Commercial Loan Closer II

First Merchants Bank is seeking a Commercial Loan Closer II to join our team! This position will manage the closing process for complex commercial and specialized lending transactions from approval through funding by partnering with Relationship Managers, underwriters, attorneys, borrowers, and internal business partners. Ensure transactions are closed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with Bank policy, regulatory requirements, and approved credit structures. Exercise independent judgment and decision-making authority to resolve issues, manage risk, and move transactions to closing while maintaining a high level of customer service.

As part of this role you will: 

• Manage all aspects of the closing process from approval through funding for complex commercial loan transactions.
• Manage the closing calendar and coordinate multiple transactions simultaneously while balancing competing priorities and meeting established deadlines.
• Exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions regarding closing requirements, due diligence exceptions, collateral perfection requirements, documentation issues, and readiness to close, escalating only matters that exceed delegated authority or present elevated risk.
• Review loan approvals and reconcile all documents to approved credit terms to ensure consistency with the Credit Decision Summary (CDS), commitment, and loan approval. Verify covenants, reporting requirements, compliance certificates, extension provisions, collateral requirements, and other credit conditions.
• Determine closing requirements and develop closing checklists as required based on loan structure, collateral, approval conditions, and regulatory requirements.
• Engage and coordinate with outside legal counsel and review attorney-prepared documentation to ensure loan documents accurately reflect approved terms and adequately protect the Bank's interests.
• Order required third-party due diligence reports and review and evaluate all due diligence items, including environmental reports, appraisals, business valuations, flood determinations, title work, insurance documentation, organizational documents, lien searches, judgment searches, tax transcripts, and other third-party reports as required.
• Analyze title commitments, surveys, organizational documents, leases, purchase agreements, insurance certificates, closing statements, and related due diligence materials to identify issues and recommend solutions.
• Ensure insurance provisions meet Bank policy and regulatory requirements and communicate requirements to borrowers, agents, and legal counsel.
• Prepare and review beneficial ownership documentation, loan applications, and other regulatory compliance documentation.
• Ensure collateral interests are properly perfected through UCC filings, title review, control agreements, landlord waivers, and other appropriate measures.
• Coordinate with syndication, debt capital markets, participant banks, funding teams, and loan operations to facilitate timely closing, funding, and boarding of transactions.
• Ensure all required approvals, waivers, and closing conditions are satisfied prior to funding and authorize transactions to proceed when established requirements have been met.
• Review settlement statements, closing statements, and related closing documents prior to funding to ensure accuracy, consistency with approved terms, and compliance with Bank requirements.
• Deliver a positive customer experience by providing responsive communication, proactive problem-solving, and effective coordination among all parties involved in the transaction.
• Resolve post-closing documentation exceptions, trailing items, and boarding discrepancies as needed.
• Attend loan committee discussions to gain insight into proposed transactions and provide follow-up feedback regarding documentation structure, closing considerations, policy compliance, and operational risks as appropriate.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on commercial loan documentation, due diligence, collateral perfection, and closing requirements and provides consultation and guidance to Relationship Managers, management, and internal business partners.
• Assist in training, mentoring, and developing team members and contribute to departmental procedures, process improvements, and best practices.
• Lead special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

To be successful in this position, we require the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Accounting, or a related field OR Associate Degree/ Two years of College + Two (2) years of related work/military experience OR four (4) years of related work/military experience (plus additional required experience detailed below)
• Minimum five (5) years of commercial loan closing, servicing, underwriting support, or related lending experience.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting attorney-prepared loan documents and complex credit approvals.
• Strong knowledge of commercial lending practices, collateral perfection, regulatory requirements, documentation standards, and loan closing procedures.

The following would be a plus:  

• Seven (7)+ years of commercial loan closing, servicing, underwriting support, or related experience
• Experience with syndicated and participated credit facilities.
• Proficiency with LaserPro and commercial lending systems.
• Advanced knowledge of commercial credit policy, loan documentation, title review, environmental due diligence, and insurance requirements.

 

First Merchants offers the following:      

 Base Pay PLUS Bonuses

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Additional Benefits

A little about us:      

First Merchants is guided by a genuine philosophy of being a meaningful place to work and having a prosperous impact across all walks of life throughout the communities we serve, including consumers, businesses and other organizations. Our Vision, Mission and Team statement reflect and reinforce that authentic service philosophy.  

Our Vision is:      

To enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.  

Our Mission is:      

To be the most responsive, knowledgeable, and high-performing financial organization for our clients, teammates, and shareholders.  

Our Team:      

"We are a collection of dynamic colleagues with diverse experiences and perspectives who share a passion for positively impacting lives. We are genuinely committed to attracting and engaging teammates of diverse backgrounds. We believe in the power of inclusion and belonging."  

Apply today to begin your career with us!