Loan Production Assistant (On-site)

HERITAGE BANK•Seattle, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Heritage Bank is seeking a Loan Production Assistant to join our Seattle Commercial Lending team. The loan production assistant is responsible for providing broad-based administrative support to commercial bankers, from origination to closing, by assisting in the lending process of commercial loan requests through the documentation and reporting processes, while effectively balancing service, quality, compliance and relationship building. This position is full time, Monday to Friday, fully on-site in Seattle, WA. Depending on qualifications and experience, a Loan Production Assistant II or Senior may be considered.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent.
For Level II: 3+ years recent related work experience supporting a diverse and moderate to complex commercial portfolio, demonstrating working knowledge, proficiency and understanding of lending concepts, principals and business practices from origination to closing; strong working knowledge of professional office administration practices and procedures and well-developed accounting skills in a financial services and community bank environment.
For Senior Level: 4+ years recent related work experience supporting a diverse and complex commercial portfolio and multiple bankers, consistently demonstrating thorough working knowledge, proficiency and understanding of lending concepts, principals and business practices from origination to closing, advanced working knowledge of professional office administration practices and procedures and well developed accounting skills in a financial services and community bank environment.
Working knowledge and experience in multiple commercial lending functions, i.e., C&I, SBA, CRE and Agricultural lending (required for Senior Level).
Equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.
Provides an exceptional level of quality service for internal/external customers; responds to customers' needs, questions and concerns in an accurate, effective, and timely manner.
Excellent listening, verbal, written and telephone etiquette business communication skills, with the ability to communicate outstanding/follow up issues over the phone, in person and via email; with the ability to read, write, speak and understand English well.
Strong working knowledge and understanding of professional office administration practices, and procedures.
Proficient math skills and basic knowledge of bank accounting practices and credit underwriting.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail and a strong focus on accuracy.
Strong organizational, time management, data review and processing skills; with the ability to identify and resolve exceptions and interpret data, manage multiple assignments, goals and reporting requests, ensuring that priorities are set and commitments and deadlines are met, with minimum supervision.
Thoroughly understands and applies principles, procedures, compliance requirements, federal/state regulations, and policies related to assigned area, as well as the Bank’s policies, procedures, products, and services.
Working knowledge of lending practices, collateral perfection, loan documentation, disclosures, terminology, and legal documents.
Demonstrated self-motivational skills and the ability to work in a high pressure, high-volume production-oriented environment while ensuring deadlines are met.
Demonstrated ability to quickly focus on key issues and make decisions under pressure of time constraints.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and departments.
Unquestionable integrity in handling sensitive and confidential information.
Proficient use and understanding of MS Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook), with the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies quickly.
Working knowledge of financial services loan and documentation systems (LaserPro).

Nice To Haves

Associates degree or higher in Business and/or Accounting.
Knowledge and experience in multiple commercial lending functions, i.e., C&I, SBA, CRE and Agricultural lending (preferred for Level II).

Responsibilities

Provides exceptional service to internal and external customers in accordance with the Heritage Bank Service Standards.
Provides a high level of operational coordination throughout the entire commercial loan function and coordinates the daily workflow to ensure that current loans are in complete conformity with terms.
Ensures timely system inquiries to obtain credit history information on potential borrowers, and provides documents to the processing/servicing department for new and renewal loan closings, as required.
Ensures timely client relationship tracking, processing paperwork, and assembling and summarizing information, as requested and/or required.
Prepares routine and non-routine correspondence, processes account changes, researches and resolves account related problems and responds to client inquiries.
Researches, compiles and prepares month end reports. Reviews for accuracy and completeness; ensures banker(s) is apprised of any issues/problems that may arise and need immediate attention, prior to management distribution.
Works with banker to ensure a high level of client action planning, portfolio management and prioritization and discusses entire portfolio of clients and prospects to ensure timely receipt of and analysis of financial information, credit reports, past dues, maturity reports, tickler items, etc.
Ensures timely and accurate scanning, updates and maintenance of customer financial records within the Bank’s standard imaging system. Maintains and manages pending items and exception reports updating customer records as needed and required.
Schedules and organizes meetings and office activities to coordinate the flow of communications.
Establishes and maintains appropriate files and records for loan documents. Protects the confidentiality of all customer information.
Identifies sales opportunities and coordinates with banker to determine role in this solution.
Keeps other department members informed of concerns, issues and/or questions arising from performance of assigned duties.
Mays assist bankers with loan closings and signings, as needed and/or requested.
Participates in various community events and/or attends various meetings related to lending initiatives and operational/administration updates.
Contributes to the success of the department with willingness to share in all department responsibilities, as required or assigned.
May provide mentoring, coaching and training to less experienced LPAs, as assigned.
Understands and maintains working knowledge of, and ensures bank activities are performed in compliance with, all state and federal banking laws and regulations applicable to assigned area.
Understands and complies with all policies, procedures, standards and guidance relevant to assigned job responsibilities.