Agricultural Credit Underwriter III

Why Bank OZK?:

Founded on a legacy of more than 120 years in banking, Bank OZK is much more than just a company. We’re nationally recognized as an industry leader in financial services. That means we combine exceptional service with innovative technologies to deliver smart solutions to our clients across the country. We’re investing in small businesses, fueling economies in local communities and changing skylines in the largest cities across America. Here, we're not simply filling roles. We're fostering even greater careers.

 

The foundation for a great career starts with an exceptional team and a comprehensive benefits package. We believe in providing our dedicated team members with the best resources to support their physical, mental and financial wellbeing, including generous PTO, 401(k) matching, health, dental, vision (and pet!) insurance as well as special perks and discounts. Learn more about Bank OZK benefits.

 

Job Purpose & Scope:

Responsible for supporting agricultural lending efforts by underwriting new and renewed loans. Serves as a trained credit underwriter and experienced banking professional and works with loan types including production agriculture, agribusiness operations, agricultural real estate, agricultural equipment, livestock, poultry, crop production, and seasonal operating lines. Underwrites transactions with a high degree of complexity (generally carry total bank commitments “TCE” up to $30MM). Completes annual reviews, performs financial statement analysis and completes global debt service calculations. May serve as a mentor/coach to less experienced underwriters.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Underwrites more complex agricultural, agribusiness, and commercial loan requests with total credit exposure (TCE) up to $30MM.
2. Analyzes borrower financial statements, tax returns, crop and livestock operating results, farm balance sheets, cash flow projections, global debt service, and overall repayment capacity.
3. Reviews and assesses seasonal operating needs, borrowing base availability, crop insurance, commodity price exposure, input costs, hedging or marketing plans, and working capital adequacy.
4. Ensures loan requests are underwritten consistently and in accordance with the Bank’s credit policies, procedures and standards.
5. Manages assigned credit transactions, ensuring the loan requests are handled efficiently and processed in a timely manner, consistent with the Bank’s standards and Service Level Agreements.
6. Communicates with lenders, credit officers and management at all levels of the organization regarding specifics concerning approved and declined loans.
7. Tracks, monitors, and reports activity on loan applications and decisions, including maintaining a record of loan applications received and booked.
8. Maintains the independence of the underwriting function and the recommendation of the initial credit risk rating.
9. May serve as a coach/mentor to less experienced staff members.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Knowledge of financial and banking principles.
2. Comprehensive knowledge of applicable banking regulations, including OFAC, BSA, AML, and USA PATRIOT Act requirements.
3. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
4. Ability to collaborate professionally with employees and leaders at all organizational
5. Ability to provide effective customer service.
6. Strong credit analysis and underwriting skills.
7. Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
8. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment with sensitive information.
9. Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness in work product.
10. Ability to remain focused and productive in a fast-paced environment.
11. Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
12. Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Basic Qualifications:

1. Bachelor degree in related field (i.e., business, finance), or commensurate work experience, required.
2. 3+ years’ experience in credit underwriting, financial analysis/management and/or lending work experience required, preferably including:

• Agricultural Production
• Agribusiness
• Farm Real Estate
• Farm Equipment
• Crop or Livestock Operations
• Poultry

3. Formal commercial credit training either from a bank management training program or external provider, such as RMA or Omega, preferred.

Job Expectations:

Operate customary equipment and technology used in a business environment, with or without accommodation.

 

Note:   This description is not an exhaustive list of all job functions, duties, skills, and job standards required.  Other job functions, duties, skills, and standards may be added.  Management reserves the right to add or change the job requirements at any time.

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EEO Statement:

Bank OZK is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law. Member FDIC.