We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Funder III to join our team. This role serves as a senior-level contributor within the Funding department, responsible for ensuring approved applications are processed efficiently and that funds are disbursed accurately and timely. The Funding Associate III plays a critical role in workflow management, team coordination, and process oversight. This individual will partner closely with the Funding Manager to support daily operations, assist in team scheduling and deal assignments, and act as a key escalation point for complex funding scenarios. This position is also responsible for driving process improvements, supporting training initiatives, and ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage the funding process for approved loan applications, ensuring timely and accurate disbursement of funds to dealers.
- Oversee daily funding workflow, including assigning deals, balancing workloads, and prioritizing queues to meet service levels.
- Act as a primary escalation point for complex funding, documentation, or dealer-related issues.
- Partner with the Funding Manager to support team operations, scheduling, and coverage planning.
- Draft, refine, and maintain funding guidelines, procedures, and internal documentation as processes evolve.
- Conduct thorough reviews of collateral and supporting documentation to ensure proper lien perfection and compliance.
- Ensure all documentation meets company standards and regulatory requirements.
- Utilize Loan Origination Systems (LOS) to process, manage, and monitor funding transactions.
- Review checklists to ensure post-closing tasks are completed accurately and files are ready for booking.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all funding transactions and documentation.
- Handle escalated dealer and partner communications with a strong customer service focus.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Credit, Sales, and Operations to resolve issues and improve efficiency.
- Lead process improvement initiatives and recommend enhancements to increase team productivity and accuracy.
- Support and lead training efforts, including mentoring junior team members and reinforcing best practices.
- Perform quality control and targeted post-audit reviews to ensure consistency and compliance across the team.
- Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company-established service levels.
- Demonstrate accountability, dependability, and the ability to consistently meet established schedules, deadlines, and performance expectations.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma, an associate degree or equivalent in Finance, Business, or related field.
- Previous experience in funding within the powersports industry is mandatory.
- Previous experience working with vehicle titles across multiple states (auto, powersports, or related finance), including understanding of state-specific titling and lien perfection requirements is required.
- A minimum of 5+ years of experience in funding or retail finance is required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to perform applicable mathematical calculations.
- Expertise with Loan Origination Systems (LOS).
- Research and problem-solving capabilities.
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead workflows, prioritize tasks, and manage team throughput.
- Advanced understanding of loan structures, funding processes, and collateral perfection.
- Experience providing training, mentorship, or guidance to junior funding associates.
- Proven capability to work with leadership on special projects, audits, and compliance initiatives.
- Knowledge of financial services regulations together with all internal policies and procedures
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong understanding of financial information and lending regulations
- Ability to work on-site.
Profile Differentiators:
- Experience in founding, co-founding or working in a fast-paced startup environment
- Prior experience in a team lead, senior funder, or supervisory capacity.
- Proven ability to train, mentor, and guide team members.
- Experience in a FinTech startup
- Bachelor’s degree or Advanced Professional degree
Salary:
To support your health and wellness goals, Kawasaki provides a comprehensive benefits program dedicated to the well-being of our employees and their families.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Medical, Dental, Vision and Pet insurance
- 401(k) match
- Life and Disability benefits
- Generous PTO policy
- Up to 12 paid company holidays
- Employee discounts on Kawasaki products
- Onsite fitness center
- Kawasaki Kafé
KMRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with KMRF is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.