Lending Assistant

At Vantage Bank, we're driven by a deep commitment to supporting our customers, valuing our employees, embracing diversity, fostering meaningful connections, and providing outstanding service every step of the way.

JOB SUMMARY

The Lending Assistant supports the commercial lending team by performing administrative duties relating to loan processing and documentation. They support lending officers as well as other members of the lending department.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The duties listed below may not include all responsibilities that the person in this role may be asked to perform. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

• Assists and supports lending officers in loan documentation process, closing loans, perfecting liens, maintaining credit and collateral files, order lien searches and title commitments.

• Responds to customer inquiries about existing commercial or consumer loans. Close new and renewed commercial and consumer loans and ensure accurate execution of all documents and receipt of all fees.

• Provides customers with a central information point for inquiries regarding transactions, account status and operational issues.

• Acts as a liaison between customers and lending officers to facilitate account servicing, research and coordinate resolution of routine account problems related to overdrafts, returned items, stop payments, etc.

• Provides basic secretarial support to all lending officers.

• Assists lending officers with the administration and development of banking relationships including daily interface with customers, other financial institutions and internal departments.

• Monitors maturing loans, past dues and credit collateral exceptions.

• Process requests for loan advances and verify availability if requested funds, prepare tickets manually on loan payments, advances, loan fees, recording and related fees.

• Prepares closing instructions and send to attorneys or title companies.

• Responds to referrals and general inquiries about lending.

• Responsible for the maintenance and organization of loan files.

• Assists in compiling loan documentation, sending closing instructions, ordering appraisals and surveys, and closing the loans for the Commercial Business Banking and Small Business Administration departments.

• Assists with loans below $8MM with complex structures which include hotels, retail strip centers, multi-family apartment complexes, and warehouses. This includes gathering all corporate documentation to identify the ownership structure to determine who the final beneficiary is of the entity being used as our borrower or guarantor.

• Assists in the management of less than $50MM in loan portfolios for the lenders which includes customer service calls, past dues, credit and collateral exceptions, and day to day requests from customers.

• Assists on complex relationships with multiple borrowers and guarantors with due diligence by pulling OFAC, World Compliance, Google Searches, and Credit Bureau reports to satisfy the “Know Your Customer” policy. This includes sending all information to BSA for their final approval.

• Assist in borrowing base advances and construction advances on complex loans which include accounts receivable and inventory financing and all hotel, multi-family, retail strip center, and warehouse construction loans.

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

These specifications are general guidelines based on the minimum experience normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform the position in a satisfactory manner. Individual abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines.

• High school diploma, general education degree (GED), or equivalent required; Associate degree or higher preferred.

• 1 or more years of banking or similar financial services experience preferred. Prior experience in the lending assistant field preferred.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Bilingual— English/Spanish preferred

• Excellent customer service skills

• Proficient computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, the Windows environment, and internet research skills.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while performing assigned duties.

• Excellent analytical, time management, organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to multi-task and work in a deadline-driven environment.

• Must be self-motivated with strong initiative, high level of accountability, and attention to detail.

• Ability to always maintain a high degree of ethical standards and complete confidentiality.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Community involvement is part of who we are. Our culture is built on teamwork, purpose, and service. We value volunteerism and create opportunities for employees to connect, give back, and make a positive difference in our communities. As part of the Vantage Bank team, all associates should embrace our community involvement and culture to ensure we are making an impact.

BANK SECRECY ACT (BSA)

All employees of Vantage Bank, herein referenced to as the “Bank”, must comply with the terms of the BSA Policy upon acceptance of this position. The primary responsibility for enforcement of this policy and its operating procedures rests with the BSA/AML/OFAC Officer. However, it is the responsibility of each employee to take the required BSA training modules and become familiar with and adhere to the Bank Secrecy Act, Anti Money Laundering and Office of Foreign Asset Control Policy.

EOE/M/F/D/V