SBA Loan Officer

First Financial Bank•Abilene, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The SBA Loan Officer originates, structures, underwrites, and executes complex SBA 7(a) and 504 lending transactions. These transactions may include business acquisitions, partner buyouts, ownership transitions, owner-occupied commercial real estate, equipment financing, debt refinancing, and working capital facilities. The role applies commercial credit and underwriting expertise to assess borrower financial performance, cash flow sustainability, debt service capacity, collateral adequacy, and transaction risk, while structuring financing in accordance with bank credit policy and SBA requirements. The officer advises business owners, Relationship Managers, and referral partners on financing strategies, explaining complex credit, regulatory, and SBA requirements. The role leads transactions through the full lending lifecycle, from opportunity assessment and pre-screening through financial analysis, underwriting, credit presentation, approval, documentation, and closing. It also supports Relationship Managers and credit partners with deal structuring, underwriting strategy, risk assessment, and client communication. The position helps originate new SBA loan business, develops internal and external leads, guides prospects on SBA lending, and works with the SBA Lending team to achieve loan closings and fundings. It promotes bank services and long-term customer relationships and contributes to the bank’s customer-service culture and organizational goals. The position is located in Abilene, Texas.

Requirements

A business degree emphasizing accounting, finance, or marketing, plus credit training and/or at least 2 years of commercial lending experience; relevant work experience may substitute for the degree requirement.
Working knowledge of SBA loan products, including the SBA’s Standard Operating Procedures.
Ability to analyze financial statements for various business types, personal financial statements, and tax returns, and present a loan presentation to a committee.
Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize work and execute tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and contribute to shared organizational goals.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills to identify and respond to customer needs and objectives.
Personal drive and initiative, a demonstrated work ethic, and ability to work independently.
Ability to work in a team-focused environment and with limited supervision.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and related computer applications.

Nice To Haves

Formal credit training is preferred.

Responsibilities

Originate, structure, underwrite, and execute complex SBA 7(a) and 504 lending transactions.
Evaluate borrower financial performance, cash flow sustainability, debt service capacity, collateral adequacy, and transaction risk.
Structure financing solutions in accordance with bank credit policy and SBA SOP requirements.
Advise business owners, Relationship Managers, and referral partners on SBA requirements and financing strategies.
Lead transactions through opportunity assessment, pre-screening, financial analysis, underwriting, credit presentation, approval, documentation, and closing.
Collaborate with Relationship Managers and credit partners on deal structuring, underwriting strategy, risk assessment, and client communication.
Assist in originating new SBA loan business by working directly with Relationship Managers and their customers and prospects.
Develop new business through internal and external lead generation.
Provide guidance to loan prospects about SBA lending.
Work with the SBA Lending team to drive business and achieve loan closings and fundings.
Promote bank services to develop long-term customer relationships.
Participate in the Customer Service First sales and service culture, support organizational values, and follow company policies and procedures.