Junior Credit Analyst​/Loan Review

Optima

FI helps community financial institutions (CFIs) - credit unions and banks profitably grow using a combination of proven data assets, expert consulting, and modern cloud software. We are Optima

FI, striving to create solutions for CFI’s that enable better decision making, transparency, and improved profitability for our clients. Our values are Curiosity, Transparency, Partnership, and Lagniappe - always adding a little extra for clients and colleagues alike. We are an 80-person company growing to 100 in the next 18 months, and we have no intention of ballooning headcount for the sake of it.

We move with purpose, invest in what works, and use automation and AI to stay lean and effective.

The Junior Credit Analyst / Loan Reviewer is a key contributor to Optima

FI’s loan review operations, responsible for delivering accurate, consistent loan reviews across a variety of financial institutions. You’ll review a high volume of loans on a weekly basis, assessing credit risk, underwriting quality, and policy adherence. This role is central to maintaining the quality and integrity of client deliverables while operating efficiently in a fast-paced, remote environment.

• Review 12–15 loans per day, evaluating risk grading accuracy, underwriting practices, servicing, and adherence to credit policies
• Analyze financial statements, cash flow, collateral, and guarantor support to assess creditworthiness
• Document findings clearly and accurately in a succinct summary using Optima
  
  FI’s proprietary loan review platform

• Deliver consistent, high-quality work while managing volume and meeting deadlines
• Apply sound judgment when evaluating credit risk and identifying potential issues
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to Optima
  
  FI’s quality standards
• Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive client information
• Collaborate with team members and leadership to ensure alignment and consistency in deliverables
• Adapt quickly to navigate different client systems and data environments including IT connectivity on a weekly basis
• Share insights and observations to support continuous improvement across engagement

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field
• 3-10 years of credit analysis or underwriting experience in banking
• Strong knowledge of commercial lending (CRE, C&I, construction)
• Experience analyzing financial statements, cash flow, and loan documentation

• Experience in loan review, credit analysis, or direct lending
• Familiarity with banking regulations and credit risk best practices

• Deliver consistent, accurate work and take pride in producing high-quality analysis at volume
• Take ownership of your work and manage your time effectively to meet deadlines
• Build trust through reliable execution and clear, objective credit assessments
• Communicate findings with clarity and transparency
• Use sound judgment to evaluate risk and prioritize effectively
• Stay organized and keep track of details, deadlines, and follow-ups
• Adapt quickly to new environments, tools, and client contexts, staying effective through ambiguity
• Bring strong analytical thinking and a practical, solutions-oriented mindset to your work

You will have the opportunity to influence the future of a growing company serving a deeply meaningful customer base. If you’re motivated by results, not title, and you know how to make a small team feel 10X bigger, let’s talk
.

We offer:

• Competitive salary plus profit sharing.
• Medical, dental and vision coverage plus Flexible PTO, 401(k) match, and WFH stipend.
• Full ownership of the People roadmap—no legacy bureaucracy.
• A leadership team that values straight talk and rapid experimentation.
• The chance to shape a culture that helps community financial institutions - and your own career – thrive.

The annual base salary range for this role is $80,000 – $90,000
. This range represents base salary only. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for bonus, profit sharing, and other incentives and benefits.

We are committed to equitable and transparent compensation practices. Our ranges are informed by market data and reflect the dynamic nature of today’s labor market. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills and location.

* Eligible Remote Locations: AL, AR, AZ, CT, FL, GA, IL, KY, MA, MI, MO, MS, NC, OH, PA, TN, TX, VA, and WI