Closing Officer Job Description

A Closing Officer makes sure an approved loan is legally ready to fund. In banking and mortgage lending, the position sits after underwriting approval and before funding, holding authority to proceed or stop a closing when collateral perfection under state statutes or documentation terms fall short of the credit approval. That authority is what makes the job hard. On residential files, the work continues after signing, when government loan insurance must be activated and packages must clear investor shipping deadlines before loans move to new servicers.

As the Closing Officer, you confirm that every commercial or residential loan reaches funding and booking with perfected collateral and closing documents that faithfully reflect the approved credit terms. You will work alongside Relationship Managers, Portfolio Managers, title companies, and bank counsel, typically within a loan delivery team that answers to senior credit management.

Career Impact: Hands-on command of collateral perfection and loan documentation under state statutes and federal regulations is expertise commercial banks screen for when filling senior closing seats.

Business Impact: Accurate closings protect lenders from unperfected liens and undocumented exceptions that Credit Risk and Internal Audit would otherwise flag after funding.

Growth Opportunity: Moving toward a Commercial Loan Closing Officer II title opens decision authority over complex construction loans and revolving lines of credit.

• Coordinate closings with lending groups, bank counsel, title companies, and third parties to drive approved loans to funding.
• Review closing documents against credit approval terms to confirm conditions and exceptions are properly represented and documented.
• Validate collateral perfection and title reports within state statutes, raising concerns before authorizing a closing to proceed.
• Resolve process or documentation obstacles during pre-closing and post-closing phases to keep transactions on schedule.
• Prepare modification, substitution, and collateral release documents following approvals for new and existing loans.
• Audit closed loan files for completeness and accuracy to deliver saleable packages that meet investor shipping deadlines.
• Maintain loan data and document indexing in internal systems so booking and servicing records stay current.
• Monitor federal regulatory requirements affecting closings and advise lending partners on items needed to remain compliant.

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related field or equivalent work experience.
• Three or more years of commercial loan or loan closing experience, with documentation review exposure.
• Working knowledge of loan documentation and requirements needed to move a loan through closing, funding, and booking.
• Understanding of state statutes and federal regulations affecting collateral perfection and lending compliance.
• Ability to interpret legal documentation and closing guidelines to identify what is originated, modified, or extended.
• Ability to manage multiple transactions and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and reasonable review speed.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with lenders, counsel, and title companies.
• Customer-focused problem-solving skills for resolving obstacles with internal and external parties in virtual and in-person settings.

• Experience in commercial lending documentation covering construction loans, term loans, and revolving lines of credit.
• Familiarity with underwriting fundamentals and mortgage insurance activation for government-backed residential loans.
• Background in financial analysis within a banking or financial services environment, supporting credit decisions beyond direct closing work.
• Knowledge of Customer Identification Program and Bank Secrecy Act requirements for verifying borrower funds and identity.

• Closing cycle time in days, measuring speed from approval to funding.
• Pre-closing exception rate per file, tracking documentation gaps caught before execution.
• Post-closing audit defect rate, reflecting accuracy of closed loan files.
• Investor shipping deadline adherence, showing timely delivery of saleable loan packages.
• Collateral perfection error count, indicating liens recorded correctly under state requirements.

• Base Salary Range: $55,000 to $85,000, higher for commercial closing specialists.
• Bonus: Annual discretionary bonus, typically 3% to 8% of base.
• Equity: Rarely offered; some banks provide employee stock purchase plans.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with employer premium contributions.
• PTO: 15 to 22 days plus paid federal banking holidays.
• Common Perks: 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, and banking certification support.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment is contingent on a successful background check, which may include a credit history review consistent with financial services regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request, and candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Closing Officer delivers preparation and review of basic legal documents and due diligence for the closing of Authority products, including title report reviews and post-closing quality control. Reporting to the Director/Program Manager within a public economic development authority, the Closing Officer works with borrowers, attorneys, and title companies to protect the Authority's financial and regulatory exposure.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and handle all aspects of basic Authority Products closing and post-closing activities.
• Prepare basic commitment and approval letters, closing instructions, and Authority Product documents with minimum supervision, as well as final Authority Product documents for Director/Program Manager/Deputy Attorney General review.
• Interact with internal staff, borrowers, attorneys, consultants, title companies, senior level executives, insurance companies, other state agency staff, and other lenders to facilitate closings.
• Review title reports and various searches, communicate comments to borrowers, grantees, attorneys, and title companies, advise appropriate staff and the Program Manager of any concerns, extinguish any exceptions, and resolve issues.
• Close Authority Products in an electronic environment and in accordance with the Authority's requirements.
• Prepare and process closed Authority Product files in accordance with approved post-closing procedures to fully protect the Authority's financial and regulatory exposure.
• Perform quality control duties to ensure completeness and accuracy of post-closing processes and documentation for assigned projects.
• Review and prepare basic modification documents following approvals, ensure modifications are completed accurately and timely, and prepare substitution and/or release of collateral documentation as necessary.
• Input Authority Product information into CRM/Enable and update systems on a continual basis as applicable.
• Evaluate workflow processes to identify and implement changes to improve efficiencies for customers and staff.
• Promote teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative, and customer-focused work environment among the division, Authority staff, and external customers.
• Participate in special projects as requested by the Director/Program Manager and assume additional duties as required by department workload, Authority initiatives, and creation of new products.

