More than 135 years ago, we started with core values that never go out of style: listen, learn and help businesses and individuals reach their goals. These core values shape our culture, and we were recently certified as a Great Place to Work because of our outstanding workplace culture and employee experience. As well, our financial strength and stability are key reasons Forbes named us one of the Best 100 Banks in America for the ninth consecutive year.
With more than $16 billion in assets and 135 branch locations throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California, we understand our role in the economy and take that responsibility seriously. In addition to offering a source of capital to personal banking clients and businesses of all sizes, we place a high importance on employee volunteerism and donate millions of dollars each year to community organizations.
As a Trade Finance Specialist, will be responsible for processing all commercial and standby letters of credit and documentary collections, including issuance, notifications, amendments, and payments, and maintenance of respective files. Also responsible for creating and maintaining department reporting.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

• H.S. Diploma: required (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered) )

EXPERIENCE

• 2 or more years of specialized commercial banking experience and familiarity with standby letters of credit required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Basic math and accounting concepts including debits, credits, balancing ledgers, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentages.
• Knowledge of current revisions of regulations governing trade products, including Uniform Customs and Practices for Documentary Letters of Credit (UCP), Uniform Rules for Collections (URC) and International Standby Practices (ISP98).
• Proven strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office software applications; with particular emphasis and familiarity with MS Word, Excel and Access Database.
• Basic understanding of trade transactions, document examination and discrepancy resolution.
• Demonstrate understanding the methods and practice for processing commercial and standby letters of credit, documentary collections and other trade related products.

• Coordinate the execution of letters of credit, assuring supporting documentation is reviewed for accuracy, consistency and compliance with UCP, and follows applicable laws, rules, regulations, and bank credit standards. Communicates with client regarding all aspects of the letter of credit process. Verifies credit availability, accurately documents file and coordinates onboarding with loan operations. Works with compliance and processing vendor to onboard new clients.
• Coordinate the initiation and payment of import and/or export documentary collections. Reviews collection instruction cover letters for consistency and compliance with URC; assures the transaction meets and follows applicable laws, rules, regulations and communicates status and payment with client.
• Maintain records and files for all Trade Finance transactions; records activities for accounts including debit/credit, transaction fees and notifications; balances account records and customer liability accounting; and generates Management reports.
• Responsible for providing backup on Foreign Exchange Forward Contract booking and maintenance of relative files.
• Consults with clients on routine documentary collections and commercial and standby letters of credit.
• Establish internal connections with complimentary bank departments.
• Facilitate business development efforts of Trade Finance department through presentation preparation, data mining, research, and client support.
• Other tasks related to processing trade finance products or supporting reporting and audit efforts as they may arise.