ABOUT FARM CREDIT ILLINOIS (FCI)

FCI is a farmer-owned lending cooperative headquartered in Mahomet, Illinois, with >$7 billion of owned, managed, and collaborated loan assets and investments. With a core purpose of Helping Farm Families Succeed, FCI is owned by 18,900 farmer, rural landowner, and agribusiness members in the southern 60 counties of Illinois. FCI is one of many Farm Credit System Associations which collectively serve all 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico.
At Farm Credit Illinois, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings unique perspectives and experiences, making us stronger and more innovative to serve our members. We offer comprehensive benefits that include medical, dental, and vision, as well as paid time off programs, such as vacation, sick leave, parental leave, holidays, and more. FCI invests in employees’ futures by offering a 401k plan with employer match, as well as professional development and learning opportunities to help our employees grow in their career. Our core values—family, integrity, relationships, expertise, and passion, are the foundation of our culture, and we strive to exemplify these values in every aspect of our association.

DESCRIPTION/JOB SUMMARY

The Loan Process Specialist serves in the Field Operations Department and reports directly to a Regional Manager located in one of the regional offices. This role acts as the “Deal Champion” for loans and ensures timely and accurate processing of loans originated by Lending AVP/VP and RM. The Loan Process Specialist participates in several stages of the credit lifecycle for all relevant loans. This includes aggregating and organizing all pre-underwriting documents, maintaining accurate and complete electronic files, completing loan due diligence tasks, reviewing loan documentation, coordinating, and occasionally attending loan closings, and preparing loans for booking in the loan origination system.

QUALIFICATION OF LOAN CREDIT PACKAGE

The Loan Process Specialist serves as the Deal Champion support person for all loan application activities, ensuring that required documentation is gathered, reviewed, and organized for submission to the Credit Services Department (CSD). Key activities include:

• Assists the Lending AVP/VP and RM with pre-qualification information, which includes the following responsibilities:

• • Gathering prospect or member information necessary to qualify a loan opportunity, including drivers’ licenses, financials, information pertaining to scope of operations, and entity documentation
• Assessing qualitative and quantitative business and financial information, in conjunction with the Lending AVP/VP or RM, and conducting follow- up inquiries with prospect or member for clarification
• Reviews members’ trust agreements, articles of organization, and operating agreement to ensure the right to borrow, pledge, and mortgage
• Inputs all relevant loan information into LOS
• Submits loan in LOS to CSD and serves as the Deal Champion on all submitted loans by responding to internal and external inquiries.
• Assists in following Territorial Concurrence procedures, ensuring compliance with regulations

REQUIRED SKILLS

• General knowledge of accounting principles, practices and methods
• Working knowledge of credit processing processes and procedures
• Skill in listening and conveying awareness of a customer’s problem or issue to find resolution
• Skill in utilizing a systematic approach to problem solving
• Skill in interacting and working effectively with others
• Skill in gathering, compiling and organizing information
• Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Skill in utilizing technology to increase efficiency
• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with coworkers
• Skill in hearing with thoughtful attention
• Oral and written communication skills, sufficient to exchange information effectively with peers, supervisor and customers

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma and 3 years of related work experience in areas such as finance, accounting or general business;
Or equivalent education, experience, and skillset sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job
We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at careers@farmcreditIL.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address

The Loan Process Specialist executes the process and procedures related to non-traditional or infrequent loan situations, including government loans and joint checks. Key responsibilities include:

• Serves as the primary lead on Farm Service Agency (“FSA”) loan processing, documentation and follow up
• Completes necessary tasks associated with the joint check process and procedur

The Loan Process Specialist ensures, prior to booking, loans are properly set up in the system, closed accurately in a reasonable timeframe with a positive member experience. Key responsibilities include:

• Assists the Lending AVP/VP or RM in the loan closing process
• Reviews loan documentation after the loan closing for accuracy (e.g., correct placement of signatures by all parties)
• Submits a copy of the Promissory Note and other relevant loan documentation as a request to Central Loan Accounting (CLA) to book loan
• Submits original loan documents to the Collateral Custodian at AgriBank
• Reviews disbursement requests and requirements, disburses funds accordingly, and monitors disbursement availability for construction loans
• Completes and leads certain FLCA-related loan closing activities, including

The Loan Process Specialist facilitates loan-related requests to ensure accurate and timely completion, identifies opportunities for cross-selling additional products or services, and monitors the loan portfolio to ensure documentation current. Key tasks include:

• Compiles necessary documents to submit loan servicing request to CSD based on member requests
• Promotes and sells additional products and services (e.g., online banking) to members by identifying needs and responding to cross-sell opportunities
• Monitors insurance documentation associated with new or existing loans to ensure procedural requirements have been satisfied
• Provides guidance to the Member Service Specialist regarding the UCC-3 continuation and amendment processes
• Provides assistance in the absence of MS

The Loan Process Specialist seeks to make an impact within the association through participation in strategically significant projects and training sessions. Key tasks include:

• Participates in committees to provide insight as requested and determined by the Regional Manager
• Participates in all required training sessions as requested and determined by the Regional Manage