Financing and Credit Officer

Where you will work:This position offers a hybrid work option (up to 50% remote) and is open to any Compeer office location in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The contributions you will make:

This position collaborates with internal sales and credit teams across business units to originate and service financing packages, including those that involve the use of government-sponsored programs or external funding partners. Applies knowledge of governmentally sponsored financing programs from agencies such as USDA Rural Development and the Small Business Administration in order to contribute the preparation, review and submission of program financing applications. Provides support for financial analysis and underwriting on a variety of Compeer and Agri-Access counterparties, including local banks, Farm Credit System entities and other funding partners. Contributes to the closing and servicing processes to ensure compliance with government regulations and reporting requirements as well as requirements specific to the financing agreements.

A typical day:

Industry Knowledge and Application

• Develops and maintains working knowledge of government guarantee financing programs (e.g., those delivered by USDA Rural Development, the Small Business Administration and federal and state agencies) and applies it to the origination and servicing of financing packages, clearly communicating program requirements and expectations to all participants.
• Contributes to the education of internal team members, clients/prospects and financing partners about government sponsored financing programs. Prepares and updates reference resources to help stakeholders understand program guidelines, eligibility criteria and requirements.
• Researches program updates, working with senior team members to summarize and communicate key changes and identify opportunities.

Financing Origination Process

• Contributes to the preparation and submission of government guarantee program financing applications, serving as a contact with government program delivery staff and communicating directly with clients/prospects. Evaluates initial eligibility, flagging issues and ensuring that applications are accurate, complete and align with program guidelines.
• Resolves routine program-related matters and explains general guidelines, regulations and requirements to team members and outside partners. Escalates or provides support to senior team members in the resolution of complex issues.
• Reviews financing approval documentation from government agencies to ensure compliance with Compeer conditions and client expectations.
• Reviews legal documentation prior to closing to ensure compliance with government program approval requirements and identifies discrepancies or issues.
• Participates in the preparation of investment eligibility and approval requests from regulating bodies and funding bank, when applicable.
• May market to and participate in the performance of government guarantee packaging services for outside lenders similar to those services provided to internal team members.

Financing Servicing Process

• Works with sales and credit teams in servicing of existing financing to monitor credit quality and compliance with financing covenants and government financing program requirements.
• When applicable, assists with construction monitoring duties such as draw request review and approvals, construction budget tracking and other general construction monitoring services in compliance with government financing program requirements and in collaboration with other team members.
• Shares ongoing reporting information with financing partners, bond trustees and other third parties involved to ensure compliance with legal documents and partner requirements.
• Completes reporting obligations for USDA, SBA and other governmental agencies whose financing programs are utilized.

Counterparty Analysis

• Works jointly with lending officers to determine and request information needed to analyze current and prospective financing partners.
• Contributes to preparation of credit narratives for Credit Committee approval after communicating with internal and external team members.
• Assists with the analysis of financial statements and supporting documentation of current and prospective financing partners where recommendations are made to Credit Committee related to approval and limits of approval for counterparty financing institutions.

The skills and experience we prefer you have:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, economics, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Proficient experience in commercial lending, credit analysis, government guarantee financing program delivery or similar roles.
• Basic understanding of government guarantee financing programs, including those under USDA Rural Development, the Small Business Administration and other federal and state government programs, needed to educate team members and outside parties about specific government financing programs.
• General understanding of credit processing and financing servicing activities, accounting principles and practices, credit analysis, credit administration, construction financing monitoring and portfolio management.
• Collaborative team-player who can succeed in an environment where success is determined as a team.
• Skill in developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships inside and outside of the organization.
• Analytical and time management skills with attention to detail.

How we will take care of you:

Our job titles may span more than one career level (associate, senior, principal, etc.). The actual title and base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is eligible for variable compensation and other benefits.