Senior Credit Officer at Bank of Clarke – Winchester, Virginia

Position Purpose: The Senior Credit Officer is responsible for providing support, direction, and credit information to ensure the overall quality of the Bank’s lending portfolio; ensures accurate and timely servicing of the Bank’s loan portfolio. Duties include reviewing and approvals/declines of large and complex loans. Performs direct supervisory duties of department staff, and coordinates staff for coverage in all related areas of the department. Assist Credit Department in adherence to Bank policies and procedures. Assures compliance with all Bank policies and procedures as well as all applicable state and federal banking regulations.

What you’ll do:

• Provides supervision and support to assigned areas of credit where service or assistance is needed
• Reviews and approves/declines large and complex loans; reviews consist of making recommendations on loan structure, terms, and pricing so as not to expose the Bank to undue credit risk
• Attempts to ensure that individual loans are risk rated correctly
• Consistently applies good decision-making techniques pertaining to inquiries, approvals, requests as they apply to existing policies and procedures, keeping within assigned approval limits and using these instances as learning tools for employee development
• Develops and maintains knowledge of financial industry, economy, market conditions, rates, vendors and competition
• Assist in meeting annual deposit and loan growth goals assigned by senior management and the Board of Directors; participates in various internal committees assigned by Senior Management and the Board of Directors
• Monitors staff in daily tasks, operations and quality control; ensures the organization of assigned areas of the department, coordinating available resources (e.g., staff, materials, etc.) for maximum results
• Plays a positive role in the development and growth of assigned department staff through excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, along with strong delegation skills assuring highly cross-trained staff
• Performs personnel actions including performance appraisals, disciplinary actions, and interviewing candidates for employment; supervises the daily activities of the department including, but not limited to, effective delegation of assignments, developing work schedules and providing necessary training
• Processes, solves and answers complex customer transactions, problems or inquiries
• Effectively utilizes technological systems to properly manage the credit administration functions and resolve problems within given authority
• Assumes responsibility for various department functions in the absence of staff members or in overload situations
• Understanding of all aspects and workings of Credit to back-up the Chief Credit Officer when needed
• Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values; accepts responsibility for own actions
• Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes working environment free of harassment of any type; builds a diverse workforce and supports affirmative action
• Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports the Bank’s goals and values; benefits the bank through outside activities

Where you’ll shine:

• Bachelor’s degree (BA) or equivalent from a 4-Year college or university; 4 years related experience and/or training; or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Work related experience should consist of a financial analyzing or lending background. Educational experience, through in-house training sessions, formal school or financial industry related curriculum, should be business or financial industry related
• Mastered experience, knowledge and training in financial statement and tax return analysis typically resulting from a combination of education in accounting, financial and/or credit analysis or related areas
• Mastered experience, knowledge and training in all lending activities and terminology
• Mastered knowledge of commercial, construction, real estate and consumer loan processing
• Mastered knowledge of related state and federal lending and compliance regulations, and other Bank lending policies
• Ability to develop marketing and business development skills with customers
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to provide leadership, supervision and training for 3 or more employees using positive supervisory techniques to ensure maximum productivity; demonstrated ability in organization and delegation skills
• Proficient with industry-standard software and systems necessary to perform the duties of the position
• Advanced math skills; ability to calculate interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages; balance accounts; add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals; locate routine mathematical errors; compute rate, ratio and percent, including the drafting and interpretation of bar graphs
• Exceptional verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions and instruct others, train personnel, read, analyze and interpret documents and professional journals, understand procedures, write reports, correspondence and procedures, speak clearly to customers and employees
• Thorough understanding of management procedures; ability to plan department or Bank activities (setting objectives, developing strategies, budgeting, and developing policies and procedures); initiative to organize various functions necessary to accomplish department or Bank activities; effectively staff (selecting, training and developing employees); directing employees towards the desired objectives (delegating, motivating, resolving problems); controlling the function (developing performance standards, measuring results, taking corrective action and rewarding employees as appropriate)
• Ability to deal with complex problems involving multiple facets and variables in non-standardized situations
• Ability to work with no supervision while performing duties

Where we shine:

• Offering a full suite of benefits including medical, life, dental, and vision insurance plus generous paid time off.
• Supporting associates and their families; we embrace the importance of caring for oneself and our families.
• Surrounding ourselves with smart, driven, and diverse individuals.
• Valuing integrity, commitment regarding our daily duties, and the Bank as a whole.
• Supporting local philanthropic, cultural, and artistic initiatives and organizations that our employees’ value.
• Devoted to the communities in which we serve as we help those who form the creative backbone of our market’s future economy and business value.
• Bank of Clarke is “Great Place to Work” Certified through June 2025.
• “Top Virginia Employer for Interns” award recipient (2023, 2024,2025) through Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP.)

Working Conditions:

The individual will be required to be available after normal working hours. Business travel may be necessary to meet with vendors and attend training opportunities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed under the knowledge/skills section are representative of the knowledge, skill set, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO M/F/V/D