BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP SPECIALIST - WATERFORD

First BanCorp•Miami, FL

About The Position

The Business Relationship Specialist coordinates the bank unit’s efforts to service customer needs and resolve inquiries, and supports Relationship Officers in enrolling and closing sales and services as a secondary customer contact. The role handles and coordinates account and loan transactions, supports loan origination and closing, processes loan payments and disbursements, monitors customer accounts, and helps administer the commercial credit portfolio. It also responds to customer inquiries and discrepancies, identifies sales opportunities, prepares reports and presentations, and contributes to process improvements and departmental projects. The position exercises moderate discretion within assigned parameters and consults a supervisor when variances or decisions arise. It has no direct supervisory responsibilities. Errors may affect essential administrative, operational, or business activities with considerable economic impact. The role is performed primarily in an office environment with comfortable room temperature, good lighting, and quiet conditions. Employees may be exposed to outside elements when visiting government offices, outside agencies, or customers. Physical requirements include close and distance vision; regularly sitting, using hands, and talking or hearing; occasionally standing and walking; and potentially lifting or moving boxes or packages weighing up to 10 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or an associate degree and/or two years of experience in commercial banking operations or customer service, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential job functions.
Thorough knowledge of the division’s banking services and products, commercial operating systems, documentation, and applicable rules, regulations, and procedures.
Knowledge of banking laws and requirements, including Know Your Customer, the Bank Secrecy Act, the US Patriot Act, CRA, Truth in Lending, and Truth in Savings.
Knowledge of sales and customer-service processes, including the ability to manage demanding, difficult, or emotional customer situations and respond promptly to customer needs.
Good analytical, problem-solving, and mathematical skills.
Ability to contribute to a positive team environment and integrate with peer departments, especially Closing, Credit, and Loan Review.
Accuracy, thoroughness, and an interest in improving and promoting quality.
Good planning and organizational skills; ability to follow policies and procedures and complete administrative tasks correctly and on time.
Ability to treat people with respect, uphold organizational values, and maintain composure, tact, and courtesy in routinely high-volume and demanding situations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to write, speak, and understand English; excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Customer-service orientation.
Availability to work overtime and visit customers and outside agencies when required.
Valid license to operate a motor vehicle.

Responsibilities

Work with Relationship Officers on account opening and closing, commercial transaction banking products and services, authorized-signature maintenance, loan closing and disbursement, and processing loan and collateral documents.
Support loan origination by following up with prospects and clients for application information and help close approved loans by obtaining documentation, completing checklists, and submitting required information.
Conduct credit reports, OFAC, World Check, and CCI searches; prepare appraisal engagements and order environmental reports.
Process loan payments and adjustments, provide customers with account balances, payment information, and due dates, and analyze principal and interest applications as needed.
Prepare or process loan-proceeds disbursement instructions, including accounting entries, official checks, and wires; verify next-day data entry and coordinate corrections.
Monitor portfolio accounts for available funds and apply payments in accordance with credit policies and loan contracts.
Handle branch referrals for check encashment approvals and referrals of electronic transactions involving exposure or insufficient funds, document in-transit transactions, and seek Relationship Officer concurrence for potential Credit staff approval.
Support administration of the commercial credit portfolio by reviewing maturity schedules and documentation expiration dates, notifying customers of required information, following up on requests, and making documentation available to Relationship Officers and credit analysts.
Maintain credit files with updated documents and keep documentation ticklers current.
Receive and initiate customer calls, emails, and in-person visits; coordinate investigations and resolution of discrepancies involving DDA accounts, loans, and other products or services; and follow through to provide customers with necessary information.
Identify sales opportunities and refer them to Relationship Officers and other business areas.
Assist with or prepare reports, statistics, graphics, tables, and presentations as requested by a supervisor or management.
Help streamline processes by using available structure and system capabilities.
Participate in staff meetings and individual coaching sessions as needed.
Control operational costs through proactive process management.
Assist with departmental special projects as needed.