Commercial Underwriter III, Food & Agribusiness

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Job description

We do the right things, right now. We do them in a way that is relevant to our clients. Become a part of our history as it continues to be written!

If you are interested and qualified for this role, we invite you to apply.

The Food & Agribusiness Underwriter is a member of the credit team supporting the Food and Agribusiness initiative of First Financial Bank. They are responsible for all credit activities related to this large and complex loan portfolio and will work closely with sales, support, legal, finance, and accounting staff to accomplish team goals. They will also serve as a resource to other staff throughout First Financial Bank.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:
• Performs financial analysis and risk assessment for the commercial credit portfolio for Food & Agribusiness. May back up other business lines as needed and established by the bank.
• Review commercial loan applications and analyzes credit information to make a general assessment of applicant's creditworthiness. Determines whether or not the proposed loan will conform to the Bank's lending policy.

• Spread statements for all new business opportunities and renewals not assigned to credit portfolio analyst. Financial spreading and cash flow/CRE template preparation for pre-screen/opportunity memo for prospects and new loans to existing clients.

• Provides feedback to the Managing Director of Business Capital, Director of Food & Agribusiness, Senior RM and Specialty Credit Officer (CO) as appropriate, regarding structure, underwriting, and management of loans.

• Prepare credit memos for new and renewal requests on complex credits and large clients, including those going before the Senior Credit Committee. This position could also serve as point of contact on large credits and/or will be assigned a portfolio of clients
• Work with Commercial Relationship Managers in the preparation of complete and accurate CARs for presentation to the appropriate credit authorities for decisions on transaction credit requests and reviews. Attendance of loan committees when a CAR is being presented. Finalization of changes to CAR and verification of approval process in accordance with FFB policy.
• Work directly with Senior Relationship Managers, Business Unit Managers, and Regional Presidents in respective region. Includes attending local / regional meetings as necessary.
• Focus on new business and larger and/or more complex renewal transactions.
• Serve as additional point of contact on large credits and be present with RM/RA in discussions with client on financial statement questions. Assist RM/RA in maturity tracking for their assigned region. In conjunction with the CO, lead in the preparation of periodic portfolio reports assessing on-going risk.
• Assist in the management of workflow and assigned credits. Additionally, this associate's responsibilities may include helping mentor, train and guide other Underwriters as needed.
• Assist on special projects as needed

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform Essential Functions of the Job:
• Requires at least 5 years of credit or Business Banking underwriting experience
• Proficiency in mathematical concepts, in order to apply to practical situations.
• Knowledge of advanced accounting principles and techniques
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Agriculture or related field.
• Master's Degree in Business, encouraged but not required

Physical Requirements:
• Occasionally lifts and carries up to 20 lbs.
• Occasionally stand and walks.
• Frequently sits.

Compliance Statement: 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 all Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC and Suspicious Activity reporting requirements, as well as all other lending and deposit compliance requirements.

It is our policy to not discriminate against any individual in violation of federal, state, and local laws as it relates to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran/military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are an E-Verify Employer.