Required Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of secured lending and/or non-repayable transactions and comprehension of lending and legal document language.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret, and be proficient in statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as multiple Federal and State rules and regulations.
• Familiarity with legal terminology and documents, with the ability to accurately review basic legal documents for acceptability.
• Ability to analyze basic legal problems, concepts, and documents and draft legal documents.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 Dynamics, with the ability to learn new software packages.
• Ability to understand, accept, and adhere to established Authority procedures.
• Self-starter with the ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Emotionally intelligent with strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload, be highly organized and detail-oriented, handle various tasks simultaneously, and function effectively under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills when dealing with external business professionals and Authority staff.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, proficiency in grammar, spelling, and editing, and ability to foster communications with business professionals and Authority staff.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and deal effectively and diplomatically with business professionals and Authority staff.
• Respectful behavior that promotes teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative, and customer-focused work environment among the division, Authority staff, and external customers.

Embedded within the commercial lending function of a bank, the Commercial Loan Closing Officer II leads the loan delivery process for construction loans, term loans, and revolving lines of credit, interpreting legal documentation to decide whether closings proceed or stop. Working closely with Relationship Managers, Portfolio Managers, Credit Risk, and Compliance, the Commercial Loan Closing Officer II ensures collateral is perfected and each credit stays aligned with bank and regulatory policies.

Core Functions

• Act as a leader in facilitating the completion of the end-to-end closing process and provide individual authority to proceed or stop the closing process when collateral or documentation requirements are not met.
• Lead the loan documentation process for both new transactions and modifications through in-depth interpretation of legal documentation to identify what is being originated, modified, or extended.
• Interpret and decipher related state statutes and laws to predict changes and impacts to collateral perfection, legal requirements, closing needs, and legal documentation for proceed or stop decisions.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of affected federal regulations to advise on additional items needed to remain compliant.
• Provide primary support and partnership to Relationship Managers (RM) and Portfolio Managers (PM) to ensure the transaction maintains strong quality while facilitating risk control measures for the Bank.
• Work closely with senior management, RMs, PMs, Credit Risk, Compliance, and Internal Audit partners to keep the credit in compliance with Bank and regulatory policies, and ensure loan collateral is appropriately assessed, perfected, risk managed, and coded in accordance with bank policies and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate interactions with the RM and/or PM, as well as internal and/or external legal counsel, to ensure all credit approval terms and conditions are appropriately represented in the closing documents and any exceptions prior to closing are properly documented.

Qualifications & Experience

• Three to five years of direct experience in commercial loan closing or five to seven years of relevant work experience in commercial lending and documentation.
• Considerable knowledge of operation functions, systems, policies, and procedures for the assigned area.
• Thorough knowledge of banking operations and commercial credits.
• In-depth understanding and practical application of state statutes, laws, and federal regulations.
• Ability to manage transactions at various levels of complexity and timelines.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Well-developed customer relations skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the RM and/or PM on closing requirements.

Reporting to finance management, the Financial Closing Officer owns quarterly financial statement reporting under local and IFRS17 standards and serves as the key contact for external auditors. Partnering with the Risk department on Solvency II reporting, the Financial Closing Officer supports accurate regulatory filings and the rollout of IFRS 9 / 17 across the insurance finance team.

Primary Duties

• Manage and report quarterly financial statements in accordance with local and IFRS17 standards.
• Act as the key point of contact with external auditors.
• Draft various financial reports for the national bank.
• Actively participate in Solvency II reporting in collaboration with the Risk department.
• Assist with the preparation of tax returns.
• Assist with the technical management and development of the SAP FICO accounting software.
• Actively participate in the implementation of the new IFRS 9 / 17 standards.

Skills & Qualifications

• Master in Business Management or Economics.
• Minimum 2 years of first experience in a similar position.
• First experience in a BIG 4 (Accountancy) firm is a strong asset.
• First working experience with IFRS standards is mandatory.
• First experience with SAP FICO is an asset.
• Team player, always looking for the next process to improve.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge of French and English, with Dutch as an asset.

Sitting at the intersection of commercial lending and legal compliance, the Loan Closing Officer shapes the path from approval to closing by resolving process obstacles across pre-closing and post-closing phases. Operating across lending groups, bank counsel, and third parties, the Loan Closing Officer keeps legal, credit, and regulatory requirements satisfied so loans reach funding and booking on schedule.

Duties

• Partner and effectively communicate with lending groups, bank counsel, and third parties to drive loans to closing.
• Identify and resolve process or business-related obstacles to closing.
• Apply knowledge of legal, credit, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage problem resolution during all phases of the pre-closing and post-closing process.
• Serve as liaison for all affected parties.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED).
• 4 years of experience in a banking or financial service environment.
• 3 years of commercial loan experience and 3 years of experience in analysis.
• 3 years of customer service experience in a virtual and in-person environment.
• Understanding of loan documentation and requirements needed to move a loan to closing and complete funding and booking.

A key member of the bank's property sales team, the Closing Officer builds each Purchase and Sale Agreement for inventory properties, validating buyer identity under CIP and verifying sources of funds for BSA compliance. Collaborating across real estate brokers, buyers, and internal customers, the Closing Officer ensures properties with cleared title move to a compliant, signed sale.

Functions

• Validate the interest of buyers whose offer was approved and begin collecting data for the completion of the Contract.
• Validate approved offers' details and verify that the property is ready to be sold, with cleared legal title, lot size validated between the available legal documents, and property tax payments and Homeowners Associations fees (HOA) up to date.
• Discuss requirements with real estate brokers and/or potential buyers and explain the process to complete the Purchase and Sale Agreement.
• Review and validate documents received from potential buyers and request additional information if necessary.
• Select the appropriate Purchase and Sale Agreement template according to the transaction and complete the required information in the document.
• Coordinate the signing date of the Purchase and Sale Agreement and receive potential buyers to sign Contracts.
• Validate the identity of buyers according to the Customer Identification Program (CIP) process.
• Validate and analyze sources of funds evidence for the down payment to comply with Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requirements, and receive and manage the physical check or wire transfer.
• Discuss Contract terms, including Exhibit A, clarify doubts, complete the signatures process, and sign the Contract in representation of the Bank.
• Review signed Contracts and related documentation, register the signed Contract in the system, and keep related details documented and up to date.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and administration of departmental programs, policies, and procedures.
• Provide status information to internal customers in the area of responsibility and general support to members of the department.
• Use internal programs and applications to keep databases, spreadsheets, internal systems, and other reports up to date.
• Report and publish results as directed by management and maintain appropriate documentation as needed for the area of responsibility.

Experience & Qualifications

• Certifications from Mortgage Bankers Association and/or related Real Estate Industry courses.
• One to two years of related experience.
• Analysis and information interpretation skills.
• Proficiency in computer programs such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Planning, organizational, and time management skills to meet deadlines.
• Capacity to work in teams and collaborate with peers to meet common goals.
• Essential attention to detail and a sense of urgency to attend situations.
• Ability to work with multiple tasks simultaneously and under pressure.
• Accountability, Analytical Discipline, Business Excellence, and Change Agent competencies.
• Character, Collaboration & Teamwork, Customer Centric, and Self Development competencies.
• Oral and written proficiency in both English and Spanish.

Saleable loan packages that meet investor shipping deadlines depend on the Post Closing Officer, who delivers audits and indexing of real estate loan documentation for compliance with applicable guidelines. Based within mortgage post-closing operations, the Post Closing Officer works with title companies and branch personnel to resolve loan review concerns and support transfers to new servicers.

Accountabilities

• Obtain, monitor the receipt of, and audit all applicable loan documentation.
• Perform computer data entry and indexing of loan documents to provide a saleable loan package for investors and ensure mandatory shipping deadlines are met.
• Communicate with title companies, branch personnel, and other internal parties to resolve questions and concerns regarding loan review.
• Accurately perform insuring of government loans and activate mortgage insurance.
• Perform various administrative tasks including but not limited to typing, scanning, and copying.

Technical Qualifications

• High school graduate with basic academic and practical skills gained through school curriculum combined with up to one year of general work experience and/or training.
• General knowledge of loan processing and underwriting fundamentals.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and evaluate information relative to closing and underwriting guidelines.
• Ability to troubleshoot is a must.
• General administrative skills including typing, filing, and use of computer, calculator, copier, and facsimile machines.
• Customer-service oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills for interaction with a variety of people inside and outside of the organization.
• Ability to adapt within an ever-changing environment and procedures.
• Good organizational skills and detail-oriented aptitude, with the ability to manage time, remain organized, maintain accuracy and efficiency, and develop reasonable speed of loan review.