Regional Credit Manager at Amerant Bank

Lead and oversee all credit related matters of the assigned region:

Credit Analysis: Responsible for providing a sound, independent and objective assessment and recommendation on risk factors associated with Commercial and CRE loans in the assigned region. In addition, supervise assigned credit analysts in performing credit analysis, annual reviews, and provide weekly/monthly reports to management on pipeline, production & turn-times.

Portfolio Management: oversee the team responsible for the maintenance of credit quality the portfolio administration and monitoring of credit quality for the Commercial and CRE loan portfolio in the assigned region. Including monitoring portfolio and individual loan relationship trends, including credit covenants, triggers, and exceptions.

Responsibilities:

• Provide a sound, independent and objective assessment of risk factors associated with Commercial and CRE loans in the assigned region.
• Organize and supervise a team of credit analysts and provide guidance in order to produce timely and accurate credit recommendations to loan requests, while maintaining proper adherence to credit policy and banking regulations, as well as make recommendations on conditions/covenants relating to loan structures to adequately address the risk involved in the proposed loans.
• Underwrite & analyze large and/or complex loans assigned. Accurately review and measure the financial condition and operating performance of commercial and corporate enterprises. Ability to meet a minimum of one (1) financial analysis per week with a high degree of accuracy in terms of figures and credit risk assessment.
• Analyze and spread personal financial statements and personal tax returns in order to ascertain financial strength of individual guarantors.  
• Conduct annual review of existing credit relationships; recommend changes in risk rating as deemed appropriate. This includes calculating covenant testing requirements as needed. Identify, track and monitor loan policy exceptions, review credits with loan covenants and verify compliance.
• Conduct site visits/inspections and report findings, as needed.
• Monitor the assigned portfolio for adherence to Bank policies relative to credit, collateral, and documentation exceptions. Recommended appropriate actions, if necessary.
• Weekly update of the credit analyses request pipeline, the assignment of credits to analysts and monitoring of their work to ensure that the established turnaround time is being met.
• Interact with Sponsors/Borrowers as well as Relationship Managers and Portfolio Managers to enhance the quality of information required for underwriting purposes. Acts as a consultant to business lines regarding credit issues, processes and procedures.
• Assist in the loan structuring process and review of legal covenants in conformity with the Bank’s policies and procedures. This also includes assisting Head of Segments and Relationship Managers in collaborating with other bank units such as Credit Administration, Loan Operations, Credit Services, Closing areas, and Credit Risk.
• Collaborate with Portfolio Management in the administration, monitoring, and renewal of upcoming maturities in a timely manner, processing of modifications, risk rating process (CARs), exceptions, covenants, as well as assisting in the identifying any "red flags" or problems within the portfolio.
• Operate the software systems for loan originations, modifications, annual reviews, and other presentations to senior management.

Portfolio Management Role 

• Responsible for coordinating and overseeing the portfolio management team for the assigned region with their assigned responsibilities:
  • Provide transactional support in the loan approval process by assisting Relationship Managers with the creation of proposals, term sheets, and credit memos while maintaining clear understanding of the Bank’s credit programs and policy and its adherence. Also includes assisting Relationship Managers collaborating with other bank units such as Credit Administration, Loan Operations, Processing Unit, and Credit Risk to streamline processes and maintain accuracy of reports and credit quality of the portfolio. Reports to supervisor deviation from credit programs and policy.
  • Coordinate and conduct analysis/underwriting functions, as needed. Provide support on new business activities by screening preliminary data and follow up in obtaining required documentation and conformity to credit underwriting policy of the bank. Prepare documentation, memos, and/or presentation (i.e. Term Sheet, PowerPoint presentations, etc.) as needed on behalf of the Relationship Manager.
  • Coordinate and conduct annual review process of existing credit relationships; recommend changes in risk rating as deemed appropriate. This includes calculating covenant testing and risk rating trigger requirements as needed. Identify, track and monitor credit policy exceptions, review credits with loan covenants and verify compliance.
  • Responsible for the administration and monitoring maturities, delinquencies, including criticized assets reports on a regular basis as well as assisting in the identifying any “red flags” or problems within the portfolio.  Reports to supervisor portfolio issues and irregularities found in these reports.
  • Coordinate and conduct site visits/inspections and report findings.
• Coordinate portfolio management activities with assigned team.

General Role:

• Attend seminars and training sessions to keep abreast of changing regulations, as well as industry/market trends and conditions.
• Responsible of supervising, coaching, training, and mentoring other team members in order to enhance their knowledge of the position and provide better support to the Relationship Managers and other units of the Bank.
• Functions as a resource for business lines and works with senior management on various issues, as needed.
• Back up function for other operational roles performed in the department, as required by supervisor.
• Ability to identify, evaluate, monitor and make any recommendation deemed necessary to the supervisor in order to assess, reduce, eliminate or control any current or prospective risks to earnings or capital arising from violations of, or nonconformance with, laws, rules, regulations, prescribed practices, internal policies and procedures or ethical standards.
• Ensure preventive measures are carried out to fully comply with current rules, regulations and internal policies relating to risks pertaining to BSA, USA Patriot Act, OFAC and other AML related issues.
• Participation in various appointed committees and/or outside organizations, representing both the Credit Services Unit and Bank.

Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or finance required. Master’s degree preferred OR 7+ years of commercial credit analysis experience in lieu of education. Formal credit training required.

Minimum Work Experience Requirements:

10+ years of professional experience in lending and credit analysis. Knowledgeable of banking products and documentation.

Technical and/or Other Essential Knowledge:

Thorough understanding of the Bank’s credit procedures, programs and policy. Accounting and credit principles. Proficiency in Microsoft Suite is required. Salesforce, nCino, FIS IBS experience is a plus. Sound time management and organizational skills required. Well organized and systematic. Must possess strong communication skills.