Credit Officer I

SouthState Bank•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

This position is primarily responsible for managing the Bank’s credit risk through the prudent and sound use of delegated loan approval authority. The Credit Officer analyzes loan requests, renewals and modifications (prepared jointly by Credit Analysts, Portfolio Managers, and Relationship Managers) to determine the likelihood of repayment, ensure that loan terms, structure, covenants and conditions are appropriate, arrive at a final approve/decline decision, and assign an appropriate risk rating. Credit Officers must be well-versed in sound lending principles, the Bank’s loan policy, and current Federal and state laws and regulations. The Credit Officer is expected to proactively identify and communicate ideas for improving the credit administration process. Finally, the Credit Officer acts as a commercial lending and credit mentor, coach, and liaison to teammates across the organization.

Requirements

Interpersonal skills:
Must have active listening skills (i.e., the ability to listen to others (without interruption), seek genuine understanding, and propose relevant and appropriate ideas).
Patient and willing to help internal and external stakeholders solve problems while maintaining a positive attitude.
Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
Composed under pressure.
An inclination to lead, organize, and develop within their sphere of influence.
Well-organized, accurate, and attentive to detail.
Able to type at a pace of roughly 20 words per minute.
Proficient with a financial calculator.
Proficient with standard office machines, Microsoft Office software suites, and any software that might be utilized in the department.
Ability to use the computer efficiently and the capacity to learn new software programs as they are rolled out by the Bank.
Able to fluently speak and write in business English (including spelling, grammar, and punctuation).
Requires Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, economics, finance or a related field; Graduation from a recognized school of banking and/or business-related graduate degrees are a plus.
Prior commercial lending, underwriting, and credit approval is highly beneficial.
Minimum of five years of experience in commercial banking, business banking and/or portfolio management.
Competent to decision deals of moderate complexity, typically arising from a local market area.
Knowledge of accounting, finance, and lending principles.
In-depth knowledge of Federal and State lending regulations and Bank policies related to lending procedures.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from a recognized school of banking and/or business-related graduate degrees are a plus.
Prior commercial lending, underwriting, and credit approval is highly beneficial.

Responsibilities

Read, analyze and synthesize large amounts of information (e.g., spreads, credit memorandums, financial statements, audits, loan documents, leases, appraisal and environmental reports, etc.)
Perform relevant underwriting calculations and financial statement ratios
Know and stay abreast of economic conditions
Determine appropriate loan amounts and credit limits
Coordinate approvals with Relationship Managers
Supervise underwriters to verify correct completion of duties
Approving credits within nCino and maintaining accurate credit files
Follow strict confidentially procedures
Ensure risk ratings are appropriately assigned during the new loan/renewal approval process
Perform duties within established service level agreements (i.e., SLAs)
Coach, mentor and develop staff (i.e., Portfolio Managers)
Drive strict compliance with the Bank’s policies and procedures, code of conduct, and regulatory guidelines
Assistance other employees by liaising with them through healthy and positive interactions
Participate in marketing endeavors/efforts
Continuously update skills through Bank and third-party training
All other tasks, responsibilities or duties, as directed by management