Commercial Lending Officer Job Description and Requirements

As a commercial lending officer, your primary responsibility is to assess the creditworthiness of businesses and individuals seeking loans. You'll review financial statements, credit reports, and other relevant documents to determine the risk level of each loan.

Commercial lending officers typically work in banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions. They often have a degree in finance, business, or a related field, and many hold a professional certification such as the Certified Commercial Lender (CCL) designation.

To succeed in this role, you'll need strong analytical and communication skills, as well as the ability to negotiate and close deals. Experience in sales, finance, or a related field is often preferred, and many commercial lending officers start out in entry-level positions and work their way up.

Commercial lending officers typically work regular business hours, but may need to work evenings or weekends to meet with clients or complete paperwork.

Brandon Carroll, a commercial lending officer based in Mooresville, IN, is dedicated to understanding the needs of entrepreneurs and providing them with suitable financial solutions.

He collaborates closely with business owners to analyze their cash flow and stay ahead of industry trends.

Brandon is also an active member of a national non-profit organization that provides temporary safe spaces for families facing challenging circumstances.

Taylor University and Indiana University Kelley School of Business are among the notable institutions that Casey Arnold, a seasoned VP Commercial Banking, has graduated from.

Casey has strong ties to his hometown and owns an employee safety training and consulting business.

He serves as an Executive Board Member for the Hamilton County Theatre Guild, Inc., and actively coaches youth soccer and basketball.

Here are some notable credentials of Casey Arnold:

As a commercial lending officer, you have the opportunity to advance in your career and take on new challenges.

You can move into a branch manager position, overseeing daily operations and guiding staff.

A branch manager is responsible for ensuring that the branch runs smoothly and efficiently, which can be a rewarding experience for those who enjoy leadership roles.

Some commercial lending officers may also move into general management roles, directing entire organizations.

This can be a significant step up in terms of responsibility and requires strong leadership and management skills.

Here are some potential job roles and titles that commercial lending officers can pursue:

As you climb the career ladder, you may find yourself in a Senior role. A Commercial Loan Officer can advance to a branch manager position, overseeing daily operations and guiding staff.

In this role, you'll have more responsibilities and a wider scope of influence. You may move into general management roles, directing entire organizations.

A Chief Lending Officer, for example, is responsible for supporting loan growth initiatives and identifying new markets of opportunity. They use their expertise and knowledge to continually benefit their clients.

Here are some examples of Senior roles in the commercial lending industry:

These roles often require a strong educational background, with some Senior professionals holding a Bachelor of Science degree or higher. Mark, a Chief Lending Officer, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Indiana and a Master of Arts from Ball State University.

To become a commercial loan officer, you'll need a bachelor's degree in finance, business, accounting, or a related business field. This is a non-negotiable requirement for the job.

In some cases, commercial loan officers must obtain a federal license, which can be supplemented by a state license in certain states. To get these licenses, you'll need to complete at least 20 hours of lending education from a reputable provider.

The American Banking Association and Independent Community Banks of America are two institutions that offer such courses. If your job involves mortgages, you'll also need to be licensed as a mortgage loan officer.

As a commercial lending officer, you'll likely work in a bank or financial institution, but you may also find opportunities in private companies or government agencies.

Commercial lending officers often work in urban areas, where businesses are more concentrated.

Major cities like New York and Los Angeles have a high demand for commercial lending officers, due to the large number of businesses operating in these areas.

In contrast, smaller towns and rural areas may have fewer opportunities for commercial lending officers, as the demand for loans is typically lower.

In the Regional Executive, the office is located in the heart of the city, providing easy access to public transportation and major highways. This location allows for convenient travel to and from the office.

The Regional Executive oversees a team of 15 employees, including sales representatives and marketing specialists. They work closely with the regional manager to achieve business goals.

The Regional Executive is responsible for managing a budget of $500,000, which is allocated for marketing campaigns and employee salaries. This budget is carefully monitored to ensure that expenses are kept in check.

The Regional Executive plays a key role in developing and implementing business strategies, working closely with the regional manager and other team members. Their input is invaluable in making key decisions for the region.

Murray, KY is a great place to live and work, especially if you're in the banking industry. Brian, a trusted member of the team, has been a resident of Murray for nearly four decades.

Brian's extensive experience and education make him a valuable asset to clients with commercial lending needs. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Minor in Ag Science from Murray State University.

If you're looking for a reliable and knowledgeable commercial lender, Murray, KY is the place to be.

Knoxville, TN is a great place to live and work, and Derek, the Knoxville Market Executive, knows it like the back of his hand. With over 53 years of residence in the area, he's got a deep understanding of the local community.

Derek's extensive experience in commercial lending, spanning over 30 years, is a major asset to First Financial Bank. He's held significant roles at ORNL FCU, SunTrust, TNBank, and FirstBank, among others.

One of the things that sets Derek apart is his commitment to giving back to the community. He serves as a board member for the Child Advocacy Center, supports the Lenoir City High School Band as a Booster, and contributes as a Board Member for the Rick Best Scholarship.

Derek's local insight and professional expertise make him a trusted advisor in the financial sector. His passion for helping others is evident in his community involvement.

As a commercial lending officer, you'll often be the one delivering tough news to applicants who don't qualify for a loan.

Having to decline applicants can be a difficult part of the job, but it's essential to remember that it's not a personal rejection.