Senior Credit Analyst

Senior Credit Analyst Overview

The Senior Credit Analyst plays a key role in the Investment Property Lending (IPL) underwriting process, as they are responsible for reviewing financial information for the borrower, collateral, and guarantors connected to each loan, ultimately providing an independent recommendation supporting the proposed loan and its structure.

Leveraging strong analytical skills, this role adds context to complex financial information and partners with the originating Loan Officer to produce clear, concise loan presentations that accurately reflect property and guarantor cash flow while identifying potential credit concerns. The position is responsible for providing an independent credit recommendation (approve or decline) and supporting periodic reviews as needed. They focus on larger, more complex, and time sensitive loan requests, together with the ability to work independently with minimal guidance, distinguishing this position from the Credit Analyst role.

Prepare Loan Presentations (New Loans) and Annual/Periodic Reviews (Existing Loans)

• Ensure that the loan (new or existing) complies with all IPL loan policy guidelines.
• Analyze financial statements for the subject property or properties, owners, and guarantors to independently confirm strengths and weaknesses of the loan.
• Validate the assigned risk rating per the IPL risk rating matrix.
• Apply critical thinking and analysis to produce thorough loan presentations relied upon by approving authorities.
• Prepare thorough and concise loan presentations for new loan requests (majority) and annual/periodic reviews or credit memos for existing loans (minority).
• Consistently assigned complex or technical loan requests; may also be assigned time-sensitive files with targeted completion deadlines.
• Provide meaningful context to financial data to help readers understand financial condition and credit risks.
• Consistently identify credit and operational risk and suggest mitigating factors when needed.
• Clearly and concisely explain key issues and confirm appropriate loan structures.
• Prepare Watch List memos for loans experiencing credit issues and needing extra monitoring.
• Utilize strong math, analytical, communication, attention-to-detail, reasoning, and superior customer service skills.
• Communicate verbally and in writing with borrowers and guarantors to collect financial documents and obtain answers to underwriting questions.
• Focus on attention to detail, adherence to loan policy guidelines, and meeting deadlines for reviews and presentations.
• Regularly join IPL Loan Officer during meetings or phone calls with borrowers and members.
• May have moderate to frequent interaction with borrowers and guarantors while performing analysis.
• Demonstrate strong technical knowledge, ability to complete time-sensitive loan files with minimal oversight, and expertise in borrower and guarantor interaction.

Ad Hoc Financial Analysis or Research

• Assist lending staff with property-specific research, pre-qualification assessments, preliminary financial spreads, and initial financial condition analysis.
• May perform site visits for new loan requests or existing loans.
• Perform research on real estate metrics and data using a commercial real estate database.
• Assist with any research or projects as requested.

Other Duties / Internal Support

• Prepare credit committee materials and agenda, attend credit committee meetings, and draft meeting minutes.
• Interact with Department Manager, Loan Officers, Loan Admins, and other internal staff to assist with special projects.
• Help Loan Operations Manager and Loan Admins prepare for internal and external audits and exams.
• Actively participate and take lead in team meetings and department activities.
• Serve as a resource to junior staff for technical questions, work review, and departmental guidance.

Development & Training

• Engage in internal and external learning of credit and financial analysis topics and trainings.
• May be asked to complete commercial underwriting training modules or certification courses.
• Build competency in borrower and member interaction by joining Loan Officers on sales calls.
• Maintain understanding and competency of IPL Loan Policy.
• May be asked to train and become knowledgeable in other lending types as the department expands.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Management or related field required.
• 4-5 years' experience in a Credit Analyst, Financial Analyst, Portfolio Manager and/or Commercial Real Estate Analyst required.
• Prior experience underwriting loan files within Sageworks Abrigo Commercial LOS is preferred.

Skills

• Advanced exposure to commercial lending principles and best practices.
• Advanced understanding of commercial loan documents.
• Advanced exposure to commercial appraisals.
• Experience as a credit analyst within another commercial credit department, including completion of a formal credit training program (such as RMA).
• Strong experience spreading financials required.
• Advanced…