SBL Closing Specialist III

First Merchants Corporation•Tennessee Ridge, TN

10d•Remote

About The Position

First Merchants is seeking an SBL Closing Specialist III to manage all aspects of the loan closing process from approval through funding, maintaining accurate and complete files that meet SBA and internal bank requirements. The role handles larger and more complex loans and may be performed remotely within the bank’s operational footprint. The specialist reviews loan packages, analyzes files, determines closing requirements, and prepares closing checklists and loan documents in LaserPro. The work includes coordinating with customers and third parties; ordering and reviewing reports, appraisals, title work, insurance, searches, and other due diligence; supporting the bank’s lien and collateral interests; and determining when a loan is ready to close. The role also provides feedback to underwriters and assists teammates with pre-close reviews. In addition to loan closing responsibilities, this position manages, coaches, mentors, and develops assigned staff; serves as a lead trainer; and assists with developing department procedures and protocols. The specialist is expected to meet deadlines across multiple simultaneous loan requests, comply with applicable regulations, and provide superior service to internal and external customers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a relevant field.
7+ years of related experience.
Demonstrated management, leadership, and coaching skills.
LaserPro experience.
Flexibility, adaptability, and collaboration skills.
Excellent listening skills and coachability.
Ability to problem-solve and think proactively.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple loan submissions and tasks in various stages simultaneously.

Responsibilities

Manage all aspects of the closing process from approval through funding while maintaining complete, accurate files that meet SBA and internal bank requirements.
Comply with regulations and requirements pertaining to the job function.
Organize files according to the file folder hierarchy.
Communicate with customers and applicable third parties to gather and synthesize relevant information.
Analyze loan files and prepare closing checklists based on loan approval and loan type.
Run and review relevant third-party reports and search public websites for information supporting loan presentations, including OFAC, SAMS, and CAVIRS.
Order appraisals, environmental reports, business valuations, and equipment appraisals.
Order real estate title work from title companies.
Review closing documentation, including articles, operating agreements, and business licenses.
Prepare IRS 8821 forms and order tax transcripts from the IRS.
Review insurance certificates for bank and SBA requirements.
Order flood determinations and lien, judgment, and suit searches.
Prepare loan closing documents in LaserPro.
Manage time and priorities to meet deadlines while handling multiple loan requests in a time-sensitive environment.
Provide superior customer service to internal and external customers and represent the bank favorably.
Review, analyze, and determine closing requirements upon receipt of a loan package.
Review documents such as purchase agreements and leases and provide initial feedback to the underwriter.
File UCCs to perfect the bank’s lien position on business asset collateral.
Review title commitments and closing statements.
Complete loan file due diligence regularly.
Assist other team members with pre-close file reviews.
Determine what is required to perfect a security interest in collateral and whether a loan is ready to close.
Negotiate landlord waivers in accordance with SBA requirements while maintaining collateral security for the bank.
Work on larger and more complex loans.
Manage, coach, mentor, and develop assigned staff.
Assist with developing department procedures and protocols and serve as lead trainer as needed.
Carry out other duties as assigned or requested.