Manager SBL Closing

First Merchants Corporation•Delta Charter Township, MI

11d

About The Position

First Merchants Bank is seeking a Manager, SBL Closing to join their team. This position will manage, coach, mentor, and lead the closing team, and will serve as a liaison to accounting, boarding, vendor management, and Loan Operations as needed. The manager will ensure that SBL’s loan portfolio files are complete, comprehensive, and ready for quality assurance & compliance review.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or relevant field, or equivalent related experience.
A minimum of ten (10) years' SBA industry experience with strong understanding of SBA closing practices and policies.
A minimum of three (3) years’ experience directly in the area of loan closing.
Demonstrated management, leadership and coaching skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to educate borrowers about SBL’s documentation needs and build positive rapport while following up to obtain files.
Strong affinity for organization; strong ability to multitask and synthesize information from numerous sources.

Responsibilities

Supervise the closing team, which may include leading department meetings, conducting weekly calls with team members, providing training and corporate education for direct reports, conducting regular performance reviews with direct reports, and implementing other communications designed to lead and develop closing team.
Serve as primary back-up person and customer contact for direct reports during absences.
Offer creative, solution-based input to SBA loan closing questions.
Conduct pre-closing file reviews. Duties to include: Review Write-Up, Change Memo(s) and Commitment Letter. Review file contents and communicate missing information to the loan team at least 5 business days prior to closing. Assist Closers with obtaining missing file information, answering questions, and troubleshooting closing issues.
Identify all exceptions for each closing and make sure appropriate approvals are obtained prior to closing any loan with Critical Exceptions. Make sure exception reports are accurate and tracked on the core Tickler System and submit accurate Exception Reports as part of the normal division reporting protocols.
Supervise Post-Closing Clerk with assigned tasks. Post-Closing Clerk responsibilities include: Follow-up for documentation identified as post-closing by closer, management or auditor, including, by way of example only, following for recorded documentation and title and other insurance policies, copies of disbursements, post-closing title searches, etc. Obtain documentation and clear audit exceptions for previously closed files. Assist with UCC-3 terminations for refinanced creditors, as applicable. Review boarding data sheet for Loan Operations.
Manage workflow assignments to closing team to achieve proper balance, supporting the team’s ability to meet expectations and achieve desired results.
Consistently evaluate the pre- and post-closing functions and identify opportunities for process improvement, greater efficiencies, and better customer experiences.
Maintain and develop job aids, processes, and protocols for direct reports.
Act as liaison between closers and other departments and act as information source/closing expert for closing, sales, credit and servicing department issues and questions.
Oversee audit clearance and foster a sense of urgency in clearing exceptions.
Monitor closed loans and track for Closer incentives.
Onboard new closing employees as needed.
Responsible for being compliant with all regulations and compliance requirements pertaining to job function.
Carry out other duties as may be assigned or requested.