Credit Officer Ag Lending

Where you will work: This position offers a hybrid work option up to 50% and is based out of the Fond du Lac, WI or Sun Prairie, WI office location.

The contributions you will make: This position analyzes new credit requests, makes loan servicing decisions for existing clients and performs other essential credit duties. Completes the financial analysis and underwriting on a variety of crop and livestock industries throughout Compeer’s territory. Makes credit decisions that are consistent with established credit policies, procedures and best practices. The incumbent approves or denies requests within their delegated authority with a majority of the time being spent on completing loan analysis and communicating decisions to internal and external team members. Works with clients and Financial Officers to discuss loan packages and provides financial counseling to clients. Visits clients, as needed. 

A typical day: 

Credit Analysis

•  Analyzes financial and supporting documentation submitted for formal and informal lending and servicing requests.
• Identifies, communicates, and assists in the collection of financial information required to process lending and servicing requests.
• Approves, declines, or escalates credit decision to higher authority levels as required.
• Determines appropriate level of analysis and due diligence required based on credit risk.
• Determines appropriate account classification and probability of default rating.
• Effectively communicates credit decision, terms, conditions, and findings through a formal narrative write-up.
• Establishes loan conditions and closing requirements for approved actions.
• Answers questions and provides direction on credit related issues that arise during the processing, closing, and servicing of lending transactions.
• Facilitates negotiation of credit agreements between Compeer, borrower, participants and outside counsel.
• Creates innovative credit packages to meet client needs.

Loan Servicing and Credit Administration 

• Proactively monitors lending portfolio and loan performance for the organization and provides direction for loan classification.
• Works directly with sales team or with clients to develop a plan to cure loan delinquencies or other servicing requests.
• Determines how to structure stressed credits to meet internal lending requirements, client expectations, and organizational growth objectives.
• Coordinates with sales and RAU teams to develop servicing plans and other monitoring requirements for higher risk client relationships.
• Monitors database exception reports to ensure proper financial, collateral, and loan classifications are accurate.
• Works closely with sales and operations teams to understand quantitative and qualitative information to balance credit risk with portfolio growth.

Client Relations

• Works jointly with Financial Officers and other team members to implement Team Relationship Model approach with clients.
• Meets with clients to provide quantitative assessments of financial performance in relation to Compeer credit standards and industry norms.
• Prepares and presents financial peer reports, industry benchmark analysis and other financial counseling tools to clients.
• Assists clients in gaining a better understanding of their financial position and set goals for the future.

Industry Knowledge

• Responsible for keeping knowledge up to date with industry trends and procedures.
• Builds and maintains knowledge and skills within crop and livestock industries served by Compeer by reviewing industry publications, reviewing internal guidance, internal trainings, attending meetings, seminars and conferences.
• Participates in industry updates and webinars to stay up-to-date on market changes and other industry news.

The skills and experience we prefer you have: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Ag business, finance, economics or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Basic to solid interpersonal, collaboration, communication, team building, problem solving, analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
• Solid computer skills, including MS Office applications, customer relationship management (CRM) programs, internal underwriting and database systems.
• Basic to solid decision making, negotiating, and influencing skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing situations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other teams to achieve goals and represent the business.
• Entry-level experience in credit analysis in a financial institution, preferred.
• Basic to solid knowledge of agricultural businesses and operations, crop insurance and livestock industries and associated production practices, preferred.
• Basic to solid knowledge of loan products, services, and credit operations, preferred.
• Basic to solid understanding of credit processing and servicing activities, accounting principles and practices, credit analysis procedures, credit administration, monitoring and reporting, preferred.

How we will take care of you:

Our job titles may span more than one career level (associate, senior, principal, etc.). The actual title and base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is eligible for variable compensation and other benefits.