Zions Agricultural Finance (ZAF), a division of Zions Bank, is one on the top originators and servicers of agricultural land loans throughout the United States. The division was formed in 1997 and has continued to grow over the years with over a $2 billion loan portfolio currently being serviced.
Zions Ag Finance is a leader in the secondary market agricultural real estate mortgage lending industry is currently seeking a
Commercial Ag Real Estate Underwriter to be located in Ames, Iowa. This position will work closely with Zions Ag Finance's national network of bank and broker Correspondents as well as its own Business Development Officers as it relates to loan submissions, underwriting and closings of Farmer Mac loans. This position will request and/or review financial information as necessary to make sound decisions while ensuring credit requests are processed in accordance with policy. This individual must operate with a high degree of care and skill consistent with banking standards and in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. Responds to internal and external customer inquiries. Performs other duties as necessary to support the goals and objectives of the department and business unit. The Ag Lending Underwriter must present a professional image to the client and provide service which exceeds client expectations. You bring the talent; we bring the opportunity!
The ideal candidate will have the skills and experience to: - Evaluate, analyze, and form opinions for the approving or denying of agricultural and/or commercial loan applications according to business unit standards.
- Gather information as necessary to make sound decisions.
- Ensure credit requests are processed in accordance with bank policy.
- Respond to internal and external customer inquiries.
- Recommend exceptions based on findings.
- May have authority to approve loans beyond the organization's guidelines.
Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in business, finance or related field or 4+ years credit, spread analysis, lending, underwriting concepts, practices, procedures or other directly related experience. A combination of education and experience may meet qualifications.
- Extensive knowledge of credit, spread analysis, lending, underwriting concepts, practices and procedures.
- Ability to analyze and research financial statements, credit reports, debt ratios, and loan to value information.
- Ability to make sound decisions.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational and problem-solving skills with an ability to meet deadlines.
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
- Tact, diplomacy, and good judgment required at all times.
- Proven customer service skills and effective team skills.
- Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office products (outlook, Excel, Word, Access, Etc.) and other industry-specific applications including loan origination, closing, and servicing systems.
Benefits: - Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance - START DAY ONE!
- Life and Disability Insurance, Paid Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance.
- Health Savings (HSA), Flexible Spending (FSA) and dependent care accounts.
- Paid Training, Paid Time Off (PTO) and 11 Paid Federal Holidays, and any applicable state holidays.
- 401(k) plan with company match, Profit Sharing, competitive compensation in line with work experience.
- Mental health benefits including coaching and therapy sessions.
- Tuition Reimbursement for qualifying employees enrolled in an accredited degree program related to the needs of the business, maximum of $5,250 per calendar year, employees are eligible for the program upon hire.
Location Amenities: Located in the heart of downtown Ames, Iowa, the Zions Agricultural Finance building serves as the headquarters for our division. Ames is the home of Iowa State University, and as we like to say, is big enough to have everything, while being small enough to get there quickly. Big 12 sporting events, live performances, a diverse selection of restaurants, bike friendly, and some of the best schools in Iowa make the Ames area an exceptional place to work and live. Work location features include:
- FREE employee parking with a private parking lot.
- Easy access to city bus lines with a hub directly outside of our building.
- Restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and city hall are all within a quarter mile of our location.