Commercial Real Estate Credit Officer

Open 49d

GENERAL FUNCTION:

This position is responsible for evaluating, underwriting, and recommending approval or denial of commercial real estate loan applications.
Involves in-depth credit analysis, risk assessment, and structuring of loans for properties such as multifamily, office, retail, industrial, and construction projects.
Ensure compliance with bank policies, regulatory requirements, and sound lending practices while supporting the bank's portfolio growth and risk management objectives.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conduct thorough underwriting of CRE loan requests, including analysis of borrower financial statements, tax returns, personal financial statements, credit reports, and guarantor strength.
Evaluate property-level risks through review of appraisals, environmental reports, title searches, market analyses, and third-party due diligence reports.
Perform cash flow analysis (e.g., Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Loan-to-Value), stress testing, and sensitivity analysis to assess repayment capacity and collateral adequacy.
Prepare detailed credit memoranda/write-ups summarizing findings, risks, mitigants, and recommendations for loan approval, structuring, covenants, and pricing.
Recommend loan approvals, denials, or modifications within delegated authority; assist in presentation of complex deals to Director's Loan Committee.
Monitor existing CRE portfolio for compliance with covenants, early warning signs, and risk rating accuracy; conduct annual reviews and renewals.
Collaborate with relationship managers and originators to structure deals that meet borrower needs while adhering to risk parameters.
Ensure adherence to regulatory guidelines (e.g., Basel, FDIC, interagency CRE guidance) and internal credit policies.
Assist in portfolio management, including problem loan identification and workout strategies when necessary.
Stay current on CRE market trends, property types, economic conditions, and industry risks.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field; Master's degree or professional certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA, or Credit Risk Certification) preferred.
Minimum 5-7 years of experience in commercial real estate credit underwriting, analysis, or lending within a bank, credit union, or financial institution.
Proven track record in underwriting various CRE asset classes (multifamily, retail, office, industrial, construction/development loans).
Strong knowledge of CRE lending regulations, risk rating systems, and financial modeling.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Advanced financial analysis skills, including spreading financials, ratio calculations, and cash flow projections (proficiency in Excel required).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing credit reports and presenting to committees.
Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities with attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple deals in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.
Proficiency in credit software, underwriting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
High ethical standards and commitment to compliance.

See also