Lending Associate

Grove Bank & Trust•Miami, FL

About The Position

The Lending Associate supports Commercial Bankers throughout the entire commercial loan process, from application and documentation through closing, funding, and ongoing loan servicing. The role handles day-to-day loan administration, maintains accurate and compliant loan files, coordinates with clients and internal and external parties, and provides responsive, high-quality client service. The associate also supports account and fund-transfer processing, reporting, audit and examiner inquiries, and other administrative needs. The position may include coaching or training colleagues and providing backup support to Loan Assistants.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least five years of Commercial Banking support experience or client service experience within a financial institution.
Experience with loan review, documentation, client service, and compliance.
Complete knowledge of State and Federal lending regulations and Bank policies and procedures.
Ability to produce internal reports using SQL.
Knowledge of Bank products and services.
Knowledge of insurance and documentation requirements for all loan products.
In-depth understanding of interest and payment calculations.
Excellent verbal and written communication and client service skills.
Excellent organizational, time-management, and administrative skills.
Proficiency with basic office equipment, including typing, calculator, and computer.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to stand and/or sit for long periods.
Ability to access and interpret information on computer screens, documents, reports, and cash denominations, and identify customers.
Candidates for hire undergo credit and criminal background checks.

Responsibilities

Support Commercial Bankers in managing the loan portfolio, including preparing loan documents, maintaining credit files, coordinating closings, and supporting funding.
Assist clients throughout the loan process and serve as a primary contact for loan servicing after closing.
Respond to and resolve client requests, questions, and issues accurately and promptly.
Administer commercial loans, including preparing and reviewing closing packages, attending closings, ensuring funding, and maintaining compliant files.
Coordinate closings with lenders, attorneys, insurance agents, and customers.
Order title searches, UCC searches, appraisals, and flood certifications as needed.
Approve disbursement of closing funds and issue loan proceeds checks and wires in accordance with approvals and contractual requirements.
Review closed and funded loans for document completion and ensure loans are booked accurately and promptly.
Obtain post-purchase documentation from settlement agents, registers of deeds, and title insurance agencies as necessary.
Track outstanding insurance policies and other post-closing documentation, monitor collateral and exceptions, and report status during weekly meetings.
Prepare and process new accounts and loan-related fund transfers; maintain customer account records and perform basic service transactions.
Maintain financial statement and tax return reports, exception reports, and insurance reports; update loan officers monthly about outstanding documents.
Review past-due, balance-summary, and closed-account reports and alert Bankers to material changes or upcoming deadlines.
Support Bankers with cross-selling and other sales activities and opportunities when appropriate.
Maintain knowledge of lending and documentation regulations and Bank policies and guidelines to ensure compliance.
Provide administrative support such as filing, scanning, and email and mail correspondence; provide backup support to Loan Assistants.
Serve as a liaison to internal and external audit and examiner groups and address related questions.
Analyze and solve problems, gather relevant facts, and make sound decisions with attention to detail.
May coach, mentor, or train others as a subject matter expert.
Perform other duties as assigned.