Finance Officer (Loan Specialist 3)

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Job Description:

Are you someone who aspires to make Oregon businesses thrive? We have an incredible opportunity for you to utilize your skills in business finance to help Oregon businesses succeed. Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, is currently hiring for a permanent Finance Officer (Loan Specialist 3) position.

Note: We value our employees and want to encourage work-life balance and flexibility. This position has the ability to work remotely (hybrid) with required days in the Salem office. The successful candidate will need to live in the region (Coos, Curry and Douglas counties).

What you will do:

• Administer department finance programs including direct loans, loan loss reserve accounts, loan guarantees, venture debt programs and private activity bonds. Provides financial reviews for other sections of the department. Provide support to the banking sector, originate direct loans to fill gaps in access to traditional capital, foster business growth and entrepreneurship, and create living-wage jobs across Oregon.

• Analyze and manage financial requests by working with lending and economic development partners to recommend financing structures, apply appropriate Business Oregon programs, underwrite, and originate finance programs, manage client relationships, and work through collections and claims when necessary.

• Build and maintain contacts with customer base including banks, economic development districts, cities, counties, department staff, and State and federal agencies.

• Focus on outreach to the local community by participating in lender presentations and networking events to effectively market the department’s finance programs.

Business Oregon strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of some or all of the following skills:

• Experience in commercial and industrial credit underwriting, and financial analysis.

• Knowledge of general accounting principles, tax return and cash-basis accounting, spreading financials, and analyzing core financial metrics (debt service coverage, leverage, liquidity, etc.)

• Ability to effectively write credit recommendations, accurately structure debt, understand the implications of debt on a business’ balance sheet, and work with lending approval chains and/or loan committees to advocate for borrowers.

• Ability to be self-motivated and stay on-task while working remotely. Must be flexible to travel, when necessary, throughout the region and occasionally the state.

• Experience with commercial and industrial lending, utilizing conventional, government guarantee and subordinate financing structures. Familiarity with economic development lending partners and alternative/higher risk lending.

• Experience, knowledge, and ability using spreadsheets and financial analysis programs such as Word, Excel, and loan origination software.

Please note: if you are interested in applying for this position, you must attach your current cover letterand resume to your application. Failure to submit the required resume and cover letter will remove your application from consideration.

What you need to qualify:

A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economic, Finance, Accounting, or related field AND three years’ experience analyzing and underwriting residential, commercial, or public sector loans; or three years’ experience in economic or community development, project development, or as a business finance officer

OR

A Bachelor's degree in other fields with an MBA, MPA, or MA in Management with an emphasis in general accounting, cost accounting, financial accounting, financial reporting, financial intermediation, finance, or marketing AND two years’ experience at the level of a business finance officer or senior loan officer;

OR

Any combination of experience and education deemed acceptable for satisfactory job performance to the appointing authority.

What Business Oregon does:

Business Oregon is the economic development agency for the state of Oregon. We have about 180 people on our team, and we work with communities and businesses. We use our programs and expertise to help businesses grow, so they can in turn add jobs, diversify the economy, and increase Oregon prosperity. We work with communities to enhance and expand infrastructure and community safety with projects such as water/wastewater systems, seismic rehabilitation for schools, or rural broadband development. This also sets the stage for future business development. Our mission is to invest in Oregon’s businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy, all carried out with an agency strategic plan.

Business Finance Services partners with businesses, financial institutions, local economic development groups, and technical service provides to aide with retention, expansion and recruitment opportunities for Oregon based businesses. Programs administered and coordinated by the Business Finance Services Section include the Oregon Business Development Fund, Small Business Expansion Program, Credit Enhancement Fund, Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Aggie Bonds, Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund, Capital Access Program, Business Retention Services Fund, and the Oregon New Market Tax Credit Program.

How to Apply

Please Note: Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM PST on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

• If you are a current State of Oregon employee, you must apply through your employee Workdayaccount through Jobs Hub.

• Click the “Apply” button above to complete your online application.

• Attach your current cover letter and resume. Failure to submit the required resume and cover letter may remove your application from consideration. Clearly demonstrate in your cover letter how you meet all the minimum qualifications and requested skills listed above.

• You may attach your cover letter and resume at the beginning of process or at the end of process of completing your workday application.

• Complete the questionnaire. Warning– Workday will timeout of inactivity and will not save your application progress. You must submit your application after you begin the process. There is now a “save for later” function, if you need to take a break, please be sure to click the save for later button to save your progress.

• Be sure to check Workday and your email for additional tasks and updates. After hitting submit there may be additional required tasks for you to complete prior to the announcement closing.

• The candidates whose work experience most closely matches the qualifications and skills of this position will be invited to interview.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Family Friendly Work Life Balance: Paid time off, 11 holidays, 3 personal days & optional short- and long-term disability benefits.

• Take Care of Yourself and Your Family: Comprehensive employee benefits, choice of medical plans, vision plan, life insurance, employee assistance program.

• Invest in Your Future: Pension plan, deferred comp, short- and long-term disability plan, flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.

• Be Appreciated: Employee recognition events, agency unique employee recognition program allowing for additional leave options such as vacation buy-out and sick leave roll-over, dynamic employees doing impactful work.

• Inclusion: At Business Oregon, we value community and foster a sense of belonging for our employees.

Additional Information:

• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials.

• It is our policy to provide reasonable accommodations to all applicants who may need them. Should you need assistance, or an accommodation please contact Employee Services at: [email protected] to discuss how we can best meet your needs.

• Veterans’ Preference - Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. If you checked that you are a veteran, we will ask you for your documents later in the process. Click on the Veterans’ Preference link for additional information.

• Criminal Records Check - Hiring of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the results of a Criminal Background Check. Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.

• Work Authorization - The Oregon Business Development Department (dba Business Oregon) does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States.

• This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current position and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

• This position is a classified, full time, exempt, and is not represented by a union.

• PERS – This is a PERS qualifying position. After a six-month waiting period eligible Management Service, Executive Service, and Unrepresented employees will have their base pay increased by 6.95% and the 6% PERS contribution deducted from their base pay rather than a direct 6% contribution by the State of Oregon to the employees PERS account. This will mirror the bargained SEIU and AFSCME PERS process.

• Are you looking to live in and experience Oregon? Learn more about life in Pendleton, Salem, and Portland.

Need help?

For questions about this job, contact Sue Hyer, HR Analyst in Employee Services, at 971-345-1259 or email [email protected].

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Business Oregon is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.