Senior Commercial Loan Assistant in New Canaan, Connecticut at Bankwell Financial Group Inc

About Bankwell:

Bankwell is a commercial bank with more than $3 billion in assets that serves the banking needs of businesses and individuals. At Bankwell, we pride ourselves on our unique ability to bring you high touch, high-quality banking with the expertise and dedication of our experienced team of professionals. When it comes to business, our deep industry knowledge, flexibility and innovative treasury and financing services enable us to find the right solutions for our business and commercial clients. We’re passionate about giving back and are actively involved with many not-for-profit organizations that help shape and improve the lives of others. We’re dedicated to giving our time and talent to support the communities we serve. More about Bankwell can be found at www.mybankwell.com.

Summary of Position:

The Senior Commercial Loan Administrator serves as support to the Commercial Lending Officers. The role will involve assisting in the origination, tracking and booking of Commercial Real Estate (CRE), Commercial and Industrial (C&I), Construction, Lines of Credit, and Letters of Credit. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Identifying any situations which may have a negative impact on the Bank’s Commercial loan portfolio risk profile
• Reviewing Loan Closing Documents for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to the Loan Submission
• Preparing the approved Loan Checklist and Loan Input Forms (confirming accuracy) prior to submitting the closing package to the Loan Servicing Group.
• Reviewing commercial loan activity and issues on a regular basis with Loan Officers and Portfolio Managers to ensure such are within the servicing procedures established by Bank policy
• Assisting in resolving loan review exceptions and tickler items as well as pending loan maturities
• Assisting in tracking all fees collected including but not limited to commitment fees and prepayment fee’s / penalties
• Remaining current on all pertinent lending and other financial institution related laws and regulations
• Maintaining the highest level of confidentiality with all customer related information
• Creating and maintaining all credit, financial and legal files both paper and electronic
• Carrying out and responding as required to customer requests, inquiries, advances, pay-downs, transfers, etc.
• Maintaining commercial construction loan portfolio including the file set-up and budget input, preparation of construction loan advances, ordering of site inspections, review of borrower documentation, and advancing of funds in conjunction with Lenders
• Coordinating with participating banks in all aspects of advances (including construction loans) and payments
• Ordering appraisals and environmental reports
• Ordering UCC searches, title searches, and flood zone determinations
• Generating internal loan documentation through Laser Pro for all non-attorney closed loans
• Archiving paid loan files (both paper and electronic) as necessary
• Initiate and track both incoming and outgoing wires associated with loans in process and loan closings
• Identifying process improvement opportunities to enhance efficiencies
• Reviewing, obtaining approvals, and submitting invoices to accounting for payment in a timely manner
• Determining if loans in process are CRA and HMDA reportable
• Initiate and track both incoming and outgoing wires associated with loans in process and loan closings
• Assisting in the coordination and review of monthly board reports
• Participating in special projects as necessary

Qualifications & Skills:

• Self-starter, ability to work independently
• Excellent customer service skills, attentiveness, and information retention
• Ability to make sound decisions, including the ability to make on-the-spot decisions regarding customer transactions, weighing customer satisfaction issues with the Bank’s exposure to loss or fraud, and the ability to think through and rationalize decisions
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Suite
• Ability to contribute positively as part of a team
• Ability to work effectively with a strong will to help others
• Strong attention to detail, and highly organized
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Thrives in a high-pressure environment and has the ability to work with tight deadlines
• Perform assigned tasks accurately and on a timely basis
• Ability to recommend process improvements in the department to enhance efficiency
• Adheres to all applicable Policies and Procedures

Education/Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of Commercial Loan Administration experience in a similar role.
• Loan documentation prep, review, and interpretation experience required.
• Experience in Construction Loan administration is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree preferred

FLSA Status: Exempt

Competitive compensation and benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• HSA option
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Telehealth and wellness resources
• Supplemental insurance options
• Pet insurance and legal plan benefits

Benefits become effective on the first day of the month following date of hire.

This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees are expected to perform tasks assigned by supervisory personnel, regardless of job titles or routine job duties.

Bankwell is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of Americans with Disabilities Act and certain other state or local laws. Please inform Bankwell’s Human Resources representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

All employees are responsible for complying with banking regulations that apply to Bankwell. This includes, but is not limited to, adhering to the BSA and various consumer protection regulations, and complying with OFAC sanctions. Employees are required to complete compliance training and follow policies and procedures for applicable regulations based on their role. An employee’s failure to comply with banking regulations will be individually reviewed and assessed. The result of non-compliance may impact job performance ratings and may be serious enough to require termination of employment.