Job brief
We are seeking a seasoned Commercial Banker to join our corporate banking division and manage a diverse portfolio of high-value business relationships. In this role, you will lead the origination and underwriting process for term loans, lines of credit, and syndicated facilities, providing tailored financial solutions that fuel client growth. You will serve as a primary point of contact for local business leaders, leveraging your expertise in credit underwriting and market trends to drive regional market share. If you are a client-focused professional with a passion for structured finance and strategic business development, we want to hear from you.
Key highlights
- Structure complex commercial lending facilities including revolving lines of credit, term loans, and equipment financing for middle-market clients.
- Conduct thorough financial statement analysis, including assessment of EBITDA, debt service coverage ratios, and working capital cycles.
- Draft comprehensive credit memoranda and present complex deal structures to the loan committee for final credit approval.
- Coordinate with treasury management sales teams to cross-sell deposit products, merchant services, and FX solutions to existing bank clients.
What is a Commercial Banker?
A Commercial Banker is a specialized finance professional responsible for managing lending portfolios and delivering comprehensive treasury solutions to mid-to-large scale business clients. By analyzing complex balance sheets, P&L statements, and cash flow projections, a Commercial Banker helps organizations secure the capital necessary for expansion and operational stability. They bridge the gap between corporate financial goals and the risk appetite of the institution, ensuring that every credit facility aligns with regulatory standards and profitability benchmarks.
What does a Commercial Banker do?
On a typical day, a Commercial Banker structures complex credit facilities, conducts detailed financial due diligence on prospective borrowers, and negotiates loan terms such as interest rate spreads and covenants. They interact frequently with C-suite executives and CFOs to discuss capital structure, while simultaneously collaborating with credit analysts, legal teams, and treasury management experts to approve and onboard new business. Throughout the lifecycle of a loan, they monitor collateral health and performance metrics to proactively identify and mitigate credit risk for the firm.
Key responsibilities
- Structure complex commercial lending facilities including revolving lines of credit, term loans, and equipment financing for middle-market clients.
- Conduct thorough financial statement analysis, including assessment of EBITDA, debt service coverage ratios, and working capital cycles.
- Manage and maintain a diverse commercial loan portfolio, ensuring active monitoring of borrower covenant compliance and credit risk ratings.
- Draft comprehensive credit memoranda and present complex deal structures to the loan committee for final credit approval.
- Develop and expand professional networks to source new business opportunities through centers of influence like CPAs and attorneys.
- Coordinate with treasury management sales teams to cross-sell deposit products, merchant services, and FX solutions to existing bank clients.
- Monitor economic indicators and industry-specific market trends to provide proactive advisory services regarding the client's capital structure.
- Ensure all underwriting and loan documentation adheres to internal credit policies, IFRS/GAAP standards, and federal banking regulations.
Requirements and skills
- 5+ years of experience in commercial lending, credit underwriting, or relationship management within a banking environment.
- Advanced proficiency in financial statement spreading and credit modeling using tools like Moody’s Analytics or BVS Software.
- Deep working knowledge of UCC filing requirements, commercial real estate documentation, and interest rate hedging instruments.
- Expertise in interpreting loan covenants and conducting enterprise-level cash flow and sensitivity analysis.
- Proven ability to articulate complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial executives and business owners.
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; CFA or MBA is highly preferred.
- Familiarity with regulatory frameworks including BSA/AML compliance, Dodd-Frank, and Basel III capital requirements.
- Demonstrated history of managing a portfolio exceeding $50M in total committed exposure with minimal credit loss ratios.
FAQs
What does a Commercial Banker do on a daily basis?
A Commercial Banker spends their day balancing business development and risk management. This involves underwriting new loan requests by analyzing a client's financial data, drafting credit memos, meeting with business owners to understand their capital needs, and monitoring existing portfolios to ensure loan covenants are being met. They act as a strategic advisor to businesses, helping them navigate growth through effective debt structuring.
What are the core skills required for a Commercial Banker?
The role requires a strong blend of quantitative and interpersonal skills. Core competencies include advanced financial statement analysis, credit underwriting, understanding of accounting standards like GAAP, and proficiency in financial modeling software. Additionally, the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders and negotiate deal terms effectively is essential for success in this field.
Who does a Commercial Banker work with?
A Commercial Banker collaborates with a broad ecosystem of internal and external partners. Internally, they work with credit analysts to verify data, legal counsel to ensure documentation compliance, and treasury management teams to solve for the client’s operational needs. Externally, they serve as the primary relationship contact for business executives, CFOs, and third-party advisors like CPAs or consultants.
How do you become a successful Commercial Banker?
Becoming a successful Commercial Banker typically involves building a solid foundation in credit analysis, often starting as a credit analyst or portfolio manager. Obtaining professional certifications like the CFA or attending specialized banking schools can significantly improve your technical credentials. Success also depends on developing deep industry knowledge in sectors like real estate, manufacturing, or healthcare to provide high-value, tailored financial advice to clients.