Employment Opportunities

Branch Manager

SUMMARY: Responsible for leading, managing and coaching a team of sales and service professionals to meet and exceed sales goals, ensure the operational excellence of the branch and create an excellent customer experience. The Branch Manager will oversee all branch functions including taking full responsibility for the branch’s performance – both sales and operations. Lead the branch to success by cultivating long-term business and consumer relationships to ensure branch sales growth and customer retention, and effectively resolves issues with customers and associates. Operates with less authority and experience than a Sr. Branch Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Promote and model the First Independence Bank values. Set clear expectations and measurable outcomes, while coaching and developing the branch team.  Observe the branch team from the perspective of the customer, and coach on the proper execution of the sales formula and prioritize work while modeling the desired behaviors.  When appropriate, provide disciplinary actions and exit non-performers while adhering to company policies.  Successfully recruits and hires the appropriate staff to deliver on expectations.
  • Oversee all sales activity in the branch by driving, supporting and achieving monthly sales goals.  Regularly communicate branch performance and priorities with all team members.   Stay informed of key priorities and business updates.  Execute Retail Banking sales processes.  Ensure collaboration between branch team members and business partners (MLOs, and Commercial Bankers). This may include participation in ‘Call Nights’.
  • Make regular outside sales calls to develop and deepen business relationships. Foster and develop relationships with business customers that fit the First Independence Bank model to attain goals, executing enough sales calls per week to ensure success.
  • Promote and model the company standard of always doing what is best for the customer by providing recommendations to improve the financial quality of their life.  Ensure an excellent customer experience by being knowledgeable of all bank products and services, providing outstanding customer service, and resolving problems to prevent customer
  • Establishes business contacts and networks through community events and activities. The Branch Manager will personally be involved and known in their community.
  • Ensure operational efficiency and accuracy as it relates to all policies, procedures, compliance, origination, corporate audits, fee schedules, work schedules, and the overall branch operation. Coach and oversee the Assistant Branch Manager (if applicable) to run an effective and efficient overall operation.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  • 2+ years branch banking management experience required – OR- 4+ years branch banking experience with First Independence Bank demonstrated leadership, proven sales results, and success in current role (internal only)
  • NMLS Registration required
  • HS Diploma, GED or Foreign Equivalent
  • Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
  • Proven customer service skills and the ability to resolve problems and prevent customer dissatisfaction
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in managing operational requirements and procedures in a Retail Bank
  • Desire and willingness to call on prospects and existing clients for sales opportunities. Proven sales execution.
  • Proven record of developing and coaching high-performance sales and service teams.
  • Proven ability to lead people, projects, sales campaigns, etc. for the market.
  • Proven track record of exceeding goal expectations by exemplifying appropriate behaviors and values.
  • Strong listening, verbal and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment
  • Demonstrated ability to follow company policies, guidelines and procedures
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality using tact and diplomacy
  • Maintain professional dress attire and demeanor
  • Ability to work branch hours, including weekends and some evenings
  • Proven ability to deliver results
  • Ability to inspire others and to work with employees at all levels
  • TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS (10-20% minimum WEEK OF TIME SPENT AWAY FROM HOME OFFICE)

Management reserves the right to change this job description at any time according to business needs.

Mortgage Processor

SUMMARY:  This position is responsible for analyzing and preparing mortgage loans applications for dispositions by underwriting department.  The incumbent works within guidelines set forth by the Bank, our end investors, and standard guidelines as established by FNMA, FHLMC, and FHA.  In addition, it requires a strong working relationship with the internal and external customers.  Incumbent also works directly with the retail sales force acting as direct liaison with the Mortgage Operations team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

An individual who successfully performs in this position will be able to satisfy the following essential functions with moderate to low direction from management:

  • Reviews incoming orders to accuracy prior to placing order with third-party vendors, communicates status with all involved parties
  • Performs credit analysis on loan documentation submitted for underwriting
  • Ensures all required documentation present to validate AUS findings
  • Ensures all additional Bank and investor requirements are met on each loan transaction
  • Ensures all compliance guidelines and documentation requirements are met
  • Review AVM, IRA tax transcripts and any other third-party resource utilized to validate accuracy of data in the mortgage credit file prior to submission to underwriting

 EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum of 2-5 years’ experience processing residential mortgage loans
  • Ability to interact with the sales force on a loan level basis to ensure progress and loan quality
  • Ability to identify and resolve client issues and use good judgment in making immediate decisions that impact the branch, the bank, and it’s clients
  • Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a rapidly changing environment
  • Ability to make independent evaluation of alternatives and recommend solutions
  • General knowledge of bank products and processes
  • Knowledge of MS Office Suite, knowledge of MortgageBot Loan Origination System a plus

May assume other responsibilities and/or requirements as business objectives impose

Administrative Assistant

SUMMARY: Provide support to the mortgage group management team.  The position will help develop technical, leadership, and interpersonal skills which will lead to advancing to other roles within the mortgage area.   

 RESPONSIBILITIES: The administrative assistant will participate in projects and assume responsibilities including, but not limited to: 

  • Marketing – developing prospect lists, designing/reviewing collateral and web site, and working with vendors and employees to implement promotional campaigns
  • Production – gathering documentation for loans from borrowers and third parties, updating systems for actions and coordinating loan matters with parties inside and outside the bank
  • Administrative Support – secretarial support, HR support, coordinating progress of projects, and monitoring customer satisfaction

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Learn a variety of tasks quickly and be efficient
  • Keep work well organized
  • Work Independently with minimal supervision
  • Assist Mortgage Division to meet goals and objectives
  • Extensive telephone and possible video communication abilities
  • Ability to multitask and perform duties with deadlines

** Ideal candidates will be fluent in Spanish and have experience in mortgage lending

EQUIPMENT USE:

Computer: Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access), Microsoft TEAMS, Windows 10, SnagIt, MortgageBot, and FiServ

Office:      Copier/Scanner, Telephone

May assume other responsibilities and/or requirements as business objectives impose.

Credit Analyst

SUMMARY: Ensure all data entry is accurate and complete.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Analyze credit data and financial statements to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money.
  • Prepare reports that include the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money.
  • Evaluate customer records and recommend payment plans based on earnings, savings data, payment history, and purchase activity.
  • Confer with credit association and other business representatives to exchange credit information.
  • Complete loan applications, including credit analyses and summaries of loan requests, and submit to loan committees for approval.
  • Generate financial ratios, using computer programs, to evaluate customers’ financial status
  • Review individual or commercial customer files to identify and select delinquent accounts for collection.
  • Compare liquidity, profitability, and credit histories of establishments being evaluated with those of similar establishments in the same industries and geographic locations.
  • Consult with customers to resolve complaints and verify financial and credit transactions.

REQUIREMENTS:

May assume other responsibilities and/or requirements as business objectives impose.                             

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: 

  • Credit Analysts should have a 4-year degree from an accredited college or university
  • Concentration of studies in finance or accounting are preferred
  • Several years’ experience working with credit or loan evaluation is a bonus

Loan Operations Manager

SUMMARY: Manager has a staff of between three and six members and must be reliable, organized and able to communicate exceptionally well with Executive Officers, Management members and staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Manages the day-to-day operations of loan documentation, loan booking, payment processing, and other related post-closing activities in the loan area.
  • Prepares annual staff evaluations and recommendations
  • Oversees the work of loan processors and clerks in the preparation of loan documentation, lending files, collateral and covenant tracking, records and reports.
  • Oversees the mortgage escrow process including analysis and payment of taxes and insurance.
  • Interacts with lending officers and clients, resolves problems, manages staff and ensures efficient department operation.
  • Reviews and writes procedures for job functions as required.
  • Prepares periodic reports for the Board.  Assembles information requested for audits and regulatory exams.  Interacts and responds to questions presented by Executive Management, Auditors or Examiners.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Management experience in the loan operations area.
  • Working knowledge of commercial loan documentation including Laser Pro.
  • Working knowledge of the various job functions within the department
  • Others as determined by management

  May assume other responsibilities and/or requirements as business objectives impose.   

