BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP SPECIALIST Job Summary: The Business Relationship Specialist is responsible for effective handling and coordination of the bank unit's efforts in servicing customer needs and in the resolution of customer inquiries. Actively provides overall support to the Market Manager and Relationship Manager in administrative functions, the enrollment and closing of their sales and services functions as a secondary point of contact for customers. Accountable for adhering to the Bank’s BSA, AML and Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFCA) applicable policies. Employee must follow specific unit procedures developed in compliance with the policies. Employee is also responsible for reporting any suspicious activity and/or transactions in accordance with the Bank’s processes and comply with any mandatory BSA, AML and OFAC training assigned. Essential Responsibilities: + Responsible for working closely to the relationship manager in the origination of transactions such as opening and closing of accounts, including but not limited to DDA’s CD’s and Savings, commercial transaction banking products/services, maintenance of authorized signatures, closing and disbursement of loans, handling and processing of loan documents and collateral documents, and others assigned tasks. + Assists Relationship Manager in originating new loans by following up with prospects/clients on information required to complete the loan application process, as well as to close an approved loan by obtaining documentation, filling out checklist and ensure all required information is submitted to supporting area to complete the closing stages. + Process loan payments and adjustments and provide customers information regarding account balances, payments and due dates. Performs loan analysis related to principal and interest applied to individual cases as needed or required by Customer, Relationship Officer, top management, etc. + Prepares or process instructions (depending on service level agreement with supporting area) to disburse loan proceeds according to pre-established agreements. It includes accounting entries, official checks, wires, etc. and next day verifications of data entry correctness/accuracy and coordinating any corrections as needed. + All transactions, maintenances, etc., require the next day verification of data correctness/accuracy and coordinating any corrections as needed. + Monitors portfolio customer accounts for available funds and apply payments per credit policy and loan contract. Handles calls from branches referring these approval requests to the authorized officer for check encashment. In addition, handles the referral of electronic transactions such as ACH, wires, book transfers, etc. for exposure or insufficient/unavailability of funds in depository accounts by evidencing in transit transactions (deposits, loan advances, etc) and seeks RM concurrence for eventual approval by Credit staff. + Provides support in the administration of the commercial credit portfolio by reviewing portfolio’s maturity schedules and documentation expiration dates, notifying customers of information and documentation needed to maintain loans in good status, following up on such requests, make available the documentation to RM and credit analysts for the corresponding analysis. In addition, provides support in maintaining credit files with updated documents and keeps the documentation tickler up to date. + Receives and initiates customer calls, emails and or receive in-person visits to coordinate bank’s unit efforts in the resolution of investigations, requirements and discrepancies in the customers DDA, loan accounts and any other product/service. Ensures follow up with processes to finally remit to customers the necessary information guaranteeing an effective and timely resolution. + Identifies sales opportunities and refer them to the Relationship Manager and other business areas for specific products and services. + Provides assistance and/or prepares reports, statistics, graphics, tables and presentations as required by supervisor/management. + Assists in the streamlining of processes by taking advantage of structure/system capabilities. Additional Responsibilities: + Participate in staff meetings and individual coaching sessions, as needed. + Control operational costs through proactive management of processes. + Assist in the Department’s special projects as needed. Independence of Judgment: Exercises a moderate degree of discretion and judgment. Works within assigned parameters always consulting supervisor on variances or situations where decision making is required. Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no direct supervisory responsibilities. Impact of Errors: The impact of errors of this position could affect essential activities of administrative, operational or business nature that have a considerable economic impact. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Moving of light weight material Occasional Up to 25% Seated Continuous 75% or more To walk, On foot Occasional Up to 25% Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Employees in this job work in an office environment with a comfortable room temperature, good lighting, and quiet conditions. Is exposed to external elements when visiting government, outside agencies or customers. Competencies: + Anticipates and provides service excellence to both internal and external customers + Establishes, sustains and fosters both internal and professional contacts to build, enhance, and connect to FirstBank services + Delivers clear, effective communication and takes responsibility for understanding others. + Understands how the organization works, including, current and future policies, practices and trends + Identifies problems and conducts appropriate analyses involving others to searches for best solutions + Takes initiative and assumes personal accountability for goals, outcomes and deadlines + The employee understands organization’s vision and upholds the organizations values in everyday words and actions. + At higher levels the employee takes a long-term view and share with others the vision and the organization path ahead. + Provides direction and leadership to help teams achieve goals and operate cooperatively and cohesively + Thorough knowledge of all phases of the division’s banking services and products, commercial operating systems and familiar with documentation used and applicable rules, regulations and procedures. + Knowledge of banking laws, including Know your customer, Bank Secrecy Act, US Patriot Act, CRA, Truth in Lending, Truth in Savings, among others. + Sales and Customer service: Knowledge of sales and customer service processes. Able to manage demanding, difficult or emotional customer situations and responds promptly to customer needs. + Good analytical, problem solving and mathematic skills. + Team Work: Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Integration with peer departments, especially Closing, Credit and Loan Review + Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and looks for ways to improve and promote quality. + Good planning and organization and follows policies and procedures and completes administrative tasks correctly and on a timely basis. + Ethics: Treats people with respect and upholds organizational values maintaining composure, tact and courtesy that could be routinely high volume and demanding. + Computer proficient (Word, Excel, and Power Point) + Excellent verbal and written communication in English. Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's Degree Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Associate Degree Or at least two (2) years of experience in commercial banking operations or customer service or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job is required. Microsoft Office proficient (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Write, speak and understand English. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Customer Service oriented. Available to work overtime, when required, available to visit customers and outside agencies when required. Or the equivalent combination of Education and Experience needed to be able to perform the functions of this job. Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not indented to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required of personnel so classified. The reporting relationship may not reflect the most recent changes to the corporate reporting structure. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER