Commercial Banking Associate

SouthState Bank•Charleston, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Commercial Banking Associate Program is designed for new graduates with a 3.4 GPA or higher and prior internship experience. This program offers a structured start to your banking career, fostering group dynamics and consistency. After training onsite in Tampa FL for the first 6 months, you’ll return to your local market. As a Commercial Banking Associate you’ll develop expertise in underwriting, loan processing, portfolio management, and relationship management. This hourly role equips you to acquire new Business Banking clients and enhance existing relationships. With strong performance and available opportunities, you may progress to the Commercial Portfolio Analyst role and then into other roles over time. Key areas of focus include commercial term loans, lines of credit, cash management, treasury services, owner-occupied and investment real estate loans, and SBA-guaranteed loans. You’ll collaborate with commercial banking staff and sales partners to build your knowledge and sales capabilities, driving business banking opportunities. Additionally, you’ll have opportunities to meet various lines of business leaders and work on projects to broaden your exposure and impact. The role demands excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Requirements

Must have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree within the last 2 years.
Minimum GPA of 3.4, preferred.
Previous internship experience, preferably in finance, banking, or a related field.
Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with financial modeling or banking software is a plus.

Responsibilities

Learn and understand how financial spreads work and their practical application to different tiers.
Assist in evaluating credit applications by analyzing financial statements, credit reports, and other relevant data to assess risk and creditworthiness.
Prepare preliminary underwriting documents and structure loan proposals.
Assist in monitoring and managing assigned client portfolios, including tracking loan performance, identifying potential risks, and recommending solutions to maintain portfolio health.
Conduct periodic reviews of client accounts to ensure alignment with financial goals and bank standards.
Facilitate the loan origination process by gathering and verifying client documentation, ensuring compliance with bank policies and regulatory requirements.
Learn from internal teams to streamline loan approvals and closings.
Build and maintain relationships with Retail, Small Business Banking, Business Banking, Middle Market and Commercial clients by addressing inquiries, providing tailored financial solutions, and ensuring high-quality service.
Collaborate with sales partners to identify and pursue new business opportunities, including prospecting for potential clients in the commercial banking sector.
Assist in preparing presentations and proposals to attract new clients and expand market presence.
Develop sales acumen to contribute to business growth and client retention.
Participate in cross-functional projects with various lines of business, such as product development, process improvements, or market analysis, to gain broader exposure to banking operations.
Engage with business line leaders to understand strategic priorities and contribute to team initiatives.
Complete all compliance courses as prescribed by job function.
Actively participate in training sessions to develop technical skills in areas like financial analysis, credit risk assessment, and treasury services.
Build product knowledge in commercial term loans, lines of credit, cash management, owner-occupied and investment real estate loans, and SBA-guaranteed loans.
Attend leadership training.
Work closely with commercial banking staff to support sales efforts, including preparing client pitches and identifying cross-selling opportunities for treasury services and other banking products.