USDA Credit Advisor

Synovus Bank•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The USDA Credit Advisor provides credit analysis and underwriting for new and renewed credit requests, manages an ongoing portfolio, and prepares underwriting documentation. The role may become eligible for lending authority, as determined by the hiring manager. It partners with Financial Advisors to guide credit requests and provides decisioning information to the credit approving team. The position also delivers client service, supports the firm’s phone-answering standard, helps address clients’ financial needs and refers them to specialty areas as appropriate. Where applicable, the role manages performance and merit processes for direct and indirect reports, coaches team members, and works with Human Resources on employee-related matters. Team members are expected to understand and report risks and suspected violations within their functional areas.

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.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the lending process.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) or related software.
Knowledge of federal and state banking regulations and compliance.
Proficiency with technology and loan systems.
Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Effective analytical skills involving financial and procedural data.
Ability to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely.
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 when dealing with clients and team members.

Responsibilities

Provide distinctive service to clients and prospects in person and over the telephone; respond to inquiries and resolve client issues.
Support the firm-wide standard of having calls answered by a live person within three rings.
Partner with Financial Advisors to provide guidance on new and renewed credit requests, including credit appetite, structure, documentation, and monitoring.
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; exercise sound judgment when approving within lending authority, if applicable.
Complete Periodic Credit Reviews on time and provide written analysis supporting credit exposure, risk ratings, and recommendations.
Calculate and test financial covenants, borrowing bases, and margin requirements; address and communicate defaults, variances from projections, over-advances, and potential risk-rating changes.
Evaluate front-end cost analysis for construction loans and complete Net Operating Income analysis for income-producing properties, as applicable.
Review monthly KPI and portfolio reports for accuracy and discuss results with the appropriate Senior Credit Officer.
Help meet clients’ business and personal financial needs and refer them to specialty areas such as Trust, Investments, Insurance, and Treasury Management, as appropriate.
Manage annual performance management and merit processes for direct and indirect reports, as applicable.
Coach and develop team members and foster an engaged work environment.
Work with Human Resources on employee relations, compensation, training, posting and filling vacancies, and other HR matters.
Observe applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and risk limits, and promptly report known or suspected violations to the appropriate company authority.
Assist other team members as needed to ensure distinctive service and perform other related duties as required.