Escrow Officer - First American Financial Corporation

La Jolla, CA

About the Job

Who We Are

Join a team that puts its People First! First American's Direct division provides comprehensive title insurance protection and professional settlement services for real estate purchases, refinances and equity loans. Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for nine consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.

What We Do

Responsible for handling real estate transactions by establishing new escrow accounts, managing funds, processing documents for closings, and completing settlements in accordance with established policies and procedures. Acts as a neutral liaison between file parties, adheres to company policy, and monitors and mitigates risk to the company.

Essential Functions

Completes real estate escrow transactions by determining requirements; clearing titles; assembling, preparing, and reviewing closing documents; disbursing funds.
Determines closing requirements by studying and clarifying buyer, seller, and lender instructions.
Orders title reports for issuing title insurance, resolving title defects; satisfying existing liens and encumbrances against property or principals.
Establishes escrow account by depositing funds; maintaining records.
Prepares transaction documents by completing forms and statements; collecting and reviewing existing documents.
Completes calculations by prorating taxes and interest.
Completes closing transaction documents by assembling documents; reviewing papers with parties; explaining provisions and procedures; answering questions; checking documents for completeness and accuracy; obtaining signatures.
Completes closing by recording and filing documents; preparing and distributing final closing statements and title. Prepares settlement statement by utilizing lender instructions.
Closes escrow account by balancing and disbursing funds.
Complies with regulatory requirements and company policy by adhering, and enforcing adherence, to requirements.
Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.

Knowledge and Skills/Technology Used

Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the escrow/title industry field
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Good client relations and organizational skills
Ability to write reports and correspondence
Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume
Detail-oriented and professional; able to handle confidential information
Ability to deal with multiple types of roles such as real estate sellers, buyers, agents and brokers

Typical Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Typical Range of Experience

2-4 years related experience
Experience directly handling escrow transactions as an escrow assistant preferable

License or Certification

Valid Licensing/Certification as required by applicable state

Pay Range: $24.30 - $33.30 Hourly

This hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting. Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements and geographic location.

** Note that the following statements only apply to candidates who will be working from an unincorporated area within Los Angeles County. **

First American will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws (e.g., the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act).

First American intends to conduct a review of an applicant’s criminal history in connection with a conditional offer. First American reasonably believes that a criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following material job duties for this position potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment: handling of confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to First American or its customers, administrating or facilitating financial transactions, and the ability to meet customer-imposed criminal history requirements.

What We Offer

By choice, we don’t simply accept individuality – we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First Culture celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion not simply because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.

Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.

Source : First American Financial Corporation