Loan Operations Specialist na First Guaranty Bank

Great employees are essential to maintaining the confidence our customers place in us. FGB believes that our employees are our greatest asset as demonstrated in their professionalism and dedication. We encourage open communication and strive to cultivate an environment in which our employees will contribute new ideas and innovations that will help us excel. As we grow, we want YOU to join our team to help fulfill our mission of serving the banking needs in our local communities.

Our full-time employees are eligible for amazing benefits including medical, dental, vision, and basic life/AD&D insurance, prescription drug benefits, long term disability, and salary continuance (short-term disability). In addition, they get paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, a tuition reimbursement program, 401k, section 125 cafeteria plan, and the opportunity to earn FGB stock grants. Apply today to enjoy these benefits and more!

Position Summary

As a Loan Operations Specialist at First Guaranty Bank, you will play a key role in supporting the bank’s lending activities by performing a variety of operational tasks throughout the loan lifecycle. This multi-functional position requires a detail-oriented and adaptable team member who can manage loan booking, collateral documentation, quality control, escrow administration, utilize new technology including artificial intelligence and general loan servicing. You will work closely with lenders, processing staff, and other departments to ensure accurate processing and exceptional service to our customers and communities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - May Include One or More of the Following:

• Loan Booking & Documentation:
• Accurately book loans into the core system based on approved credit packages.
• Ensure all required documentation is received, properly executed, and compliant with bank policies and regulatory standards.
• Assist with planned future automation of this function.
• Collateral Review & Management:
• Review collateral documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Ensure proper lien perfection and timely filing of UCCs, deeds of trust, and other instruments.
• May assist with loan documentation filing and database organization
• Quality Control & Compliance:
• Perform post-closing reviews to verify loan file integrity and compliance.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies in coordination with lending staff.
• Escrow Administration:
• Set up and maintain escrow accounts for taxes and insurance.
• Process disbursements and conduct annual escrow analyses.

• Loan Servicing Support:
• Assist with payment processing, payoff requests, and customer inquiries.
• Support internal and external audits and regulatory exams.

• Department Accounting Monthly Reports
• Produce or assist with daily required accounting reconciliations
• Produce or assist with weekly or monthly required accounting reconciliations
• Conduct or assist with requested loan accounting research

• Team Collaboration & Process Improvement:
• Collaborate with loan officers, loan processors and other bank staff to ensure smooth operations.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and service quality.
• Be available as needed to cross train and perform additional tasks as assigned.
• Adheres to the BSA Policy and all other Bank Policies.
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills)

• Knowledge of consumer and commercial lending, real estate, loan documentation, lien documentation, as well as state and federal compliance and lending regulations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently, efficiently, and innovatively as part of a team.
• Thrives in fast-paced, deadline-driven settings.
• Computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Office
• Minimum 2-4 years of experience in commercial bank or other financial institution is preferred.
• Knowledge of Loan operating systems such as FIS Horizon, Finestra Laser Pro or Abrigo.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Copilot or other artificial intelligence platforms

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will posses the skills aptitudes and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others.  The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills or abilities.