SBA Credit Advisor

Synovus•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

The SBA Credit Advisor is responsible for credit underwriting and approval activities for government-guaranteed SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, which finance start-ups, business acquisitions, expansions, equipment purchases, construction, and commercial real estate purchases. The role ensures SBA lending activity follows SBA SOP and Pinnacle SBA Credit Policy, and includes ongoing portfolio management and preparation of underwriting documentation. The advisor may become eligible for lending authority, as determined by leadership. The position provides distinctive service to clients and prospects, supports Financial Advisors with guidance on new and renewed credit requests, and contributes analysis and recommendations to credit decisions. It also involves managing client inquiries, supporting firm-wide service standards, identifying and reporting risk or suspected violations, and referring clients to relevant specialty areas to address their financial needs. This description outlines the general nature and level of work and is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Pinnacle is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in finance or a business-related field, such as accounting or economics.
At least 10 years of experience in financial services.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) or related software.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the SBA SOP lending process, including the 7(a) and 504 programs, to determine eligible borrowers and protect the Bank's government guarantee.
Knowledge of federal and state banking regulations and compliance.
Proficiency with technology and loan systems.
Effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Effective analytical skills for financial and procedural data.
Ability to clearly and concisely articulate complex concepts.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Understanding of critical lending documentation, general business systems, and internal controls.
Ability to work accurately under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and prioritize daily tasks.
Flexibility, multitasking, and effective time-management skills to meet deadlines.
Ability to adapt to a changing environment and handle multiple priorities.
Excellent client service skills and tact and diplomacy in dealing with clients and team members.
Ability to stand and sit for prolonged periods; use manual dexterity; communicate verbally; maintain visual acuity; perform repetitive motion; and hear. The job may also involve bending, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping.
Ability to sustain long periods of mental concentration.

Responsibilities

Provide distinctive in-person and telephone service to clients and prospects, respond to inquiries, and resolve client issues.
Support the firm-wide three-ring standard, under which all phones are answered by a live person within three rings.
Partner with Financial Advisors to provide front-end guidance on new and renewed credit requests, including credit desirability, structure, documentation, and monitoring in relation to Pinnacle's credit appetite.
Complete underwriting functions, including financial spreading when applicable, written analysis, global cash flow analysis, industry analysis, projections, collateral evaluation, and risk rating.
Participate in prospect and client calls and contribute to credit decisions.
When applicable, exercise sound judgment on decisions within assigned lending authority.
Ensure timely completion of Periodic Credit Reviews.
Prepare sufficient written analysis to support credit exposure, assigned risk ratings, and recommendations.
Address clients' business and personal financial needs and refer them to specialty areas such as Trust, Investments, Insurance, and Treasury Management, as appropriate.
Observe policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and risk limits applicable to the role, and timely raise and report known or suspected violations to the appropriate Company authority.
Assist other team members as needed to ensure distinctive service.
Perform other related duties as required.