Small Business Specialist

Summary 

The Small Business Specialist (SBS) plays a critical role in our vision by connecting Academy Bank with the vibrant small businesses in our communities. A successful Small Business Specialist (SBS) partners with retail branch managers to grow and support small business clients' needs with a focus on payments, deposits and loans. This role combines coaching, credit expertise, and direct sales responsibility for lending relationships up to $250,000, growing core deposits, and offering payment solutions to small businesses. 

SBS will work with identified banking center managers to generate new small business clients that focus on selling best-in-class payment solutions, merchant processing and treasury solutions, deposit and savings products and business loans (Small Business Product Set). In addition to supporting the banking centers, the SBS will also have individual sales goals. Incentive compensation will be considered based on exceeding measurable production goals. 

Responsibilities 

• Serve as a small business expert, working directly with the Bank’s small business clients, prospects and with the retail branches to offer the Bank’s Small Business Product Set to optimize the small business client's business and cash flow.
• Energetically mentor and train retail branch associates on credit requests and small business lending.
• Build relationships with local businesses and community partners.
• Ensure compliance with credit and regulatory standards.
• Enthusiastically generates new business relationships and expansion of existing business relationships, primarily through outside sales efforts. Develop prospects through professional referrals, bank referrals, and community involvement. Works with retail Banking Center Teams to fully develop small business client relationships.
• Evaluates business loans following centralized underwriting criteria for new loans, renewals, modifications and changes in terms Gathers and expertly reviews and analyzes credit related documentation, including business and personal financial statements, tax returns, and performance metrics.
• Actively manages small business banking relationships through proactive client contacts which include identifying opportunities to fully develop small business relationships, preparing and maintaining calling plans and sales maps for each assigned relationship, and actively participating in weekly sales meetings with Hub branches.
• Regularly communicates with clients and prospective clients in a proactive and accurate way through all communication channels regarding rates, approved or denied credit requests, terms, and other general loan and/or bank product information.
• Works with loan operations and other Bank departments to prepare necessary documentation and disbursements.  
• Maintains a high level of cooperation and rapport with all Associates to ensure accurate and efficient operations and service.  Attend loan and other meetings, as required and appropriate to maintain open lines of communication.
• Ensures confidentiality of client information by practicing all security processes, training, and coaching with respect to confidentiality policies and ensuring that all physical security measures are in place and functioning properly, including locks, computer access, and key access.
• Responsible for knowing and following all bank policies and procedures, including the Bank’s BSA/AML program and applicable state and federal laws.  This includes completing compliance training and adhering to internal procedures and controls; reporting any known violations of compliance policy, laws, or regulations; and reporting any suspicious client and/or account activity.  Promotes ethical environment by modeling integrity and requiring ethical behaviors from colleagues.
• Understand, communicate, and instill the Company’s mission, vision, and values (Pillars of Success).
• Complete monthly training in a timely manner to ensure knowledge of bank regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Working at the worksite during regular business hours and/or assigned hours.
• Other specified duties as assigned.

Skills

• Strong attention to detail and ability to complete work accurately.
• Strong business acumen and excellent organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required.
• Strong business acumen and excellent organizational skills.
• Proven prospecting and sales results.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently.
• Ability to develop and build productive relationships utilizing competitive analysis.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Proficient in SalesForce.
• Ability to be NMLS licensed and registered, required. 

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience preferred.
• Minimum of three years demonstrated sales experience or minimum of two years’ business development experience as a sales representative to small business.
• Demonstrates financial analytical skills with ability to solve complex problems by interpreting data and results.
• Demonstrates excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills to communicate with cross functional peers and credit managers.

Physical Requirements

The work environment is typical of a standard office or retail banking setting.  The position is sedentary, involving sitting most of the workday; however, the position will involve moving about the workspace to reach entrances/exits, restrooms, conference rooms, or other areas within the work environment.  Reaching may be required involving the ability to move arms in any direction.  Office equipment, such as a computer and telephone, will be used requiring the ability to manipulate a keyboard, mouse, and/or keypad.  The ability to decipher a computer screen or written documents is necessary. The ability to express or exchange ideas; impart information to clients, coworkers, or the public; or to convey detailed or important instructions; is required. The ability to receive and understand detailed information shared through oral or written communication is required. Position requires lifting and/or the exerting of up to 10 pounds of force.

Compensation & Benefits 

The Small Business Specialist position pays a minimum of $80,000. 

Full‐time associates are eligible for our benefits package:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) plan
• Company paid life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Company paid vacation, paid leave and holidays 

This position will remain open until a qualified applicant is hired.