Senior Lending Specialist

Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach • Newport Beach, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lending Specialist provides prompt, high-quality customer service while collaborating effectively within a team environment across multiple branches and regional lending personnel. This role performs a broad range of functions related to loan processing, documentation, and portfolio management. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to preparing loan worksheets and required forms; reviewing complex entity documentation; facilitating loan document signings; maintaining electronic loan files; ensuring proper perfection of loan collateral; performing loan servicing and maintenance; monitoring ongoing loan covenants; and addressing and resolving customer inquiries and concerns in a timely and professional manner.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and FDIC Insurance Regulation B (Equal Credit Opportunity Act – ECOA) Regulation BB (Community Reinvestment Act – CRA) Regulation CC (Funds Availability) Regulation DD (Truth in Savings) Regulation E (Electronic Fund Transfers – EFT) Regulation H (Flood Insurance) Regulation X (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act – RESPA) Regulation Z (Truth in Lending – TILA)
• Loan products and loan documentation.
• New account procedures and general banking operations
• Complaint documentation and resolution processes
• Privacy laws and customer data protection
• Safe deposit box procedures
• Security and robbery response protocols
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings and searches
• Strong foundational mathematics and analytical skills
• Proven critical thinking, sound judgment, and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding customer service and client support skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Accurate and efficient typing/data entry skills
• Strong time management and organizational abilities
• Active listening skills with a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new processes.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Professional interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate respectfully with supervisors and colleagues.
• Ability to remain calm and professional when managing difficult, upset, or challenging individuals.
• Skilled in assessing client concerns, resolving issues independently, and escalating appropriately when needed.
• Operates standard electronic computers and customary office equipment required to perform essential job functions.
• Use of equipment is required, with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
• High School Diploma or equivalent required

Nice To Haves

• Up to 1 year of commercial loan processing experience or equivalent preferred
• Active Notary Commission

Responsibilities

• Verify and assess the accuracy of borrower information and supporting documentation throughout the loan application process.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies across loan origination and servicing with minimal supervisory oversight.
• Review complex organizational and entity documentation to accurately determine authorized signers and validate approval authorities.
• Ensure full compliance with Customer Identification Program (CIP) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) requirements.
• Independently initiate and manage the ordering of appraisals, credit reports, UCC searches, and other due diligence items required for underwriting.
• Prepare loan worksheets for approval, coordinate document preparation, and conduct thorough reviews of loan documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Compile and manage closing documentation; facilitate loan signing processes and ensure smooth loan closings.
• Maintain and organize electronic loan files in Laserfiche in accordance with internal standards.
• Support loan officers with portfolio management by tracking post-closing items, monitoring loan maturities, and collecting annual financial statements.
• Provide regional support to additional branches as assigned by the Regional Lending Specialist Coordinator.
• Ensure adherence to all federal and state regulations, internal policies, and bank security procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to achieve timely and accurate loan processing outcomes.
• Maintain active Notary Commission and perform Notary Public services as required.
• Participate in ongoing lending training and actively contribute to team meetings and process improvements.
• Complies with all applicable state and federal banking laws, regulations, and internal policies related but not limited to lending, operations, and deposit requirements, including Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations, Customer Identification Program (CIP) requirements, Financial Elder Abuse reporting laws, Sexual Harassment prevention policies, information security and privacy requirements.

Benefits

• The listed range represents the full compensation range for this position.
• Placement within the range will be determined based on factors including skills, relevant experience, job‑related qualifications, geographic location, and internal equity, in accordance with Bank compensation policies.
• Non‑Exempt Hourly Rate: $34.50 – $55.50 per hour (Salary Grade: 21)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED