Senior Credit Officer

Ameris Bank is a purpose-driven company, dedicated to bringing financial peace of mind to communities, one person at a time. Whether a customer wants to grow their business, buy a home, or feel confident in their retirement plan, they have a partner in Ameris Bank. We serve customers in our locations across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and nationwide through our extensive digital offerings and mobile app.

Delivering financial peace of mind starts with a team that values integrity and rewards ingenuity. At Ameris, you'll find teammates who are inclusive, collaborative problem-solvers who go the extra mile to support one another and to meet every customer's needs. When teammates are empowered and bring their diverse perspectives to the table, we create the best possible outcomes for our customers. At Ameris, we know that a growth mindset is key for high performance and fosters an environment that prioritizes continuous improvement. Teammates have access to Employee Resource Groups that serve as advocates and allies as well as professional development opportunities to drive ongoing education. Learn more about our purpose and how you can bring it to life as an Ameris Bank teammate.

Responsible for the overall credit administration and asset quality in the line(s) of business or area assigned while partnering with the sales team to achieve the Bank's financial goals. Performs other projects and duties as assigned.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:

* Support and promote Ameris Bank's Core Values, Credit Culture and Loan Policy.

* Review and approve loans within line of business and within designated lending authorities.

* Provide timely responses (affirmative, negative and/or requests for additional information) on all loan requests.

* Work with MDCA to develop and enhance portfolio monitoring and emerging issues identification within the loan portfolio.

* Collaborate closely with Loan Officers and credit team to recommend loan structuring changes to minimize risk, when appropriate, and when in line with Loan Policy and other Ameris standards.

* Review and make recommendations to senior management on loan requests above designated lending authority.

* Provide leadership, direction, and collaboration within the credit administration team and process.

* Promote pro-active management of loan portfolios within region/LOB, including past due loans, maturing loans, risk ratings, classified asset identification, covenant compliance, and any other loan performance related aspects.

* Assist as necessary with loan documentation decisions during closing process.

* Manage Regional Credit Officers, Market Credit Officers, Portfolio managers, Underwriters and others as assigned, while providing motivation, training, performance management, coaching and development.

* Manage the review of bank-serviced criticized loans via quarterly meetings.

* Communicate emerging loan administrative issues, errors, or process deficiencies in a timely manner to the Managing Director of Credit Administration and make suggestions for process improvements.

* Assist with ongoing coaching and education of Loan Officers, RCOs, MCOs, Underwriters and Portfolio Managers.

* Assist with special projects related to bank acquisitions, loan portfolio reviews, process improvement, and other risk management work, as needed.

* Attend client meetings, as requested, to review and assess suitability of loan relationships.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:

* Leadership skills, including problem solving, coaching, mentoring and employee development.

* Strong knowledge of Loan Policy, Ameris credit culture, and the regulatory environment.

* Exceptional credit and analytical skills including ability to consider appropriate risk mitigation to achieve positive outcomes for the client and Ameris.

* Well-developed commercial loan documentation knowledge including various legal aspects that impact loan structuring, collateral perfection, risk monitoring, and problem loan collection.

* Strong interpersonal skills with emphasis on relationship building both internally and with Ameris clients and prospects.

* Highly developed communication skills including the ability to write clear and concise credit correspondence.

* Capability to independently and proactively manage multiple priorities.

* Ability to advocate persuasively including ability to professionally and constructively communicate negative decisions.

* Expertise in financial computer applications (primarily Microsoft Excel) and database management tools.

Industry and Work Experience:

* Minimum 15 years of banking experience with a minimum of 7 years in a meaningful credit role

* Minimum of five (5) years' management experience

Academic:

* An undergraduate degree is required with focus in the areas of business, finance, or accounting

* Graduate degree in an area of business, finance, or accounting, preferred

Benefits Available to Employees:

Ameris Bank provides a comprehensive employee benefit package to all eligible employees.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Ameris Bank absorbs a major portion of the cost of healthcare. You become eligible for coverage on the first of the month following 30 days of employment
• Life Insurance provided at no additional cost to employees
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave
• 11 Holidays
• Volunteer/Service Day
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Ameris Bank matches 50% of your first 8% of contributions to the plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement
• Supplemental Life & Other Insurance Plans
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Advocacy Program
• Tickets at Work (Entertainment discounts for Ameris Bank Employees)
• AT&T Employee Discount
• Wellness Discounts for Medical Premiums and Other Rewards
• Employee Referral Incentive
• Education Assistance
• Employee Resource Groups

Banking Advantages for Employees:

In addition to a wide array of benefits, Ameris Bank employees are also eligible for special bank services.

• Free Interest Checking
• Free Safe Deposit Box
• Free Money Orders, Travelers' Checks and Cashier Checks
• Discount on Mortgage Origination Fee
• Free Online Banking and Free Unlimited Online Bill Payment
• Employee Banking Perks

Disclaimer:

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.