Commercial Collateral Analyst I

We do the right things, right now.  We do them in a way that is relevant to our clients.  Become a part of our history as it continues to be written! 
If you are interested and qualified for this role, we invite you to apply.

The Commercial Collateral Analyst is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and evaluating collateral securing commercial loans, including loans with borrowing base certificate requirements and asset-based lending structures. This role reviews client reporting, reconciles borrowing base certificates to supporting documentation, evaluates collateral trends, and ensures borrowers remain within approved collateral availability and loan terms. The position works closely with Relationship Managers, Credit Officers, the Line of Business Leaders, clients, and third-party vendors to resolve reporting issues, collateral concerns, documentation deficiencies, and over-advance situations. The role requires strong financial, accounting, credit, and loan documentation knowledge, as well as independent judgment, sound decision-making, and effective communication.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

Perform collateral valuation and borrowing base analysis

• Monitor loan availability, line holds, and collateral controls

• Coordinate with internal partners, clients, and third-party vendors

• Administer and monitor loan documentation and reporting requirements

• Manage exceptions, maturities, delinquencies, and portfolio maintenance

• Maintain accuracy, compliance, and process integrity

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform Essential Functions of the Job

• Associate degree required, preferably in finance, accounting, business, or a related field; equivalent work experience may be considered.

• Minimum of 3 years of accounting, commercial lending, credit analysis, loan operations, asset-based lending, or related financial services experience.

• Experience with asset-based lending, cash flow lending, leveraged lending, mezzanine lending, or commercial loan collateral monitoring preferred.

• Working knowledge of borrowing base certificates, loan agreements, collateral reporting, accounts receivable, inventory, and supporting financial documentation.

• Ability to analyze financial and collateral data, identify trends, reconcile reporting, and draw sound conclusions.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, documentation quality, and defined processes.

• Strong verbal, written, listening, and professional communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up effectively with internal and external partners.

• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while exercising sound judgment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, especially Excel, and ability to learn bank-specific loan, collateral, and reporting systems.

• Additional training as required for the role.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.

• Prior experience in commercial credit, Business Capital, asset-based lending, loan documentation, or collateral monitoring.

• Familiarity with field exams, third-party collateral evaluations, and vendor coordination.

• Knowledge of commercial loan documentation, credit policy, regulatory standards, and underwriting requirements.

• Experience with asset-based lending systems or loan/collateral monitoring platforms.

• Strong understanding of accounts receivable eligibility, inventory analysis, advance rates, borrowing base formulas, and cash collateral activity.

• Ability to communicate complex analysis clearly to Relationship Managers, Credit Officers, senior leaders, clients, and vendors.

Level of Complexity and Scope

• This role performs moderately complex to complex collateral analysis and loan monitoring activities for commercial and Business Capital relationships. The position requires the ability to interpret loan agreements, credit approvals, borrowing base requirements, financial reporting, collateral documentation, and borrower trends. The scope includes direct interaction with internal lending partners, credit teams, clients, legal counsel, and third-party vendors. Work requires strong analytical judgment, accuracy, and the ability to identify and escalate collateral, documentation, reporting, or over-advance concerns that may impact credit risk.

Degree of Independence and Decision-Making

• This position works with limited supervision and requires independent analysis, judgment, and decision-making within established policies, procedures, loan approvals, and documentation requirements. The Commercial Collateral Analyst is expected to identify collateral deficiencies, interpret borrowing base results, determine appropriate line hold or freeze recommendations, and communicate required actions to internal partners. The role collaborates with Relationship Managers, Credit Officers, and the Director of Business Capital, while also independently managing assigned monitoring, documentation, and reporting responsibilities. Escalates complex, unusual, or high-risk matters as appropriate.

Required Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Physical Requirements

• • Frequently sits, stands, walks, sees, hears, and speaks.

  • Frequently uses a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and standard office equipment.

  • Occasionally lifts, carries, pushes, or pulls up to 10 pounds.

  • Occasionally drives or travels to attend meetings, training, or business-related events.

  • Requires the ability to communicate clearly with internal partners, clients, and vendors.

Compliance Statement

• The associate is responsible for meeting all compliance requirements imposed on First Financial Bank by State and Federal law and regulation, as well as all related First Financial Bank policies and procedures. This includes all Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC and Suspicious Activity reporting requirements, as well as all other lending and deposit compliance requirements.

Development and Training

• Complete required bank, compliance, credit, collateral monitoring, and system training.

• Continue developing knowledge of commercial lending, asset-based lending, loan documentation, collateral analysis, borrowing base structures, and regulatory requirements.

• Participate in ongoing coaching, process updates, and professional development as needed to support accuracy, risk management, and portfolio monitoring responsibilities.

Pay Range:

$52,000/year to $67,000/year

Benefits

We have relevant, thoughtful benefits and programs that support every aspect of our associates' holistic wellbeing. Please review our Benefits Guide.

Incentive Eligibility

All roles are incentive eligible with the exception of Co-Op, Intern, or Student positions.

It is our policy to not discriminate against any individual in violation of federal, state, and local laws as it relates to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran/military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are an E-Verify Employer.