Ag Credit Analyst III

The Ag Credit Analyst III is responsible for the investigation and analysis of agricultural credit risks. The Ag Credit Analyst III resolves more complex credit problems, makes some decisions regarding credit extension, develops and maintains financial background information on present and prospective customers, and develops credit studies for loan officers and committees.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Responsible for preparing comprehensive credit analysis on agricultural loans that facilitates the credit approval process for use by lenders or committees in the making of lending decisions regarding new, renewal, and extension loans with total relationships of $250K or greater.
2. Thoroughly analyzes the most complex agricultural credits.  Analyzes factors such as income growth, margins, trends, quality of management, market shares, industry risks and collateral assessment and stress testing. This may include analysis of multiple entities and tax returns where double accounting entries are needed to determine accurate net cash flow for the operation(s).
3. Prepares cash flow projections for the next operating cycle using data from the current operation(s), historical trends and historical production information along with any planned expansion or reduction of acres or livestock numbers or planned diversification of crops to be planted or type of livestock to be run.
4. Participates in customer calls with Commercial Lenders to assess new business opportunities.
5. Participates in deal discussion meetings with lending personnel, market managers and appropriate credit officers to preliminarily assess merits of a request.
6. Works with lending personnel, market presidents and appropriate credit officers to underwrite and structure agricultural loan transactions in accordance with credit culture of the Bank.
7. Consults with lenders and customers to complete cattle borrowing bases and also track cattle purchases and implementation of price protection strategies of these cattle when required by bank policy or added bank convenants.
8. Consults and provides guidance to market personnel regarding navigation of the agricultural underwriting process as well as interpretation of loan policy.
9. Submits credit approval documents to appropriate personnel for decision making.
10. Ensures all departmental documents and activities are performed in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures as applicable to this position, including completion of required compliance training.
11. Works with local and state FSA lending offices to utilize both participation loan products and guaranteed loan products and complete required applications, annual reviews, concurrence requests, participation letters and other compliance reporting to ensure bank compliance of all FSA loans.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field, required; Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business with concentration in Agricultural Economics, Accounting, or Finance, preferred.
• 5+ years’ work related experience in Ag Lending and/or underwriting, required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of current and future market data for crops and livestock (particularly cattle) and the basics of crop insurance and livestock price protection – i.e. LRP and hedging.
• Working knowledge of lending processes and subject matter.
• Ability to handle complex issues and problems; excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• A significant level of trust and diplomacy required.