Lead Credit Review Officer

Position Overview

• Location Type:
• Job Type: Full time
• Salary:

The Credit Review Team serves as the second line of defense relative to credit risk. With guidance from the Credit Review Manager, the Lead Credit Review Officer is responsible for the day-to-day activities of an assigned working group. The Lead Credit Review Officer analyzes and monitors credit quality and loan exposure for the Bank’s Commercial and Retail loan portfolios. The Lead Credit Review Officer makes recommendations for risk rating changes including non-accrual and charge-off through the department hierarchy. In addition, the Lead Credit Review Officer may be responsible for supervising day-to-day operations and workflow of a portion of the team.

Scope of Responsibilities

As part of the second line of defense, the Lead Credit Review Officer independently performs assessments and monitoring of credit risk. The Lead Credit Review Officer has a strong understanding of credit policies and procedures, as well as large and more complex loan exposures. In addition, the Lead Credit Review Officer provides direct assistance/support to the Credit Review Manager.

Primary Responsibilities

• With guidance from Credit Review Manager, lead standard and targeted portfolio reviews as required.
• Independently complete reviews of assigned loans/portfolios to achieve appropriate loan coverage in accordance with established operational procedures and timelines set by Department’s Business Plan.
• Independently review and validate the accuracy of individual risk ratings and/or Retail protocol for risk analysis for loans reviewed.
• Ensure underwriting and credit analyses are sound and appropriately justify and/or mitigate credit risk.
• Analyze and understand financial data, collateral documentations and other credit issues. This process includes analyzing financial data and collateral documentation to determine the borrower’s cash flow and ability to repay debt and gauging the quality and collectability of collateral.
• Provide guidance and assistance to other Review Officers on the larger, more complex loan relationships.
• Communicate regularly with relationship managers regarding loans reviewed.
• Prepare, or assist in preparing, written reports and escalate material findings to the Credit Review Manager.
• Assist with, or act as lead, in special projects as assigned and perform additional duties and responsibilities as required.
• Participate and/or lead targeted bank examination components, as required.
• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite.
• Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities

• Act as a subject matter expert to provide coaching and mentoring to the staff.
• May act as a backup to the Credit Review Manager and may lead team meetings, as required.
• May have some supervisory responsibilities to include providing feedback on Review Officers’ work product and process improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a business related curriculum and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in commercial or consumer credit, lending, residential mortgage, finance, accounting, audit and/or other relevant experience, OR 9 years’ higher education and/or working experience, including 5 years’ experience in commercial or consumer credit, lending, residential mortgage, finance, accounting, audit, and or other relevant experience.
• Working knowledge of credit risk management techniques, credit regulatory guidance, and bank credit administration.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.
• Experience with spreadsheet software.