Commercial Real Estate Credit Officer

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.