Agricultural Officer I

at Banterra Corp in Eldorado, Illinois, United States

Job Description

SUMMARY

Responsible for interviewing loan applicants and taking loan applications.  Maintains close contact with customers through the closing process and executes closing documents.  Responsible for ensuring the sound administration and quality of an assigned loan portfolio and making sound credit underwriting decisions within authority as specified by the loan policy.

All employees are expected to protect the information and assets of the organization through heightened awareness of information security, cybersecurity, and risk management best practices, as well as complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Interview agricultural loan applicants, gather required information for credit applications, and explain loan options, rates, terms and collateral requirements. Establish and negotiate, where necessary, the terms under which credit will be extended, including the costs, repayment method, amortization schedule and collateral requirements.  Cross-sell services in a professional manner.
• Approve creditworthy loans within the Bank’s loan policy and the officer’s individual lending limit as established by the loan policy. Refer creditworthy loans above the officer’s individual lending limit as well as those with exceptions to the bank’s loan policy, to a more senior loan officer or loan committee for review and approval.
• Develop materials, as necessary for presentation of loans to senior loan officers or the loan committee.
• Discuss with customers business and financial matters relating to loans. Inspect applicant’s business and/or collateral and review financial information. Regularly contacts delinquent loan accounts in order to discuss their account status and to work out a payment arrangement suitable to the bank and the customer.
• Underwrite loan applications by ordering credit reports and analyzing the information provided. Verify information with creditors, applicant, and the applicant’s past and current employer (when applicable).  Request additional information from the applicant as required.
• Work with team leader to develop realistic goals in lending, sales and related activities that are consistent with the bank’s overall objectives.
• Close approved loans, assuring the completeness of the documents and their compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Responsible for the ongoing contents of credit and collateral files.
• Develop new business and retain current business relationships by contacting prospects and customers. Participate in community affairs to increase the Bank’s visibility and to enhance new business opportunities.
• As required, assist with current and prospectus customer’s deposit needs and requests.
• Actively promote the sale and referral of various agricultural related products including insurance and investments.
• Portfolio size composition will be commensurate with officer skill level and will include small non-complex loan relationships.
• Assume responsibility for special projects and tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Strong understanding of sales principles, with the ability to identify sales opportunities, provide meaningful product recommendations, and support an overall culture of sales excellence.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory and compliance requirements with an understanding of how these rules and regulations apply to sales functions within a financial institution.
• Strong critical-thinking skills and the ability to analyze potential project outcomes with the adaptability to redirect attention as needed to meet targets and deadlines.
• Confident decision-making abilities and the skill to use sound judgment about the timing of choices; particularly the ability to make informed, responsible decisions with limited information or under considerable amounts of stress.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to remain organized and produce accurate, efficient work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with internal and external customers at all levels.
• Ability to complete standard calculations and apply basic mathematical concepts in practical situations.
• Ability to interpret various ratios and relationships inherent in common or specialized financial and data-driven reports.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
• A positive and proactive approach to work, demonstrating enthusiasm, adaptability, and the ability to maintain composure and professionalism in stressful or adverse conditions.
• Proficient computer literacy, including comfort with Microsoft systems and Office Suite.
• Intermediate typing skills to meet the needs of this position.
• Current driver’s license and reliable transportation with appropriate insurance coverage; additionally, the ability to drive occasionally in the course of performing assigned duties and responsibilities.
• The ability to work with minimal or no supervision.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers; handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others.

The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations and other laws/regulations as applicable.