Associate Credit Officer, FCF

We do the right things, right now.  We do them in a way that is relevant to our clients.  Become a part of our history as it continues to be written! 

If you are interested and qualified for this role, we invite you to apply.

First Commercial Finance Associate Credit Officers provide leadership, direction, oversight, and guidance in regards to commercial finance credit origination, underwriting, and management. The position may be responsible to provide leadership, direction, and guidance to the Market or Portfolio Managers, Credit Analysts or Underwriters, and Loan Origination or Sales staff. Associate Commercial Finance Credit Officers have a shared responsibility with line and product management for the credit quality of assigned portfolios and are members of various credit approval and Problem Loan Committees.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• The First Commercial Finance Associate Credit Officer (ACO) may have lending authority up to $5 million in exposure and provides recommendations to Executive and Senior Management for the approval of any credit requests included in credit exposures exceeding $5 million.
• Work with their credit analysts, portfolio analysts and underwriters to foster a clear understanding of the FFB/FCF Credit Culture and Credit Management expectations for the Origination, Underwriting, and management of commercial finance credit.
• Ensure the completion and appropriate management of Credit Quality, Management, Underwriting, Analysis, and Client or Concept reviews to be in concert with FFB Credit Culture.
• Approve and Recommend Commercial Credits within the Credit Approval Policies and Processes of the bank within their assigned credit authority.
• Participate in various Credit and Credit Risk committees to obtain a holistic perspective on organizational credit management.
• Participate in the development of improved Policies and Processes that provide for Creditworthy, Profitable, Growth.
• When requested participate in Corporate Management and Strategy meetings.
• Participate in reviews of the Credit Quality (Past Due’s, Classified, Non-Accrual, Charge-Offs) and Credit Management (Matured Loans, Credit, Documentation, and Policy Exceptions) with appropriate credit staff in their assigned areas of responsibility to achieve “Satisfactory” or better results.
• Share in the responsibility to ensure the appropriate assignment of Asset Quality Ratings on all loan relationships.
• Assist Special Asset officers in developing appropriate workout strategies to include Exit vs. Retain decisions.
• Assist in reviewing and/or negotiating proposed legal loan documents when requested to do so by FCF management, Commercial Credit Officer or FCF Counsel.
• Assist in areas of training generally in regards to Credit processes, policies, and management.
• Perform other duties as assigned by FCF management or Credit Officer, FCF
• Manage Pipeline management of new and existing loans.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform Essential Functions of the Job

• 8+ years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated lending authority and experience managing credit exposures up to or exceeding $5 million.
• Extensive understanding of commercial banking products, services, and lending processes.
• Deep understanding of asset quality rating systems and credit classifications.
• Proficient in financial statement analysis, cash flow modeling, and risk assessment for complex commercial transactions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret financial, business, and market data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with senior and executive management, committees, and clients.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

Level of Complexity and Scope

• Regularly handles complex commercial finance credit transactions, often multi-faceted and requiring deep analytical review.
• Works across a broad set of credit management activities, including credit quality assessment, asset classification, legal documentation reviews, policy development, and pipeline management.

Degree of Independence and Decision-Making

• Exercises considerable independent judgment in evaluating, underwriting, approving, and recommending commercial credits within assigned lending authority and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Seeks input or escalates to senior or executive management when dealing with transactions or issues outside established authority or precedent, particularly for high-value or unusually complex credits.
• Proactively identifies and recommends improvements to policies, processes, and risk management practices in support organizational growth and sustainability.

Required Supervisory Responsibilities

• Responsible for direct management for a team of commercial finance underwriters.

Physical Requirements

• Primary work environment is a professional office setting with standard business hours; work is primarily sedentary, involving prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working at a computer.
• Frequent use of computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment.
• Occasional standing, walking, and light lifting (up to 20 lbs.).
• Occasional travel required to visit other offices, business partners, or clients by car and/or air (if applicable)
• Ability to effectively communicate in person and via electronic means.

Compliance Statement

The associate is responsible for meeting all compliance requirements imposed on First Financial Bank by State and Federal law and regulation, as well as all related First Financial Bank policies and procedures. This includes all Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC and Suspicious Activity reporting requirements, as well as all other lending and deposit compliance requirements.

Development and Training

Pay Range: $120,000/year - $170,000/year

Benefits

We have relevant, thoughtful benefits and programs that support every aspect of our associates' holistic wellbeing. Please review our Benefits Guide. 

Incentive Eligibility

All roles are incentive eligible with the exception of Co-Op, Intern, or Student positions.

It is our policy to not discriminate against any individual in violation of federal, state, and local laws as it relates to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran/military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are an E-Verify Employer.