Credit Analyst III

First Interstate BancSystem • Kalispell, MT

8d

About The Position

The Credit Analyst III independently evaluates and underwrites complex commercial credit requests, including Commercial Real Estate (CRE), Commercial and Industrial (C&I), hospitality, municipal, and other commercial credit types. The role gathers, analyzes, and interprets personal and business financial statements, projections, and internal and external reports to assess creditworthiness, repayment capacity, and compliance with bank policy and federal regulations. The analyst partners with Commercial Relationship Managers on new and existing loan relationships, with a focus on credit quality, risk mitigation, and portfolio performance.

The position exercises independent judgment in evaluating credit risk, assigning risk ratings, recommending credit structures, identifying policy exceptions, and advising management on credit-related decisions. It also supports the development of junior analysts through mentoring, training, and review of their work. The position may be based in Kalispell, Great Falls, Helena, Missoula, or Whitefish, Montana. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 7–9 years of banking experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with financial spread software.
• Strong organization and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain internal and external relationships with Relationship Managers, Credit Officers, and Risk Management personnel.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, set priorities, meet strict deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Self-motivation and ability to assist with credit risk decisions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to collaborate to achieve individual objectives and team results while adapting to changing volumes, requirements, and areas of focus.
• Credit transaction and analytical proficiency sufficient to underwrite commercial requests ranging from streamlined to complex, with limited guidance.
• Ability to make independent assessments and support credit actions based on analysis and interpretation of Credit Policy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and ability to learn other programs.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with reasonable accommodation when needed.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field.
• Commercial banking experience.

Responsibilities

• Review financial statements and supporting materials, including tax returns, balance sheets, profit and loss statements, agings, borrowing base certificates, debt schedules, equipment lists, credit bureau reports, rent rolls, lease agreements, and appraisals.
• Prepare financial spreads for commercial and real estate businesses, municipalities, nonprofits, and individuals acting as borrowers or guarantors.
• Independently analyze the creditworthiness of commercial applicants and guarantors by reviewing loan applications, spreading historical and projected financial statements, calculating cash flows and financial ratios, evaluating collateral, researching borrowers and industries, and identifying risks.
• Analyze findings and prepare comprehensive written reports using data analysis and narrative.
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate credit risk; determine appropriate risk ratings; and recommend credit approval, modification, renewal, or denial.
• Underwrite and evaluate streamlined to complex commercial credit requests with limited guidance from the immediate manager.
• Perform special projects related to credit administration, portfolio management, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor changes in federal regulations and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and FIB credit policy requirements.
• Serve as an Anchor Analyst in the bank’s mentorship program, mentoring junior analysts and supporting underwriting quality and consistency.
• Assist Relationship Managers with quarterly monitoring reports for classified and criticized commercial relationships.
• Complete financial performance metric covenant testing using prepared financial spreads.
• Perform assigned portfolio management activities.
• Participate in monthly quality-control reviews of forms, spreads, and analyses, providing feedback and mentoring.
• Help develop training materials and deliver training through various channels.
• Provide guidance and development support to lower-level analysts through a mentorship program.
• Serve as a resource for Relationship Managers and other analysts on Loan Policy, loan structuring, and underwriting recommendations.

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO) and paid federal holidays.
• Student debt employer repayment program.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 6% match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED