Credit Officer I

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVES

This position is primarily responsible for managing the Bank's credit risk through the prudent and sound use of delegated loan approval authority. The Credit Officer analyzes loan requests, renewals and modifications (prepared jointly by Credit Analysts, Portfolio Managers, and Relationship Managers) to determine the likelihood of repayment, ensure that loan terms, structure, covenants and conditions are appropriate, arrive at a final approve/decline decision, and assign an appropriate risk rating. Credit Officers must be well‑versed in sound lending principles, the Bank's loan policy, and current Federal and state laws and regulations. The Credit Officer is expected to proactively identify and communicate ideas for improving the credit administration process. Finally, the Credit Officer acts as a commercial lending and credit mentor, coach, and liaison to teammates across the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Read, analyze and synthesize large amounts of information (e.g., spreads, credit memorandums, financial statements, audits, loan documents, leases, appraisal and environmental reports, etc.).
• Perform relevant underwriting calculations and financial statement ratios.
• Know and stay abreast of economic conditions.
• Determine appropriate loan amounts and credit limits.
• Coordinate approvals with Relationship Managers.
• Supervise underwriters to verify correct completion of duties.
• Approve credits within nCino and maintain accurate credit files.
• Follow strict confidentiality procedures.
• Ensure risk ratings are appropriately assigned during the new loan/renewal approval process.
• Perform duties within established service level agreements (i.e., SLAs).
• Coach, mentor and develop staff (i.e., Portfolio Managers).
• Drive strict compliance with the Bank's policies and procedures, code of conduct, and regulatory guidelines.
• Assist other employees by liaising with them through healthy and positive interactions.
• Participate in marketing endeavors/efforts.
• Continuously update skills through Bank and third‑party training.
• All other tasks, responsibilities or duties, as directed by management.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPETENCIES

• Interpersonal skills:
  • Must have active listening skills (i.e., the ability to listen to others without interruption, seek genuine understanding, and propose relevant and appropriate ideas).
  • Patient and willing to help internal and external stakeholders solve problems while maintaining a positive attitude.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Composed under pressure.
• An inclination to lead, organize, and develop within their sphere of influence.
• Well‑organized, accurate, and attentive to detail.
• Able to type at a pace of roughly 20 words per minute.
• Proficient with a financial calculator.
• Proficient with standard office machines, Microsoft Office software suites, and any software that might be utilized in the department.
• Ability to use the computer efficiently and the capacity to learn new software programs as they are rolled out by the Bank.
• Able to fluently speak and write in business English (including spelling, grammar, and punctuation).

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Education : Bachelor's Degree in accounting, economics, finance or a related field. Graduation from a recognized school of banking and/or business‑related graduate degrees is a plus.
• Experience : Prior commercial lending, underwriting, and credit approval is highly beneficial. Minimum of five years of experience in commercial banking, business banking and/or portfolio management. Competent to decide deals of moderate complexity, typically arising from a local market area.
• Certifications/Specific Knowledge : Knowledge of accounting, finance, and lending principles. In‑depth knowledge of Federal and State lending regulations and Bank policies related to lending procedures.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/CLASSES

• SouthState Bank credit policies, procedures and underwriting standards
• nCino training
• Annual regulatory and compliance training
• Additional training required as necessary

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This position requires a large amount of time at a computer. This can be done sitting or standing with use of the right desk.
• Must be able to remain seated or work standing in a confined area on a computer for a minimum of four (4) hours each workday.
• Must be able to constantly use hands and fingers to enter data through or on a computer or answer a phone throughout most of the standard workday.
• Must be able to hear and communicate with coworkers and customers.
• May need to lift up to 25 pounds to perform job.

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. The position may require regular before/after normal business hours, or regular out‑of‑town travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is in a private office. The position is located inside a cooled and heated facility with ability to go to a break room or rest room during breaks.
• Must be able to function in a professional, business office environment and act and dress appropriately for the same, consistent with the Bank's grooming and dress code.
• Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with customers and coworkers.
• Must be willing to function as a team member.
• Must be willing to demonstrate commitment to SouthState Bank's mission and goals.

Telecommuting or hybrid roles must have a secure home office environment that is free from background noise and distractions. They must also have a reliable private internet connection that is not supplied by use of cellular data (hot spot). Cable or fiber connections are preferred. Requirements are subject to change, as new systems and technology are delivered. Travel may be required to attend meetings as needed.

Work Location: 3475 Piedmont Rd NE Suite 150 & 1900 Atlanta, Georgia 30305

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled/veterans.

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