Credit Administration Counsel
5 days ago
Lakewood
Job Description Job Summary The Credit Administration Counsel is primarily responsible for supporting the Bank’s loan documentation production process in accordance with established credit policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements. This position serves as a primary liaison between the Bank’s outside legal counsel and clients and provides specialized support for complex loan documentation, including provision drafting, coordination and negotiation of documentation and assistance with problem loan documentation matters, ensuring alignment with Bank policy, credit approval terms, and applicable regulatory expectations. The Credit Administration Counsel collaborates with internal stakeholders and external counsel to facilitate timely, accurate, and consistent loan documentation, while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and turnaround times for documents delivered to the Bank’s branches and lending teams. Essential Duties • Accurately and efficiently prepares and finalizes loan documentation using LaserPro, ensuring documentation reflects approved loan terms, Bank policy, and applicable regulatory requirements., • Assists lending staff by clarifying documentation requirements and verifying information during due diligence and document preparation to support timely and compliant loan closings., • Supports the production of complex loan documentation, including drafting special and custom provisions, and coordinates with outside legal counsel as needed to address documentation-related issues., • Serves as the primary liaison for loan transactions requiring engagement of outside legal counsel by coordinating documentation workflow and facilitating resolution of documentation issues in accordance with approved loan structures and Bank policy., • Communicates with branch lending staff, borrowers, and other third parties, as appropriate, to support negotiation and finalization of acceptable loan documentation terms consistent with loan approval conditions and risk parameters established by the Bank., • Analyzes complex documentation requirements, identifies issues or inconsistencies, and provides practical solutions consistent with regulatory expectations, internal controls, and credit approval terms., • Maintains and periodically updates the Bank’s loan provision library to ensure alignment with current regulatory requirements, internal policies, and approved documentation standards., • Provides training, guidance, and technical support to loan documentation staff and branch lending support personnel to promote consistency, accuracy, and compliance in loan documentation practices., • Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and turnaround time within the loan documentation process while maintaining appropriate internal controls and risk mitigation standards; elevates recommended process improvements to management., • Provides recommendations and guidance related to the Bank’s lending function, including documentation standards, lending risk considerations, reporting support, and policy interpretation. Assists with developing presentations and action items related to regulatory guidance and changes in federal, state, and local laws impacting lending and loan documentation. Compliance Responsibilities Complies with all applicable state and federal banking laws, regulations, and internal policies, including but not limited to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations, Customer Identification Program (CIP) requirements, Financial Elder Abuse reporting laws, Sexual Harassment prevention policies, and information security and privacy requirements. Identifies unusual or potentially suspicious activity and promptly elevates such activity to supervisory staff and/or the BSA/Compliance Department in accordance with established policies and procedures. Completes required compliance, regulatory, and job-related technical training, including assigned workshops and continuing education, within required timeframes. Officer Title Eligibility Certain positions may be designated as Officer-eligible under the Bank’s corporate governance standards. Employees who meet defined qualifications, competencies, and performance standards may be considered for an Officer title, subject to management review and approval. This position is eligible for assignment of an Officer title at the Vice President or First Vice President level. Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge • Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), • Fair Credit Reporting Act, • Fair Housing Act, • Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), • Regulation AA (Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices), • Regulation B (Equal Credit Opportunity), • Regulation CC (Expedited Funds Availability Act), • Regulation E (Electronic Funds Transfer Act), • Regulation H (Flood Disaster Protection Act), • Regulation P (Privacy Act and Safeguarding Customer Information), • Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), • California Civil Code, • Fair Debt Collection Practices, • Regulation Z (Truth in Lending Act), • Regulation BB (Community Reinvestment Act), • Regulation DD (Truth in Savings), • US Patriot Act, • Regulation O (Federal Reserve Act and Federal Deposit Insurance Act), • Regulation C (Home Mortgage Disclosure – HMDA), • Regulation U (Governs Margin Securities), • Regulation W (Transactions with Affiliates) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written English, sufficient to communicate clearly and effectively with internal staff, external counsel, borrowers, and third parties, and to prepare and review accurate loan documentation., • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, with the ability to use these tools to support documentation, communication, and reporting requirements., • Working knowledge of Finastra LaserPro and LawyerPro applications used in loan documentation preparation and management., • Experience using Laserfiche or comparable document imaging and records management systems., • Familiarity with Jack Henry & Associates core banking systems or comparable banking platforms., • Working knowledge of the Bank’s Credit Policy Manual, including approved loan structures, risk parameters, and documentation requirements., • Working knowledge of the Bank’s Loan Documentation and Procedures Manual, including established standards, controls, and approval requirements., • Demonstrated basic mathematical skills sufficient to review loan terms, calculations, and financial information for accuracy and consistency., • Strong customer service skills, with the ability to interact professionally and responsively with internal customers, external counsel, borrowers, and third parties. Equipment Operated • Operates standard electronic computers and customary office equipment required to perform essential job functions., • Use of equipment is required, with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Physical Requirements & Work Environment The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Nothing in this description is intended to limit the availability of reasonable accommodation under applicable law. • Ability to perform repetitive movements associated with office and computer-based work., • Ability to sit and or stand for extended periods of time to perform essential job functions., • Ability to lift, carry, or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation., • Ability to use hands and fingers to manage, manipulate, or feel objects and operate standard office equipment., • Work is primarily performed in an office environment with a controlled temperature and standard office conditions. Education and Experience • Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, legal studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience., • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, or status as an attorney in good standing, as applicable to the role., • Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in loan documentation, credit administration, commercial lending support, or a related banking or legal environment, with demonstrated experience supporting complex loan transactions. Minimum Absence Requirement - Two Weeks As part of the Bank’s internal control and risk management framework, positions with access to critical systems, records, or processes are designated as sensitive positions. Consistent with sound banking practices, employees assigned to sensitive positions are subject to mandatory consecutive absence requirements to support segregation of duties, facilitate independent review, and reduce the risk of errors, irregularities, or unauthorized activities. This position has been designated as a sensitive position. Accordingly, the employee is required to complete a minimum of two (2) consecutive weeks of absence from assigned duties during each calendar year, in accordance with Bank policy. The absence will be scheduled in coordination with management to ensure continuity of operations while maintaining effective internal controls. Administration of the mandatory absence requirement, including paid or unpaid status, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour and leave laws, including California requirements, and consistent with Bank policy. Disclaimer This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned, consistent with business needs and applicable law. Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach reserve the right to modify, amend, or discontinue job duties or requirements at any time. Nothing in this job description creates a contract of employment, either express or implied, or alters the at-will nature of employment.