Credit Underwriter

AgWest Farm Credit is a member-owned financial cooperative that provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in a seven-state territory in the Western United States. AgWest is part of the 100+ year-old Farm Credit System – the leading provider of credit to American agriculture. AgWest champions the growth and advancement of agriculture, the value of rural communities, and the vital contribution our customers make to the economy and society.

We serve customers in 59 locations throughout the West. We are in search of a Credit Underwriter I or Credit Underwriter II, internally known as a Credit Analyst, to join our Arizona Lending and Insurance department in Safford, Tempe, or Yuma, Arizona or Imperial, California. This full-time position reports to the SVP, Credit and provides sound, constructive, credit and related services, typically supporting average to above average loan portfolios involving simple to moderately complex credits.

Compensation Information The base salary range for this position in Arizona is:
Level I: Typical starting range: $60,000 - $80,300 Full base salary range: $60,000 - $90,400 Annual performance-based incentive target is 10% of base.
Level II: Typical starting range: $66,200 - $88,700 Full base salary range: $66,200 - $99,900 Annual performance-based incentive target is 12% of base. The base salary range for this position in Imperial, California is:
Level I: Typical starting range: $66,200 - $88,700 Full base salary range: $66,200 - $99,900 Annual performance-based incentive target is 10% of base.
Level II: Typical starting range: $72,600 - $97,800 Full base salary range: $72,600 - $110,400 Annual performance-based incentive target is 12% of base.
* Relocation assistance will be provided to eligible candidates who must relocate to accept this position. Essential Duties Gather financial and business related information from customers, prospects and other available resources through personal interviews, phone interviews, and other information resources. Analyze financial statements, including opinions and notes, tax records, “in house” prepared financial statements and pro forma statements. Analyze credit and prepare analysis on small and medium size portfolios;

submit sound credit analysis and recommendations for review. Comply with AgWest documentation expectations, procedures, laws and regulations. Support customer relationships through marketing and servicing financially related products by communicating with customers, their professional representatives and employees at the branch office or customer locations. Effectively participate in the Large Loan process as needed to provide high quality products to be delivered within the agreed time frames and within the risk parameters acceptable to AgWest.

Complete farm visits, collateral inspections and document observations. This requires transportation to and from the operation, visually inspecting the condition and valuation of loan collateral. Conduct research of agricultural and related industries and commodities to determine viability, trends and opportunities for AgWest to strengthen its position. Establish rapport with and develop/maintain confidence of customers and prospective customers. Represent AgWest at public relations events by joining or actively supporting appropriate agricultural organizations, civic groups or commodity groups and actively participating in sponsored events and programs.

Accurately classify and identify appropriate charge-off reserves, cash income accounting and allowances on assigned loans. Perform credit investigations on applicants including public record searches, credit bureau reports, employment and income verification and asset and liability verification. Participate in loan closings by ensuring the appropriate documentation is completed and understood by the customer. Ensure effective and accurate credit administration through coordination with relationship managers and others.

Participate in assigned industry teams or industry task forces as needed; assist…