Credit Underwriter

AgWest Farm Credit•Paso Robles, CA

1d•$72,600 - $137,800•Hybrid

About The Position

AgWest Farm Credit is seeking a Credit Underwriter II or III, internally known as a Credit Analyst, for its California Lending and Insurance department in Paso Robles, California. This full-time role reports to the VP, Credit and provides sound, constructive credit and related services, typically supporting average-to-above-average loan portfolios involving simple-to-moderately-complex credits. The position gathers and evaluates customer financial and business information, analyzes credit, and prepares recommendations for review. It supports customer relationships and loan administration, participates in loan closings and the Large Loan process, and contributes to agricultural industry research and customer outreach. The role also involves farm visits, collateral inspections, credit investigations, and coordination with relationship managers and other teams. After an initial in-office training period, the role is eligible for coordinated hybrid flexibility and a one-time home office stipend. Occasional travel for all-staff or team meetings may be requested. Relocation assistance is available to eligible candidates who must relocate. Compensation depends on level and other factors. For Level II, the typical starting range is $72,600–$97,800 and the full base salary range is $72,600–$110,400, with a 12% annual performance-based incentive target. For Level III, the typical starting range is $80,000–$110,100 and the full base salary range is $80,000–$137,800, with a 15% annual performance-based incentive target.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or an agriculture-related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Generally, 1–2 years of accounting or financial industry experience.
Understanding of applicable credit laws and regulations, 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, 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 policies and procedures.
Advanced knowledge of AgWest products and services and how they are delivered.

Responsibilities

Gather financial and business information from customers, prospects, and other sources through interviews and other resources.
Analyze financial statements, tax records, internally prepared financial statements, and pro forma statements.
Analyze credit and prepare analysis and recommendations for small and medium-size portfolios for review.
Comply with AgWest documentation expectations, procedures, laws, and regulations.
Support customer relationships by marketing and servicing financially related products and communicating with customers, their professional representatives, and branch employees.
Participate in the Large Loan process as needed to deliver high-quality products within agreed time frames and acceptable risk parameters.
Conduct farm visits and collateral inspections, document observations, and visually inspect collateral condition and valuation.
Research agricultural and related industries and commodities to identify viability, trends, and opportunities.
Establish rapport with customers and prospective customers and develop and maintain their confidence.
Represent AgWest at public relations events and participate in appropriate agricultural, civic, or commodity organizations and sponsored programs.
Classify and identify charge-off reserves, cash income accounting, and allowances on assigned loans.
Conduct credit investigations, including public record searches, credit bureau reports, and verification of employment, income, assets, and liabilities.
Participate in loan closings and ensure appropriate documentation is completed and understood by the customer.
Coordinate with relationship managers and others to ensure effective and accurate credit administration.
Participate in industry teams or task forces and assist with industry studies and customer educational events.
Collaborate with customers and AgWest teams to make referrals and cross-sell products to meet customer needs.
May serve as an organizational trainer or mentor.
May participate in organization-wide initiatives as requested or directed.
Perform duties and maintain standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic term life and AD&D insurance fully paid for by the company.
15 vacation days annually.
15 sick days annually.
12 holidays annually.
3 volunteer days annually.
401(k) plan with a 6% match plus a 3% employer contribution.
Employee Assistance Program.
Wellness Program.
One-time home office stipend.
Relocation assistance for eligible candidates who must relocate.
Vacation accrual rates increase with tenure.
Annual performance-based incentive target: 12% of base for Level II or 15% of base for Level III.