Credit Analyst III - CA

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.•Lake Forest, CA

21h•$80,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves analyzing and making decisions on powersports credit applications, assessing borrower creditworthiness, negotiating deal terms with dealers, and maintaining strong relationships with partners. The Credit Analyst III will also provide training and guidance to new employees and dealer partners, handle escalated issues, and contribute to strategic initiatives. This position requires strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

A minimum of 7 years of experience in credit analysis in powersports/motor vehicle lending.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
High school diploma, associate degree or equivalent in Finance, Business, or related field.
Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
Proven ability to assess credit risk and make sound lending decisions.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and changing environment.
Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
Research and problem-solving capabilities.
Excellent communication and people skills.
Ability to follow established procedures and processes.
Act as a resource for dealer and staff questions regarding the KMRF’s loan programs.
Ability to work on-site at our Foothill Ranch, CA office

Nice To Haves

Experience in working in a fast-paced startup environment.
Experience in Powersports Finance Industry (motorcycle, ATVs UTVs, PWCs)
Experience in a FinTech startup.
Advanced Professional Degree

Responsibilities

Lead the comprehensive training and ongoing development of both new and current employees to promote consistency, proficiency, and adherence to departmental procedures.
Provide supervisory oversight and continuity of day-to-day credit operations in the absence of a manager.
Partner with Credit Managers to support business operations and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
Oversee file audits for accuracy, quality, and compliance, and address deficiencies and uphold operational standards in the absence of a manager.
Provide leadership support in the review of exception requests, stipulation waivers, and decision overrides, assuming an elevated supervisory role with meaningful input into corrective actions in the absence of a manager.
Maintain a vested role in performance and compliance-related corrective actions, with weighted input in the evaluation process and authority to escalate, recommend, and potentially initiate corrective measures.
Complete strategic initiatives directed by management including cross-functional projects.
Analyze and render decisions on powersports credit applications for loans, within company guidelines and risk policies.
Assess borrower creditworthiness through credit reports, structure, and other tools.
Collaborate with dealers to negotiate deal terms where necessary, working to maximize capture rate while maintaining credit quality.
Communicate credit decisions clearly and professionally to dealer partners and the sales team.
Build and maintain strong relationships with dealers to support business growth and promote loyalty.
Conduct timely follow-ups on approved applications.
Review and resolve funding exceptions in a timely and accurate manner.
Serve as a resource to newly hired employees and Credit Analyst I team members by addressing questions, providing guidance, and reinforcing departmental standards and expectations.
Provide ongoing training to dealer partners on credit processes, funding requirements, and company policies.
Handle both incoming and outgoing calls.
Actively remind and educate dealers on value-added products such as KPP (Kawasaki Protection Plus) to enhance customer offerings and increase product penetration.
Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills in all interactions with internal teams and external partners.
Work closely with internal teams (sales, funding, customer service and credit).
Assist in developing underwriting procedures and training tools.
Handle escalated dealer or credit partner issues that require higher discretion and problem-solving.
Provide coverage and support for the Credit Managers as needed.
Utilize Microsoft Office and Loan Origination Systems (LOS) to process and manage loan applications.
All other duties as assigned.