Commercial Appraisal Reviewer III

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If you are interested and qualified for this role, we invite you to apply.

Commercial Appraisal Reviewers review third party appraisal reports for commercial lending. They will also review environmental reports and may review appraisal reports for residential mortgage loans, consumer loans and consumer collections. Additional tasks include engagement of appraisal or evaluation services, as well as environmental services as needed.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Perform reviews of appraisal and evaluation reports for all property types and value levels to ensure that market values developed for financially-related transactions are reasonably supported, credible and compliant with federal and state regulations, USPAP, FIRREA, bank appraisal policies/procedures, and industry standards.
• Manage the valuation process effectively from end to end, including engagement and communicating with vendors to ensure timely delivery of the report as well as to resolve discrepancies and obtain revisions as needed, and acting as liaison for all communication between vendors and the bank.
• Assist manager with development and updates to department written procedures and presenting/delivering updates to the team.
• Achieve and maintain a satisfactory level of department turn-around times, per the department’s service level agreement with the lines of business.
• Perform other tasks and assignments as needed.

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

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.); or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years’ experience with commercial property appraisal, commercial property appraisal review, commercial collateral underwriting, and/or commercial property analysis and market conditions.
• Ability to:
  • Read and analyze appraisal and evaluation reports related to commercial properties of all types and with a high level of complexity, and leverage professional knowledge and experience to effectively communicate results.
  • Read and communicate findings of Environmental Assessment reports to ensure adherence with bank environmental policies/procedures.
  • Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Identify and elevate critical issues in a timely manner.
  • Adapt to frequent policy/process changes.
  • Learn quickly and independently.
  • Collaborate and achieve success as part of a team.
• Proficient with multi-tasking, with ability to effectively manage challenging situations involving multiple facets and variables in non-standardized circumstances while meeting specified deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to work with complex mathematical concepts.
• Fluent with appraisal terminology and possesses an excellent understanding of appraisal methodologies and concepts.
• Proficient with computer software including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), web browsers and video conferencing systems.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external business partners in both written and oral formats. This includes being able to respond and provide viable solutions when necessary to common inquiries or complaints from stakeholders.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• General (commercial) appraisal certification.
• Professional Designation (or advanced candidate for designation) by an appraisal organization (AI, NAIFA, ASA, etc.).
• Appraisal or review experience with a variety of property types. Experience with complex and specialty property types is preferred (LIHTC, health care, hotel, special use, etc.).
• Experience with YouConnect (or other similar appraisal management platform).
• Proficient with technology to investigate/implement enhancements to systems in use.
• Prior review experience or experience with a lending institution is preferred.
• Knowledge of federal regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of Agency/Partnership requirements (FNMA, FHLMC, SBA, Farmer Mac, etc.).
• Proficient in technical writing in order to assist with development or update of department process/procedures and job aids, as well as ability to lead and present same to department.

Level of Complexity and Scope

• Manage the valuation process from end to end (from engagement through review) for the highest value and most complex properties.
• Perform independent analysis to provide own value indication, as warranted.

Degree of Independence and Decision-Making

• Works independently to draw valid conclusions related to compliance and reasonableness of the analysis and value conclusions. Follows established guidelines and requires minimal supervision or guidance.
• Uses subject matter expertise to advise others.
• Defines scope parameters and identifies appropriate vendors for engagement of valuation and environmental services.

Required Supervisory Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of department staff in a mentorship capacity.
• Provide assistance to department staff, as needed.
• Assist with quality control of internal staff reviews and file documentation.
• Identify, implement and/or support process improvements and opportunities for efficiency.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work on a computer most of the day.
• Frequently sits.
• Occasionally stands and walks.
• Occasionally lifts and carries up to 20 lbs.

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

• Attend real estate appraisal courses and seminars to continually advance job competency and to obtain/maintain applicable credentials.
• Continual development of relevant market knowledge and real estate trends.
• Ability to learn and perform the administrative tasks relevant to the appraisal review process.
• Ability to learn with various tools including written procedures, verbal instruction, webinar videos.

Pay Range:

$74,000/year to $100,000/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.