Senior Commercial Loan Assistant

Bankwell Financial Group•New Canaan, CT

About The Position

The Senior Commercial Loan Administrator supports Commercial Lending Officers with the origination, tracking, and booking of commercial real estate (CRE), commercial and industrial (C&I), construction, lines of credit, and letters of credit. The role includes reviewing loan documents and activity, supporting loan closings and servicing, maintaining loan files and construction loan portfolios, coordinating with customers and participating banks, and ensuring that work follows Bank policy and applicable regulations. The position also involves identifying risks and process improvements, assisting with loan exceptions and maturities, handling loan-related wires and fees, ordering third-party reports and searches, preparing internal loan documentation, and supporting monthly board reporting and special projects. Employees are expected to maintain customer confidentiality and comply with applicable banking regulations and Bankwell policies and procedures.

Requirements

At least 7 years of commercial loan administration experience in a similar role.
Experience preparing, reviewing, and interpreting loan documentation.
Ability to work independently and take initiative.
Excellent customer service skills, attentiveness, and information retention.
Ability to make sound decisions, including on-the-spot decisions about customer transactions while balancing customer satisfaction with the Bank’s exposure to loss or fraud.
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
Ability to contribute positively as part of a team and work effectively with a strong desire to help others.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment and meet tight deadlines.
Ability to perform assigned tasks accurately and promptly.
Ability to recommend departmental process improvements to enhance efficiency.
Adherence to applicable policies and procedures.
Compliance with banking regulations applicable to the Bank and the role.

Nice To Haves

Experience in construction loan administration.
Bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Identify situations that could negatively affect the Bank’s commercial loan portfolio risk profile.
Review loan closing documents for accuracy, completeness, and consistency with the Loan Submission.
Prepare and verify approved Loan Checklists and Loan Input Forms before submitting closing packages to the Loan Servicing Group.
Review commercial loan activity and issues with Loan Officers and Portfolio Managers to ensure compliance with Bank servicing procedures.
Assist with resolving loan review exceptions, tickler items, and pending loan maturities.
Track fees collected, including commitment fees and prepayment fees or penalties.
Stay current on relevant lending and financial institution laws and regulations.
Maintain confidentiality of customer information.
Create and maintain paper and electronic credit, financial, and legal files.
Respond to customer requests and inquiries, including advances, pay-downs, and transfers.
Maintain the commercial construction loan portfolio, including file setup, budget input, construction advance preparation, site inspection orders, borrower documentation review, and fund advances in conjunction with lenders.
Coordinate with participating banks on advances, including construction loan advances, and payments.
Order appraisals, environmental reports, UCC searches, title searches, and flood zone determinations.
Generate internal loan documentation through Laser Pro for non-attorney-closed loans.
Archive paid loan files in paper and electronic form as needed.
Initiate and track incoming and outgoing wires associated with loans in process and loan closings.
Identify opportunities to improve processes and efficiency.
Review invoices, obtain approvals, and submit invoices to accounting for timely payment.
Determine whether loans in process are CRA- and HMDA-reportable.
Assist in coordinating and reviewing monthly board reports.
Participate in special projects as needed.
Complete required compliance training and follow applicable banking regulations, including BSA, consumer protection regulations, and OFAC sanctions.