Credit Officer / Senior Credit Officer - Communications

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to be an integral cash flow underwriting and credit resource within the constantly evolving telecommunication’s industry. This role supports a seasoned and diverse sales team responsible for growing CoBank’s highly profitable telecom portfolio through high profile, highly structured cash flow transactions to a diverse set of companies within a dynamic industry that includes fiber transport, datacenters, wireless, broadband, cable, competitive fiber and traditional phone providers. We are looking for a highly engaged, self-motivated team-player that is able to identify key transaction risks, exercise sound credit judgment and help develop unique financing and structuring solutions for a diverse customer base.

At CoBank, our Credit Officer / Senior Credit Officer analyzes the current, historical, and projected financial condition and repayment capacity of the bank’s largest and most complex commercial borrowers. Evaluates validity of borrower business plan based on assessment of industry outlook, competition, technology, management and overall capital structure. Prepares clear, substantive credit reports and presents those credit reports for loan committee and co-sponsors credits within prescribed credit limits. Assists and advises account officer on appropriate loan structure and overall account management strategies. Take a leadership role in account servicing, credit administration, collateral and compliance monitoring and other high-level administrative duties to assist the account officer in managing the banking relationship. Completes special projects and participates and authors industry research as requested by manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works with lending or leasing staff as appropriate to structure financial proposals to support complex credit arrangements for large accounts. Conceptualizes and formulates financial strategy to accomplish customer's credit needs. Manages resources from various sources. Designs creative and innovative financing packages.
• Assists with negotiations concerning the packaging of credit arrangements. Consults with lending or leasing staff and provides coaching on negotiation strategy, financing approaches, or other specific credit issues.
• Prepares and oversees the preparation of credit analyses and credit investigations to ensure the application of a relevant and thorough approach. Provides direction and guidance to credit analysts on general research issues. Understands and follows bank guidelines, policies, and procedures for the preparation and presentation of credit information.
• Monitors credit quality of accounts to identify emerging trends and ensure ongoing compliance with covenants. Notifies lending, leasing, and/or credit staff of emerging issues as appropriate.
• Assists with internal research and analysis, provides statistical reports, and verifies information. Prepares and delivers presentations on topics as assigned.
• Develops and utilizes computerized spreadsheets, programs, and other automated tools for credit analysis, special projects, or presentations.
• Approves or recommends credits for approval based on research and analysis completed by credit analysts.
• Maintains expertise in assigned industries or market sectors. Keeps abreast of industry trends and competitive environment.
• Other Duties and Responsibilities:
• Provides coaching and consultation on credit analysis, financing techniques, and other matters related to the delivery of credit.
• Develops in depth innovative credit skills.
• Participates in special projects, and performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance or relevant discipline
• Five (5) or more years of credit experience in banking industry; or appropriate combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of complex lending, financial structuring and credit arrangements, and bank products.
• Advanced knowledge of credit and financial analysis, including cash flow analysis, balance sheet analysis, profitability, liquidity, and solvency analysis.
• Advanced knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), taxation, legal forms of organizations, and business law.
• Advanced knowledge of financial modeling techniques and preparation of pro forma financial statements.
• Advanced knowledge of credit underwriting policies, procedures, processes, collateral valuation, and documentation.
• Advanced ability to perform discounted cash flow analysis, capital budgeting (internal rate of return, net present value, etc.), and equity valuation calculations.
• Knowledge of specific assigned industry, including key risks and long-term issues.
• Ability to use creativity and innovation to address financing issues.
• Ability to consolidate many resources to complete the "deal."
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance, as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Excellent detail and customer service orientation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively, build, and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of associates, management, and internal customers across the bank.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to deliver commitments while juggling multiple projects and priorities. Ability to work effectively under deadline pressures, and adjust quickly and effectively to changing priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication. Excellent active listening skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access).
• Availability for occasional work outside normal business hours.
• Availability for occasional travel.