Location: Trail, BC

Kootenay Savings Credit Union is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Retail Adjudication Advisor to join our team. In this 16 month fixed term, you will contribute to the development and growth of long-term relationships with KSCU retail members through appropriate adjudication and mitigation of credit risk and confirming appropriate pricing of credit relationships. This position is the primary point of contact for front line retail sales staff for loan adjudication and approves loans within limits for retail credit applications. The incumbent reviews and recommends enhancements to policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines to ensure appropriate controls are in place and sales and service needs are met.

Some of your key responsibilities will include

Credit Adjudication & Internal Control

• Ensures sound and timely credit decisions conforming to policies and procedures by: 
  • Exercising sound credit judgment in approving and declining retail credit applications within established limits
  • Drafting clear and concise credit decisions that articulate the credit analysis and reasoning behind adjudication
  • Presenting sound and effective recommendations on credit requests above established limits
  • Working collaboratively with the sales teams to find effective credit solutions
• Acts as point of escalation in supporting retail lenders with structuring, negotiating, and documenting complex credit applications.
• Restructures credit requests as necessary to make acceptable deals in line with the credit union’s policy and guidelines. 

Risk Management

• Performs credit worthiness assessment/evaluation for existing loans and verifies that potential loans conform to policy. Ensures that necessary documentation is completed, and requests additional data as needed. 

• Proactively identifies, recommends, and contributes to enhancements to loan policies, and procedures including issues related to improved efficiencies, credit risk, or industry sector focus.

• Builds effective relationships with leadership, and retail sales team to support achievement of sales objectives while ensuring compliance with risk and audit requirements. 

• Collaborates with other adjudicators to ensure consistent application of KSCU risk appetite and best practices.

• Identifies areas of potential loss or liability and where appropriate, initiates action to minimize exposure to risk.

• Maintains a current awareness regarding economic and business trends.

• Adheres to all Kootenay Savings Credit Union lending policies, security procedures and regulatory guidelines.

Credit Support

• Provides expertise and coaching to lending staff in structuring retail credit applications that meet Kootenay Savings’ risk appetite. 
• Provides guidance, support and advice to lenders for complex or unique credit applications to find appropriate solution for member that fits within policy, procedure and regulations.
• Partners with Training and Development Department to develop lending tools and/or co-facilitation of retail credit courses.

Audit

• Reviews and audits loan files to ensure adherence to Kootenay Savings’ policies and procedures.
• Liaises with internal/external auditors and attends meetings, as required.
• Maintains compliance with all audit and risk management requirements and all other internal policies.

Retail Processes/Policies/Reporting

• Assists with research and development, evaluation and documentation of current policies and procedures and recommends modifications where appropriate. 
• May perform a variety of activities relating to the overall operation of the department including monitoring reports.
• Provides input into the development and implementation of department systems, processes and procedures.
• Assists with completion of retail lending monthly and quarterly reports. 

Relationship Building

• Communicates underwriting guidelines and policies to stakeholders ensuring the quality of applications received, while maintaining positive relationships. 

• Works closely with all other team members ensuring service standards are maintained for the benefit of retail sales team.

• Communicates with lenders and retail sales management to gather additional information or clarification on application details.

• Maintains a professional standard of conduct while promoting a positive image of the organization. 

• Provides guidance, leadership, mentoring or training to retail sales team.

• Maintains and builds relationships with internal and external partners to support retail credit (auditors, solicitors, high ratio mortgage providers, creditor insurance providers).

QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of six (6) years of retail lending experience, including construction mortgages, acquired within the past ten (10) years
• Demonstrated experience assessing, structuring, and adjudicating consumer and residential mortgage applications within established lending limits 
•  Experience supporting or coaching lenders and collaborating across teams to achieve both risk and service objectives

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Advanced knowledge of consumer lending principles, credit risk assessment, and mortgage adjudication practices 

• Strong understanding of lending policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements within a financial institution environment 

• Working knowledge of deposit products and registered plans, with an understanding of their role in secured lending structures and credit decisions

• Knowledge of credit structuring techniques, including construction financing and complex borrower scenarios 

• General awareness of economic trends and their impact on lending risk

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to assess creditworthiness and identify risk 

• Effective written communication skills to clearly document credit decisions and rationale 

• Strong verbal communication skills to collaborate with lenders and influence sound credit outcomes 

• Organizational and time management skills to manage multiple applications and meet service level expectations 

• Proficiency in computer applications, including lending systems, document management systems, and Microsoft Office tools

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make timely, well-reasoned credit decisions within established limits 

• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements consistently 

• Ability to coach and guide others in structuring credit applications that align with risk appetite 

• Ability to identify risks and recommend practical solutions that balance member needs and organizational objectives 

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, queue-based environment

• Demonstrates courage and adaptability by proactively engaging with new challenges and opportunities, and remaining effective in the face of ambiguity or change 

• Collaborates effectively across teams to identify issues, share perspectives, and develop solutions that balance member needs, employee experience, and organizational objectives 

• Influences and builds alignment by communicating ideas clearly and credibly, gaining commitment from others to support sound decisions and recommended approaches 

• Applies creativity and critical thinking to identify opportunities, challenge conventional approaches, and develop practical, value-driven solutions for members, communities, and the organization

Why Join Kootenay Savings Credit Union?

At Kootenay Savings, we know our dedicated employees are the key to our success. That’s why we’re committed to creating a workplace where employees thrive, grow, and feel valued. We offer a total rewards package that includes:

• $42.37/hour
• Comprehensive benefits including extended health, dental, and vision coverage (subject to 30 day waiting period)
• Health Care & Personal Spending Account
• No service fee credit union chequing account for the duration of the contract
• A fulfilling career in a progressive organization that embraces leading strategic initiatives
• A workplace that puts community and employees first, supporting local non-profits, student bursaries, and community sponsorships

If you are a team player ready to take on an exciting challenge in a progressive, employee-focused environment, we’d like to hear from you!

About Kootenay Savings Credit Union

We are the region’s leading credit union with over $1.7 billion in assets, more than 30,000 members, and over 200 employees. With our Corporate Office, Member Service Centre, and 12 branches located across the East and West Kootenays, we proudly provide retail and commercial banking services.

We’re deeply rooted in our community, making a difference by donating back, supporting local non-profits, and offering sponsorships and bursaries to help students succeed. It’s part of who we are and what we stand for as Kootenay Savings Credit Union.

For more information about Kootenay Savings, visit kscu.com [https://www.kscu.com/]. To learn more about the beautiful Kootenay region, visit imaginekootenay.com [https://kscu0.sharepoint.com/sites/HR/Shared%20Documents/HR/HMASST/RECRUITMENT/SENIOR%20MANAGER%20HR%20ORGANIZATIONAL%20DEVELOPMENT/imaginekootenay.com].

Apply Now

To apply, please visit our website at kscu.com [https://www.kscu.com/about-us/careers] to upload your resume and complete the application questions. 

Kootenay Savings Credit Union is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only short-listed applicants will be contacted.