and risk parameters.
• Conduct farm visits, collateral inspections, and document observations, including transportation to and from operations for visual inspection of loan collateral.
• Research agricultural and related industries to determine viability, trends, and opportunities for AgWest to strengthen its position.
• Establish rapport with and build confidence in customers and potential customers.
• Represent AgWest at public relations events by joining or supporting appropriate agricultural organizations, civic groups, or commodity groups, and participating in sponsored events and programs.
• Accurately classify and identify appropriate charge-off reserves, cash income accounting, and allowances on assigned loans.
• Perform credit investigations on applicants, including public record searches, credit bureau reports, employment and income verification, and asset and liability verification.
• Ensure effective and accurate credit administration through coordination with relationship managers and others.
• Participate in assigned industry teams or task forces as needed, assisting with detailed industry studies and organizing customer educational events.
• Effectively work with customers and collaborate with other AgWest teams to make referrals and cross-sell products to meet customer needs.
• May serve as a trainer or mentor in the organization.
• May participate in organization-wide initiatives as requested or directed.
• Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or ag-related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-2 years of accounting or financial industry experience.
• Understanding of applicable credit laws and regulations, bankruptcy law, and collection procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of appraisal techniques and principles.
• Thorough knowledge of credit classifications and sound loan administration practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or ag-related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-2 years of accounting or financial industry experience.
• Understanding of applicable credit laws and regulations, bankruptcy law, and collection procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of appraisal techniques and principles.
• Thorough knowledge of credit classifications and sound loan administration practices.

Skills

• Agricultural background.
• Advanced knowledge of AgWest's policies and procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of AgWest's products and services and how they are delivered.

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!
• Vacation accrual rates increase with tenure.

Pay

• Base salary range for Credit Underwriter II or Credit Underwriter III in Paso Robles, California: Level II - $72,600 - $97,800, Level III - $80,000 - $110,100.
• Annual performance-based incentive target is 12% of base for Level II and 15% of base for Level III.

Schedule

• This is a full-time position.