Junior Associate - Franchise Finance (Remote)

Gulf Coast Bank & Trust•Chicago, IL

16h•Remote

About The Position

The Junior Associate will provide entry-level support to the Gulf Coast Franchise Finance (GCFF) team across the loan life cycle. Under close supervision, this role will assist with initial application intake, basic file preparation, data entry, and routine pre-closing and post-closing activities. The Junior Associate will learn core franchise finance processes while supporting departmental operations and helping ensure accurate and timely flow of information.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a business-related discipline preferred; relevant coursework or internships in finance, accounting, or banking a plus.
Entry-level; up to 2 years of related experience in banking, finance, or administrative support preferred, but not required
Minimum preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and documentation.
Basic analytical and problem-solving skills, with willingness to learn financial concepts and tools.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks under supervision.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and respond positively to coaching and feedback.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); ability to learn bank-specific systems.
Authorized to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis. Please note, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company and its family of financial services will not provide any assistance or sign any documentation to support immigration sponsorship or benefit including but not limited to optional practical training (OPT) or curricular practical training (CPT).
Ability to travel if required to perform the essential job functions.
Ability to work under stress and meet deadlines.
Ability to read and interpret a document if required to perform the essential job functions
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer may be required.
Ability to lift/move/carry approximately 15 pounds if required to perform the essential job functions. If the employee is unable to lift/move/carry this weight and can be accommodated without causing the department/division any “undue hardship” then the employee must be accommodated; hence omitting lifting/moving/carrying as a physical requirement.

Nice To Haves

Relevant coursework or internships in finance, accounting, or banking a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist the GCFF team with the loan application process by collecting and organizing required documents from internal teams and/or external parties, as well as performing basic data entry to help ensure accuracy and completeness of application information.
Help create and maintain electronic and physical loan files to support the timely progress of each loan by indexing and organizing documents according to established procedures and updating file checklists and following up on missing items as directed.
Support the underwriting process by preparing and updating simple financial data templates, spreadsheets, and schedules under the guidance of more senior team members.
Assist in gathering financial statements and other supporting documentation.
Assist with initial set-up of the Credit Approval Memo (CAM) by entering standard information and attaching required supporting documents as directed by the underwriting team.
Pull and compile required third-party reports, such as credit reports, background checks, and other due diligence documentation.
Support loan closing and post-closing activities that include assisting with imaging and indexing of closing documents.
Review documents for completeness against standard checklists, escalating discrepancies to senior staff.
Assist the Disbursements and Construction teams by processing routine disbursement and construction draw documentation under close supervision.
Maintain accurate records of disbursement activity.
Partner with servicing specialists and other team members to facilitate the exchange of information and documents.
Respond to basic internal inquiries and route more complex questions to appropriate staff.
Participate in cross-training opportunities to learn about other areas of the department and company operations.
Support and adhere to all internal policies, procedures, and practices related to risk management, compliance, and the overall safety and soundness of the bank.
Comply with all BSA/AML/OFAC regulations and guidelines, as well as Franchise Finance group policies and procedures.
Perform various administrative and clerical tasks to support department operations, including scheduling meetings, preparing standard reports, and maintaining logs and tracking sheets.
Assisting with special projects based on business needs and/or assigned by management.