New

Senior Credit Officer

First Farmers Bank

United States, Tennessee, Columbia

Mar 20, 2026

Date: March 20, 2026
Job Location: First Farmers and Merchants Bank, 816 South Garden Street, Columbia, TN 38401
Education Level: (1) A master's degree, or (2) a bachelor's degree plus professional certification (e.g. CPA).

Job Type: Full Time
VEVRAA Federal Contractor

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EOE Protected Veterans/Disabled

Robert C. Matthews, email: bob.matthews@myfirstfarmers.com

Role:

To assist Relationship Managers in the review, structuring, underwriting and approval of loan request within the bank's lending policies and procedure; to ensure that the bank's total portfolio complies with policies, laws and regulations; assist in the management of credit risk of the loan portfolio to include various reporting to bank management and the Board of Directors and assist the Managing Senior Credit Officer in the management of the Credit Administration area.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

20%

Assist in prescreen credit discussion with Relationship Managers around the structuring of new proposals and renewals.

10%

Assist the Managing Senior Credit Officer in formulating and deploying of the Bank's lending policies.

35%

Approval of credits within established loan authorities and support of credits requiring Managing Senior Credit Officer and/or Executive Committee approval.

15%

Assist in the monitoring of the entire loan portfolio through the review of various loan reporting.

Assist in the training and development staff within Credit Administration.

Assists in preparations for bank examinations and loan reviews; assists in credit discussions with on-site examiners and loan review staff; assist in written responses to loan reviews and applicable portions of bank examinations.

Assists Special Assets Department with all business purpose (C & I and CRE) problem loans, establishes workout and recovery action plans, and coordinates with external counsel if necessitated.

Other job-related duties as assigned.

Performance Measurements:

1. To comply with the letter and with the spirit of the bank's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

2. To maintain the confidentiality of customer and any other sensitive information.

3. To meet loan portfolio goals with regard to growth, income and quality.

4. To maintain a professional, courteous and friendly atmosphere for customers and co-workers.

5. To acquire a knowledge of regulations and bank procedures, particularly those involving the lending function, to comply with the provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act and other laws and regulations.

6. To maintain a professional work environment and businesslike appearance at all times.

7. To develop and maintain a positive and productive working relationship with co-workers.

8. To complete required training and undertake additional training as needed to increase job knowledge and maximize productivity.

Knowledge and Skills:

Experience

Ten years to fifteen years of similar or related experience.

Education

(1) A master's degree, or (2) a bachelor's degree plus professional certification (e.g. CPA).

Interpersonal Skills

Work frequently involves exercising advanced conflict resolution, giving material presentations, and resolving issues impacting multiple departments or divisions. Role also requires the ability to motivate or influence others as a material part of the role, with a significant level of diplomacy and trust. Obtaining cooperation (internally and/or externally) is an important part of the role and a high level of interpersonal skills is critical to the success of this position.

Other Skills

Must have experience in analyzing business financial statements and assessing the viability of businesses; must have excellent communication and PR skills; ability to use related software required.

Physical Requirements

The person in this position needs to be able to frequently move inside and outside of the office environment to interact with associates and customers. The person should be able to operate computers and other office type of equipment.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment as well as working in a professional manner with all customers and associates.