Credit Analyst

Communities Unlimited, Inc.•Fayetteville, AR

5h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Credit Analyst is designed as an entry-level developmental position for those seeking to build a career in community development finance, banking, or mission-based lending. This role provides hands-on training in credit analysis, underwriting fundamentals, and CDFI portfolio management. The Credit Analyst supports the evaluation and monitoring of loans across CU’s diversified portfolio while developing strong analytical, financial modeling, and risk assessment skills. This position works closely with CU’s Lending Team to ensure sound credit decisions that balance impact and risk. The workflow often includes processes and/or information that are related to confidential matters and requires absolute protection of information. This position also requires a high level of customer service and an ability to respectfully and professionally communicate with internal and external customers that may be in an agitated state. CU offers a range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, company-paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance. An Employer 401k Match, paid holiday, vacation and sick time. This position is a hybrid role based out of Northwest Arkansas.

Requirements

Option A - bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a closely related field (completed within the past 1–3 years preferred).
OR
Option B – associate degree, technical training, or equivalent coursework in accounting, finance, or business; and 2+ years of relevant experience through internships, apprenticeships, banking support roles, bookkeeping, or financial services positions.
Must maintain a valid driver's license, have reliable transportation, an acceptable driving record, and at least the state minimum personal liability auto insurance coverage.
Must be authorized to work in the USA.
Demonstrated ability to interpret financial information or work with financial documentation.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office with strong Excel aptitude.
Commitment to professional development in credit analysis or community development finance.

Responsibilities

Analyze personal and business financial statements, tax returns, cash flow projections, and credit reports.
Assist in preparing underwriting summaries and credit memos for review by senior staff and loan committees.
Perform basic financial spreading and ratio analysis.
Support risk rating assignments consistent with CU credit policies.
Communicate with loan applicants to collect required documentation and clarify financial information.
Provide professional and timely customer service while reinforcing CU’s mission-driven approach.
Support Loan Officers with preliminary financial reviews and data analysis.
Assist with post-closing financial tracking and covenant compliance.
Monitor borrower reporting requirements and identify early warning risk indicators.
Contribute to portfolio performance reporting and internal risk dashboards.
Maintain complete and organized credit files in accordance with CU policies and CDFI requirements.
Support compliance with internal credit policies, grant requirements, and regulatory standards.
Maintain accurate and consistent loan data within CU’s internal documentation, spreadsheets, and reporting systems to support sound underwriting, portfolio monitoring, and compliance reporting.
Special projects and other duties may be assigned from time-to-time by the program director.