Credit Officer

BankWest • Pierre, SD

2d

About The Position

The Credit Officer works with Bank lending personnel and Credit Administration to support loan approval and monitoring. The role evaluates the creditworthiness of current and prospective customers and makes credit decisions within limits approved by BankWest's Loan Committee. The Credit Officer also contributes to credit department enhancements, lending staff training, and the development of reports, loan forms, and documentation. As backup to the Head of Credit (HOC), the position provides timely credit decisions while following BankWest loan policies, guidelines, standards, and applicable state and federal banking regulations.

The position supports the quality and oversight of BankWest's loan portfolio through credit review, risk assessment, documentation guidance, portfolio stress testing, and monitoring economic and market trends. It collaborates with lending staff and Credit Administration and may assist the Special Assets Department as requested. The Credit Officer is also expected to contribute leadership and expertise, participate in projects and committees, attend training, follow organizational policies, and support BankWest's presence in its markets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; applicable experience and/or related certifications may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 10 years of experience in agricultural/commercial lending.
• Experience in financial analysis, risk assessment, and underwriting.
• Ability to work dependently and/or independently, under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust work schedules as needed to complete responsibilities.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple responsibilities while delivering quality external and/or internal customer service.
• Excellent credit and financial analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of concepts related to commercial and agricultural lending and credit analysis.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with external and/or internal customers.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, regulatory requirements relevant to the duties.
• Knowledge of commercial and agricultural lending, including underwriting and analysis of financial statements, tax returns, and cash flows.
• Knowledge of strategic thinking, organizational leadership, and working with regulatory bodies.
• Knowledge of banking terminology and procedures.
• Knowledge of BankWest products and services.
• Ability to use a variety of application software, learn computer programs, and understand program output.
• Follow Federal Privacy Standards and BankWest requirements for electronic communication and social engineering standards.
• Employees are expected to participate directly or indirectly in increasing BankWest's presence in their markets, as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve agricultural and commercial credit requests, as well as requests for home equity loans, cash management services, and consumer credit.
• Review and approve requests for charge-offs, non-accruals, and risk-rating changes.
• Preview and recommend requests for Loan Committee approval, with assistance from the Chief Credit Officer (CCO) and Head of Credit (HOC) as needed.
• Collaborate with lending staff on loan structure and help identify issues related to borrowers' financial status.
• Monitor adherence to BankWest's Loan Policy and seek solutions that benefit BankWest.
• Apply granted loan authority prudently to help maintain loan portfolio quality and provide guidance on required collateral, loan agreements, signatures, and other documentation.
• Oversee credit quality, including the details of credit presentations, customer credit quality, associated risks, and resolution of issues; request additional information and edits or enhancements as needed.
• Enhance the credit process, improve analysis quality, and assist with improving lending forms and related documentation.
• Help document and maintain credit policies and procedures and ensure they are followed consistently, collaborating with the CCO and HOC.
• Establish and maintain a loan portfolio stress-testing process; conduct and document stress tests semi-annually and report results.
• Acquire and maintain economic and market data reports to monitor financial status and trends in markets, lending sectors, and state and national conditions; serve as a subject matter expert on critical market information for BankWest's markets.
• Assist the Special Assets Department as requested by the CCO or HOC.
• Provide relevant expertise and counsel in a leadership capacity.
• Collaborate with departmental counterparts to plan and implement assigned projects and products.
• Participate in committees and project teams as deemed appropriate by management.
• Attend and actively participate in organizational and job-specific training and Quality Service programs.
• Follow applicable BankWest policies and procedures.
• Participate in community involvement, which is strongly encouraged.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Participate directly or indirectly in efforts to increase BankWest's presence in its markets, as appropriate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior