Senior Credit Officer

Overview

This is an on-site position at our West Fargo, ND, Devils Lake, ND, or Chandler, AZ location. Our environment emphasizes respect, curiosity, creativity, individual empowerment, listening, communicating openly, continual learning, action-oriented work, keeping commitments, and doing our best every day.

Our Senior Credit Officer focuses on underwriting complex transactions. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of various industries, credit policies and guidelines, and the ability to exercise independent judgment. The analyst will have lending authority aligned with departmental objectives, tenure, and delegation requirements. Active participation in the Credit Committee involves contributing insights during underwriting discussions and structuring to promote learning and development.

The analyst collaborates with the Credit and Sales Departments to assess and underwrite larger financial statement transactions. Key responsibilities include reviewing customer credit data, preparing and presenting credit memos, and making credit decisions within assigned authority, aligned with the organization s vision, values, and team directives.

Underwriting responsibilities include reviewing loan requests for new and existing customers, direct communication with Business Development Managers (BDMs) and customers, gathering information, assessing management practices, identifying risks, and structuring loans. The analyst collects financial data, supports negotiation and deal structuring, analyzes financial data from tax returns and financial statements of businesses and personal guarantors, and conducts cash flow analysis, including standalone and global views.

The role also covers market, industry and economic analysis, personal credit and other relevant reports, risk rating recommendations, and presenting comprehensive credit presentations to the Credit Committee for review and approval when authority is exceeded. Building and nurturing relationships with key borrowers, conducting annual reviews, mentoring junior credit staff, and ensuring quality and compliance are essential components of this role.

The analyst will manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Relation Ship Management —Manage and grow relationships with vendors, customers, business partners, and internal departments to drive results and create a superior customer experience. Foster collaboration across departments to identify appropriate risk tolerance for new or existing opportunities.

Data Management & Reporting —Ensure updates and reports required in WEF’s Credit Policy are presented to the Board of Directors effectively. Proficiency in Excel and report generation is required, with the ability to analyze, summarize and communicate findings. Assist with data mining and tracking to support department dashboards.

Special Projects —Lead projects, including process improvements, initiatives supporting organizational goals, new market assessments, redefining standard operating procedures/underwriting guidelines, or efficiency initiatives. Travel may be required.

This is a full-time position with benefits.

Starting Salary Range: This range represents our good-faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will depend on skills, experience, and qualifications.

Benefits And Other Compensation —As part of employment with Western State Agency, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health Benefits:
  
  Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement Benefits: 401(k), ESOP participation
• Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO, sick leave, and holidays
• Other Benefits: life insurance, employee assistance programs, professional development opportunities, wellness programs, educational assistance

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Economics, or a Business-related field is required with 5-7+ years of credit analysis/underwriting experience in a commercial lending capacity, preferably with specialty equipment finance and/or C&I lending experience. 5-7+ years of large-ticket underwriting experience is required, with a thorough understanding of cash flow analysis, financial statement analysis, tax returns, and personal credit reports. Demonstrated ability to write concise financial analysis and more complex credit memoranda.

Formal credit training is beneficial.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to provide sponsorship for visa status. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Western Equipment Finance is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer.