Position Purpose:

Civista Bank is a community-focused financial institution committed to building strong relationships and helping our customers and the communities we serve. We are looking for an experienced Credit Analyst to join our team and support our commercial banking team across the Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana markets. 

The Senior Credit Analyst is responsible for analyzing and evaluating commercial credit relationships by assessing financial performance, collateral adequacy, industry conditions, and overall repayment capacity. This position supports the Bank's lending objectives through thorough credit analysis, risk assessment, and portfolio management activities while ensuring compliance with established credit policies and regulatory requirements. The Senior Credit Analyst partners closely with Lending, Credit Administration, and other internal stakeholders to provide sound credit recommendations that support prudent portfolio growth and risk management.

Description of Duties, Responsibilities and Expectations

Credit Analysis and Risk Assessment

• Analyze financial information for new, renewing, and existing commercial loan relationships.
• Complete financial spreads, cash flow analyses, collateral evaluations, and covenant reviews.
• Assess borrower repayment capacity and identify potential credit risks.
• Evaluate industry, market, and macroeconomic conditions to determine their impact on borrower performance and credit quality.
• Utilize available reports, financial data, and risk indicators to formulate independent credit conclusions. 

Credit Underwriting and Loan Presentation Preparation

• Prepare comprehensive written credit approval packages, loan presentations, and credit reviews utilizing approved underwriting systems and tools.
• Develop clear and concise risk assessments and credit recommendations for management approval.
• Ensure credit analyses are accurate, well-supported, and completed within established service standards and timelines.
• Present credit findings and recommendations in accordance with Bank policy and underwriting standards. 

Relationship and Internal Partner Collaboration

• Collaborate with Commercial Bankers, Lending Officers, Credit Administration, Loan Operations, and other internal partners to support lending activities.
• Assist in evaluating transaction structures and provide recommendations that align with the Bank's risk appetite.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of assigned credit-related responsibilities.
• Support effective communication between lending and credit teams throughout the loan approval process. 

Credit Policy, Compliance, and Risk Management

• Maintain a thorough understanding of Bank credit policies, procedures, and underwriting guidelines.
• Monitor regulatory developments, industry trends, and market conditions that may affect credit quality or underwriting practices.
• Recommend enhancements to credit policies, procedures, and risk management practices as appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable banking regulations, internal controls, and audit requirements. 

Portfolio Management

• Perform  ongoing credit administration and portfolio monitoring activities for assigned loan relationships.
• Review borrower performance, financial reporting requirements, covenant compliance, and risk rating accuracy.
• Identify emerging risks and recommend appropriate action plans to mitigate potential losses.
• Assist in maintaining the overall quality and performance of the commercial loan portfolio. 

Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives

• Participate in special projects and initiatives as assigned.
• Support due diligence and credit-related activities associated with acquisitions, portfolio purchases, and other strategic opportunities.
• Contribute to process improvement efforts designed to enhance efficiency, consistency, and credit quality.
• Assist with other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management. 

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, economics, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of commercial credit analysis, underwriting, commercial banking, or related financial services experience.
• Strong understanding of commercial financial statement analysis, cash flow analysis, and credit risk assessment.
• Experience evaluating commercial collateral and loan structures.
• Knowledge of commercial lending practices, credit administration, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
• Proficiency in credit underwriting systems, financial spreading software, Microsoft Excel, Word, and other business applications.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining collaborative working relationships across the organization.

Physical Requirements

• Work involves eye strain due to the frequent use of computer screens, reviewing financial statements and reports, and data entry activities.
• Work may involve lifting and moving loan files and related materials of up to 15 lbs.
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with occasional travel for meetings, training, or customer visits.