Credit Underwriter

AgWest Farm Credit•Tempe, AZ

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

AgWest Farm Credit is seeking a Credit Underwriter I or Credit Underwriter II, internally known as a Credit Analyst, to join their Arizona Lending and Insurance department. This full-time position reports to the SVP, Credit and is responsible for providing sound, constructive credit and related services, typically supporting average to above average loan portfolios involving simple to moderately complex credits. The role involves gathering financial and business information, analyzing financial statements, preparing credit analyses, supporting customer relationships, participating in the large loan process, conducting farm visits and collateral inspections, researching agricultural industries, establishing rapport with customers, representing AgWest at public relations events, classifying loans, performing credit investigations, participating in loan closings, ensuring effective credit administration, and participating in industry teams. The position also involves collaborating with other AgWest teams for referrals and cross-selling, and may involve serving as a trainer or mentor, or participating in organization-wide initiatives. All duties must be performed in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or ag related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Generally, requires 1-2 years accounting or financial industry experience
Understanding of applicable credit laws and regulations, and bankruptcy law and collection procedures
Ability to market, sell, and effectively negotiate terms on AgWest products, including loan programs, interest rate programs, and financially related services, both verbally and in writing
Knowledge of appraisal techniques and principles
Thorough knowledge of credit classifications and sound loan administration practices

Nice To Haves

Agricultural background
Advanced knowledge of AgWest's policies and procedures
Advanced knowledge of AgWest's products and services and how they are delivered

Responsibilities

Gather financial and business related information from customers, prospects and other available resources through personal interviews, phone interviews, and other information resources.
Analyze financial statements, including opinions and notes, tax records, “in house” prepared financial statements and pro forma statements.
Analyze credit and prepare analysis on small and medium size portfolios; submit sound credit analysis and recommendations for review.
Comply with AgWest documentation expectations, procedures, laws and regulations.
Support customer relationships through marketing and servicing financially related products by communicating with customers, their professional representatives and employees at the branch office or customer locations.
Effectively participate in the Large Loan process as needed to provide high quality products to be delivered within the agreed time frames and within the risk parameters acceptable to AgWest.
Complete farm visits, collateral inspections and document observations. This requires transportation to and from the operation, visually inspecting the condition and valuation of loan collateral.
Conduct research of agricultural and related industries and commodities to determine viability, trends and opportunities for AgWest to strengthen its position.
Establish rapport with and develop/maintain confidence of customers and prospective customers.
Represent AgWest at public relations events by joining or actively supporting appropriate agricultural organizations, civic groups or commodity groups and actively participating in sponsored events and programs.
Accurately classify and identify appropriate charge-off reserves, cash income accounting and allowances on assigned loans.
Perform credit investigations on applicants including public record searches, credit bureau reports, employment and income verification and asset and liability verification.
Participate in loan closings by ensuring the appropriate documentation is completed and understood by the customer.
Ensure effective and accurate credit administration through coordination with relationship managers and others.
Participate in assigned industry teams or industry task forces as needed; assist teams with detailed industry studies and the organization of industry specific customer educational events.
Effectively work with customers and collaborate with other AgWest teams to make referrals and cross-sell products, to meet customer needs.
May serve as a trainer or mentor in the organization.
May participate in organization-wide initiatives as requested or directed.
Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Other duties as assigned.