Loan Specialist

AgWest Farm Credit•Bakersfield, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

AgWest Farm Credit is a member-owned financial cooperative that provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in a seven-state territory in the Western United States. AgWest is part of the 100+ year-old Farm Credit System – the leading provider of credit to American agriculture. AgWest champions the growth and advancement of agriculture, the value of rural communities, and the vital contribution our customers make to the economy and society. We serve customers in 59 locations throughout the West. We are in search of a Loan Specialist I or Loan Specialist II to join our California Lending and Insurance department in Bakersfield. This full-time position reports to the Director, Operations and provides administrative assistance to effectively and efficiently originate, disburse, and service customer loans.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Previous experience in commercial lending, banking or related field
Training in general office skills
Ability to produce accurate reports, documents, and correspondence through attention to detail and knowledge of correct spelling, grammar and sentence structure
Exceptional customer service orientation
Ability to support above average portfolio of more complex credit relationships
Ability to work efficiently and effectively on multiple projects in multiple software programs
Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to adapt as appropriate for various audiences
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Exceptional customer service orientation in person, in writing, and over the phone
Demonstrated commitment to personal accountability and responsibility in the workplace
Proven ability to consistently arrive on time and maintain regular attendance in accordance with company policies

Nice To Haves

General knowledge of applicable credit laws and regulations
General knowledge of agricultural practices
Knowledge of credit investigation and verification practices
Knowledge of platting and legal descriptions
Knowledge of accounting principles and processes

Responsibilities

Perform administrative duties including typing correspondence and documents, establishing and maintaining electronic files, and greeting customers in person and on the phone.
Gather, accurately enter, and maintain customer information and customer financial information into applicable systems to assist in loan document generation, account monitoring/servicing, and reporting.
Perform required due diligence investigations of loan applicants, including public records searches, credit bureau reports, employment, income, assets and liabilities; order title evidence and appraisals, and complete other collateral due diligence as needed.
Review customer loan documents for accuracy and present to customer for signing and/or facilitate closings as assigned.
Comply with closing requirements and disburse loans as authorized; coordinate booking and certification of loans, within authorities.
Respond to customer inquiries and process customer transactions including disbursements, internal account transfers, etc.
Maintain an accurate database and complete assigned relationship plan actions.
Monitor follow-up requirements in assigned areas.
Handle customer information with a high degree of confidentiality.
Process requests for financial transactions including wires, internal transfers, receipts, and disbursements.
Ensure appropriate information security protocols are followed in order to prevent unauthorized transactions or releases of information.
Comply with organization documentation expectations, procedures, laws and regulations.
Participate in community events, local advisor meetings, customer appreciation days, farm visits and other customer and public relation related activities, as needed.
Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Other duties as assigned.