Senior Loan Operations Business Analyst in Oswego, New York at Pathfinder Bank

Pathfinder Bank is seeking a Senior Loan Operations Business Analyst to provide advanced analytical and operational support within a community banking and financial services environment. This role supports loan operations, servicing, systems, reporting, and process improvement, using data and operational expertise to identify risks, resolve issues, improve processes, and support the effective delivery of lending operations.

Join a team that values your expertise and your community. At Pathfinder Bank, you are more than an employee. You are a valued member of a team that takes pride in helping local businesses and communities grow. When you join us, you become part of a people-first culture built on respect, development, and service.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation and benefits, including health coverage, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off
• Opportunities for career growth and internal mobility within a community bank
• A supportive team environment focused on employee development and engagement
• A community-focused culture with opportunities to give back locally

Position Summary

Provides advanced analytical, operational, and project support for the Operations Department, with a focus on loan operations, servicing, systems, and data. Analyzes operational and portfolio data, identifies trends, exceptions, and risks, supports issue resolution, and develops reporting and documentation to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of loan operations.

This role leads and supports loan-related projects, system analysis, procedure development, audit and examination preparation, and continuous improvement initiatives. Exercises independent judgment within established authority and escalates material risks, complex exceptions, and non-routine matters to appropriate leadership.

Essential Functions

• Perform advanced data analysis and data management, including operational research, recurring and ad hoc reporting, trend and exception analysis, and loan portfolio review
• Analyze findings and recommend corrective or preventive actions to address operational risks, exceptions, and process gaps
• Support lending documentation and system processes and serve as a liaison between Pathfinder Bank and associated vendors when issues arise
• Assist with research, setup, testing, and analysis of new processes and systems designed to improve departmental accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness
• Identify training needs, process gaps, and procedure improvement opportunities through review of operational activity, helpdesk tickets, and recurring service issues
• Work with Loan Operations leadership to update procedures, improve documentation, and support training related to operational and servicing functions
• Coordinate and prepare Operations-related regulatory, audit, and examination materials for lending and deposit functions, as assigned
• Research escalated loan-related customer service concerns, document findings and resolution steps, and communicate results to appropriate team members
• Assist with documentation for new loan account types and parameter maintenance requests within the Bank’s core processing system
• Review system-generated reports and research and document loan maintenance necessary to resolve exceptions
• Maintain documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements, Bank policies, document retention requirements, and internal controls
• Maintain knowledge of applicable banking laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to assigned responsibilities
• Provide functional guidance and operational support to Loan Operations, Loan Servicing, and Loan Librarian employees as needed
• Serve as a liaison for Loan Operations with the Bank’s core banking system vendor and assist with vendor-related issue resolution
• Support Branch Administration and other internal business partners with questions and issues related to Loan Operations and Servicing functions

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in banking operations
• At least three years of experience in loan operations, loan servicing, business analysis, data analysis, systems support, or a closely related function
• Five years of customer service experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, as well as Adobe
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain a high level of accuracy
• Ability to learn and apply regulatory and compliance requirements
• Understanding of confidentiality and data security best practices
• Foundational understanding of customer, deposit, and loan documents and document imaging concepts

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Information Systems, Finance, Computer Science, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible banking operations experience may be considered
• 5 to 10 years of experience in a banking, financial services, or operations-related environment
• Knowledge of key banking regulations with experience applying them in an operational environment
• Lending Compliance Core Concepts Compliance Certificate through ABA
• Relevant banking-related certifications
• Strong working knowledge of core banking platforms, loan operations and servicing tools, and document imaging systems
• Experience working with reporting tools and operational dashboards
• Notary license

This position is eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement for the right candidate, based on experience and business needs.