Senior Lending Assistant - Olive Branch, MS

Southern Bancorp
medical insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k)
United States, Mississippi, Olive Branch
Jul 21, 2025
Who We Are: Southern Bancorp is a different kind of bank. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a special certification designated for institutions that serve predominantly underserved communities, Southern Bancorp combines traditional banking and lending services with financial development tools and public policy advocacy to help families and communities grow stronger. Inspired by the principle that building net worth drives economic opportunity, our mission is to be wealth builders for everyone in the communities we serve, with a focus on low-wealth and un(der)banked populations, as well as an emphasis on Black and Brown individuals. Job Summary This position reports directly to a Market President or Senior Commercial Lender who carries a substantial loan portfolio (around $30,000,000). Performs various duties to ensure the proper preparation of applications, preparing loan documents, assists with loan closing, and maintenance of loan records. Prepares credit memos and assist the loan officer with past dues and exceptions. Maintains a high level of confidentiality in dealing with clients and loan information. Responsibilities Completes loan administration from beginning to end of process with little supervision and/or input from Loan Officer. Reviews applications for completeness and accuracy; coordinates information and gives direction to title companies, attorneys and appraisers with very little day to day guidance from the loan officer. Obtains required documents with title companies and other departments to division. Ability to prepare basic financial analysis to include preparing cash flow and tax return analysis. Performs administrative functions including preparing and customizing various documents/forms/letter associated with loans; turndown letters, financial statements, release letters and liens on loans, amendments on real estate loans, transfer of title forms, Letters of Credit, pulls credit reports on applications and renewals, etc. assuring bank policies and procedures, and compliance issues are met. Provides excellent customer service: answering customer's questions, inquiries regarding payment, notarizing documents, and concerns. Answers phone and written inquiries concerning loan processing, servicing and information or file maintenance. Evaluates and proofs all set up sheets for accuracy and completeness prior to submission to Loan Processing. Schedules customer appointments and conducts loan closings. Prepare loan disbursement checks. Provide all completed loan documents to loan administration in a timely manner. Prepares set up documents for renewals and close renewed loans; Proof reads new/renewed loan documentation, and performs file maintenance to existing accounts. Creates and balances all loan tickets from the set up sheet data. Assists loan officers with past due reports/notices and with extension and/or modification of mature loans; Sends letters to past due customers; May assist phone calls to customer regarding past due payments and/or collections. Assists loan officer with daily NSF/Overdraft calls to commercial customers. Suggest deposit products that would be useful in meeting the full range of customer needs. May prepare loan advances on draw loans and follow up on past due loans. Reviews loan exception reports and loan to value reports. Provides needed documentation to clear exceptions and correspond with customers on behalf of Loan Officer. Provides walk-in loan customers with the proper application to suit their loan request. Participates in a team effort to cross-sell other bank services and products. Maintains a high level of cooperation and rapport with all officers and other employees. Requirements Education and Experience High School education or equivalent Minimum four years of experience in banking or lending; preferably as a Loan Assistant I or II at Southern Must have or receive NMLS clearance Other Skills and Abilities: Must be knowledgeable of deposit and loan products to make recommendations to meet customer needs. Must know and understand the different types of loans and loan documents including all commercial and agricultural loans. Ability to prioritize workload to meet deadlines and work independently. Requires great attention to detail, ability to recall, and good organizational skills. Strong customer relations skills and ability to communicate effective. Ability to anticipate problems and use sound judgment, resourcefulness to resolve. Strong computer skills including proficient with MS Office Physical Demand & Work Environment: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. #LI-onsite What we offer our employees: A positive impact on Your Future: 401(k)/Roth plan with immediate eligibility and employer match up to 6% Employee stock ownership plan Discounted rate on primary home mortgage Credit and housing counseling as well as free financial education tools available to customers and employees Benefits to improve your health: No deductible medical insurance plan Dental and vision insurance Employer paid life and long-term disability insurance Flexible Spending Accounts The opportunity to nurture your well-being: Paid holidays and paid time off Bonus plan Opportunity for merit raises Employee reward and recognition programs Community service opportunities Southern Bancorp is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. As a Community Development Financial Institution, Southern Bancorp desires its workforce to reflect the diversity of the customers and communities that we serve. Racial and ethnic minorities, people from working class backgrounds, women and LGBTQ people are often underrepresented in many financial service industry professions. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.