First Merchants Bank is seeking a Senior Centralized Funding Specialist to join our team! This position plays a critical role in supporting the commercial lending process by reviewing and managing loan documentation, boarding and funding in accordance with regulatory requirements and internal policies. Supports First Merchants vision by delivering high performing, knowledgeable, and responsive service to our internal commercial teams and external bank partners. Foster strong relationships through consistent communication, and operational coordination. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability as Centralized Funding evolves. This position can be remote within our operational footprint.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Review commercial loan documentation operational mechanics to determine compatibility with the loan system
- Collaborate with relationship managers, closer and other LOB personnel to gather necessary information and resolve documentation, closing, boarding and funding
- Oversee the funding of new and amended loan transactions, ensuring timely disbursement and adherence to approval conditions
- Maintain detailed records and documentation in loan systems and databases
- Act as a subject matter expert to guide team members in loan documentation, boarding and funding processes
- Assist in the development and refinement of documentation procedures and best practices
- Proficient in syndicated and participation loan transactions
- Demonstrates strong organizational skills and multitasking proficiency
- Adapts quickly to changing circumstances and implements effective solutions
- Engage in cross-functional project teams
- Oversee and authorize all outgoing wire transfers and OTEs (Online Transaction Entry)
- Engage in pipeline, pre and closing calls
- Identify and escalate any deal attributes that are not supported by the servicing system or require significant workarounds or manual intervention
- Support loan operations with the onboarding, funding, and quality review of new or amended attorney-prepared facilities
- Prepare and send advance notice and clear to close funding and fee notices to participating banks
- Use Design, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) methodology to improve processes when possible
To be successful in this position, we require the following:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- A minimum of five (5) years of loan administrative or operations experience, in commercial loans.
The following would be a plus:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Certified.
First Merchants offers the following:
- Base Pay PLUS Bonuses
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- 401k
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Vacation/Sick Time
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Additional Benefits
A little about us:
First Merchants is guided by a genuine philosophy of being a meaningful place to work and having a prosperous impact across all walks of life throughout the communities we serve, including consumers, businesses and other organizations. Our Vision, Mission and Team statement reflect and reinforce that authentic service philosophy.
Our Vision is:
To enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.
Our Mission is:
To be the most responsive, knowledgeable, and high-performing financial organization for our clients, teammates, and shareholders.
Our Team:
"We are a collection of dynamic colleagues with diverse experiences and perspectives who share a passion for positively impacting lives. We are genuinely committed to attracting and engaging teammates of diverse backgrounds. We believe in the power of inclusion and belonging."
Apply today to begin your career with us!
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Skills Required
- High school diploma or equivalent GED
- At least five years of commercial loan administrative or operations experience
- Bachelor's degree
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification
First Merchants Corporation Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about First Merchants Corporation and has not been reviewed or approved by First Merchants Corporation.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs include a 401(k) with employer match and an employee stock purchase plan that are presented as meaningful components of total rewards. These elements are highlighted as strengths relative to other benefit components.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off provisions include PTO, bank holidays, bereavement, paid parental leave, and paid volunteer time. These elements can help offset concerns about base pay in some roles.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is explicitly offered and positioned alongside PTO and holidays to support family needs. This support contributes to a more balanced work–life setup.
First Merchants Corporation Insights
What We Do
First Merchants Corporation is the largest financial services holding company in Central Indiana, headquartered in Muncie, Indiana. The Corporation has one full-service bank charter, First Merchants Bank. The Bank also operates as First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors (as a division of First Merchants Bank). First Merchants Corporation’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market System under the symbol FRME. First Merchants offers customers broad financial services throughout locations in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Michigan providing: • Commercial Banking (business) – checking, treasury management, card services, financing, loans, electronic banking, online and mobile banking. • Personal Banking (consumer) – checking, savings, CDs, mortgages, loans, IRAs, HSAs, online and mobile banking. • Private Wealth Advisors - trusts, investments, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, profit sharing plans, pension plans, cross-tested plans, cash balance plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, IRAs, SEP IRAs, and succession planning. First Merchants is committed to customers by: • Developing strong relationships. o As financial advisors – our professionals listen and provide solutions o The tenure of our professionals averages eight years, meaning you will enjoy continuity of service o We hire local professionals from the communities we serve • Customers benefit from local decision making. o Decisions are made faster o The process is streamlined, with each customer having a single point of contact. o Our financial professionals are empowered to develop tailored solutions. • The local communities we serve benefit from First Merchants’ involvement and support.