Loan/Lease Administrator

SUMMARY: Primary duty is to assist Portfolio Manager and Lender with the Commercial Finance portfolio.  Must be reliable, organized and capable of multi-tasking daily and must be able to communicate well with staff and customers.

 RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Process and booking of all leases on Fiserv system:
    • New leases
    • Modifications
    • Renewals
    • Extensions
    • Cross-Training to assist with month-end loan bookings
  • The booking includes:
    • initial tickler setup
    • UCC-filing initial, continuations and terminations; tracking all UCCs using the tickler system on Fiserv
    • Authorizing invoices for vendor payment
    • File assembly for each type of lease
  • Exception Reports:
    • Provide information to set up documentation, financials, insurance exceptions on appropriate reports and update as needed
    • Monitor for final payments to be pulled manually
  • Lease File Maintenance:
    • Update any changes to the Fiserv system required, including insurance, financials, miscellaneous addenda’s, tickers, UCC information, coding. etc.
  • Paid Off Lease Processing (monthly):
    • Process lease paid off files
  • Invoicing and Payment Processing:
    • Create and mail monthly invoices
    • Process daily lease payments
    • Review past dues; follow up with email and/or phone tracking
  • Coupon Book Orders and Invoices:
    • Order/reorder coupon books as needed
    • Track, balance and authorize payment for coupon invoices monthly
  • Customer Service/Research (daily):
    • Handle phone calls and e-mail received
  • Overall additional duties:
    • Take ownership of job function and ensure procedures and checklists are up to date
    • Streamline and improve any processes as needed
    • Work with Portfolio Manager to learn complete Commercial Finance/Discount Lease processes including checklists, documentation and follow up
    • Assist in document scanning into Fiserv (new process)
    • Learn/Use Bill Matrix and TMS functions on Fiserv to take and/or post lease payments
    • Shared responsibility with Loan Operations of Fiserv Source Machine for daily closing
    • Fill out appropriate reports for board reporting/follow department processes for other board and monthly reporting

Other duties as assigned by Management including but not limited to working on procedures for each of their own job responsibilities.

Retail Mortgage Loan Officer

SUMMARY: Based out of our Clinton Twp., location our Loan Officers respond to customer inquiries and referrals regarding our financing products.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Interacting with clients during all aspects of loan process
  • Participate in business related development opportunities that promote homeownership and professional organizations
  • Conducts interviews with prospective borrowers
  • Advise customers on products/pricing policies and guidelines
  • Maintains thorough knowledge of lending programs, policies, procedures and regulatory requirements
  • Demonstrates a commitment to professional ethics
  • Complies with all Federal and State compliance policies
  • Adheres to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) requirements
  • Any other responsibilities that are needed or assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Two to three years of experience in a loan origination position
  • Current knowledge of retail lending laws and requirements
  • Knowledge of conventional and/or government guidelines
  • Working knowledge of loan documentation system
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, across a variety of audiences
  • Ability to follow established guidelines and procedures consistently and accurately
  • Ability to analyze and comprehend complex financial data and provide financial alternatives
  • Proficiency with laptop technology and computer-based applications for communication purposes including obtaining rates, credit and loan status information
  • Must have or be qualified to obtain an NMLS approval
  • Be registered and in good standing with the federal registry system to secure S.A.F.E requirements
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Transportation to travel

*Loan Officers being considered for this position will be subject to additional background checks as required by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Regulations   We offer employment opportunities with an exceptional compensation and benefits package and an environment that promotes professional development.  For confidential consideration, please forward your resume to:

First Independence Bank Attn: HR Department 7310 Woodward Ave., Suite 101, Detroit, MI  48202 or Fax (313) 963-1650 or email HR@firstindependence.com

In exchange for your hard work, we offer a competitive salary with bonus opportunities, a complete benefits package including 401K. We are an equal opportunity employer.