Head of Credit Review at Amerant Bank

The Head of Credit Review has comprehensive oversight and full functional ownership of the credit review program. Their primary responsibility is providing an independent view on the key credit risks of the Bank’s lending practices, and in support of the overall Corporate Risk Management framework. The Head of Credit Review oversees the planning, scoping, and executing of independent periodic credit reviews across all credit products and the full credit life cycle. Their work in close collaboration with expert professional firms to increase efficiency in the credit review process and adopt best practices. The Head of Credit Review will receive minutes from Credit Committee and can participate as a guest as deemed necessary.

Responsibilities:

• Provide Senior Management and the Board Risk Committee with an independent, objective, and timely assessment of the overall credit quality of the loan portfolio on a regular basis. 
• Coordinate and manage the relationship with third party vendors that perform duties in connection with the credit review function. 
• Act as liaison between the bank and regulatory agencies, external auditors and professional firms to facilitate all activities related to the credit review process.
• Coordinate and execute the planning, scoping and execution of independent periodic credit reviews and effectively challenge all credit products and lending life cycle with board approval. This includes an evaluation of the adequacy and accuracy of lending decisions, the consistence of the application of risk policy and credit procedures, an analysis of underwriting and collections standards and practices, and the determination of an overall assessment of asset quality and risk management practices. 
• Promptly identify loans having potential credit weaknesses to minimize losses, maximize earnings and preserve capital. 
• Monitor the financial structure, covenants, and other relevant documentation that may impact the credit quality of a lending transaction. Evaluate financial derivatives executed in connection with credit transactions to assess overall credit performance; and recommend changes to loan gradings as needed.
• Oversee the preparation of credit risk review reports, ensuring reports accurately reflect findings documented in work papers, including related risks. Ensure conclusions and recommendations are reasonable and well-based and all reports are prepared in an efficient, timely, and concise manner.
• Monitor the timely completion of corrective action plans resulting from credit reviews.
• In coordination with professional firms, understand economic cycles, current economic conditions and prospective macroeconomic factors that may impact certain economic sectors and proactively assess the loans that may be affected from these conditions.
• Evaluate compliance with regulatory guidelines and the Bank’s policies regarding loan underwriting, loan approval process, and risk management of reviewed portfolios.
• Ensure that proper documentation is maintained on all reviews performed, including cross-reference and other techniques required for creating and maintaining an adequate audit trail.
• Create a culture of effective risk management, accountability, and demonstration of risk awareness across the organization.
• Periodically review and monitor the Allowance for Credit Losses (ACL), working with the Chief Credit Officer and the Finance Team to ensure that identified credit risk trends and assumptions are adequately considered in the estimation of the ACL.
• Evaluate the activities of lending personnel as it pertains to the administration of credits/loans.

Work Experience:
10+ years of combined experience in credit analysis, credit review and/or credit policy development for different economic sectors, preferably in domestic and international loan portfolios.
5+ years of experience leading and managing a team of credit professionals.

Education:
Bachelor's Degree in  Finance, Economics or Accounting.
Formal accredited credit education and/or certifications preferred.

Technical and Other Essential Knowledge:
Applied knowledge of of loan policy standards, credit administration practices, State and Federal regulatory requirements.
Proven ability to analyze data, draw conclusions, and make recommendations in a comprehensive and engaging format.
Ability to collaborate independently and effectively with internal and external resources.
Proven ability to develop and execute a plan.
30% travel required.
Proficient using the Microsoft Office Product Suite including MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and MS Outlook.

Functional Skills:
Must be a team player, have the ability to work under pressure, conduct business in a professional manner and be able to resolve problems and conflicts. Must be able to prioritize work and effectively manage time and change. Must possess effective business communications skills verbally and in writing. Must possess delegation, hiring, coaching and performance management skills. Must be passionate about the customer and live by Amerant precepts.