COMMERCIAL LOAN ASSISTANT COVER LETTER TEMPLATE

Published: July 26, 2024 - The Commercial Loan Assistant assists in financial analysis to support credit risk assessment for new loans, modification requests, and periodic loan reviews, along with the preparation of spreadsheets and models for credit decisions. This role involves aiding in the preparation of credit presentations by reviewing property, sponsor, appraisals, market studies, and other relevant documents, and making loan structure and approval recommendations. The assistant also facilitates loan closings by coordinating with third parties, reviewing and processing draw requests, and maintaining consistent communication with all parties involved in the loan process.

An Introduction to Professional Skills and Functions for Commercial Loan Assistant with a Cover Letter

1. Competencies for Commercial Loan Assistant Cover Letter

  • Types of new and renewed commercial loan documents according to established processes and procedures including construction loans, letters of credit, term loans and lines of credit
  • Maintains processing knowledge of commercial loan programs including but not limited to Small Business Administration (SBA), rate SWAP financing and participations purchased
  • Requests supporting customer documentation such as organizational documents, title work, insurance and any other required items as deemed necessary per established processes
  • Orders and processes appraisals per procedures for commercial loans
  • Conducts necessary searches including but not limited to DFI, UCC and flood determination
  • Reviews and analyzes supporting documentation and searches obtained to support the approved loan transaction
  • Acts as a second reviewer of documents prepared by Commercial Loan Assistants
  • Perfects the Bank’s interest in security agreements to ensure the Bank is in the proper collateral lien position
  • Disburses loan proceeds and pays invoices associated with the transaction as appropriate
  • Scans and indexes loan file documents
  • Review construction draw requests and disburse funds per loan officer approval


Skills: Commercial Loan Documentation, Loan Program Knowledge, Customer Documentation Management, Appraisal Ordering and Processing, Search Conducting, Document Review and Analysis, Document Review Oversight, Loan Disbursement and Fund Management

2. Expectations for Commercial Loan Assistant Cover Letter

  • Maintains commercial loan pipeline information required
  • Onboard the loan in the Bank’s core system (FISERV Navigator) per the loan documents executed
  • Processes loan documentation for participations bought and sold as well as draw requests
  • Responsible for maintaining accurate loan files in either paper format or electronically
  • Follows all established bank policies and procedures
  • Updates SBA documentation and E-Tran database
  • Work with loan officers and third-party professionals (attorneys, appraisers, inspectors, etc.) to close loans in conformity with approved terms and conditions. 
  • Review all loan documents before closing to ensure that they will cover the intended collateral and document the borrower’s and guarantor’s obligations to the bank. 
  • Prepare loan funding information based on the approval and closing documents. 
  • Observes all security, privacy and compliance requirements related to the position


Skills: Loan Documentation Management, Core System Onboarding, Compliance and Policy Adherence, Loan File Maintenance, Collaborative Coordination, Document Review and Verification, Funding Preparation, Database and E-Tran Updates

3. Accountabilities for Commercial Loan Assistant Cover Letter

  • Follow federal regulations and related internal procedures
  • Attain a working knowledge of the loan policy, concerning lending limits and approval requirements
  • Participate in conversations with assigned lenders to get and an understanding of the loans that will be coming through for processing, insight on upcoming workload and organization are key and will benefit the lender and the processing team as the loan moves through the system for completion
  • Build a physical file and scan all information received into Synergy
  • Use department checklists to gather complete and accurate information for new and existing loans by working with the lenders, third-party vendors and customers to obtain the necessary documentation to proceed and send approvals through the Loan Processing Department
  • Maintain loan tracking reports per loan assistant
  • Review closing documents prior to loan funding to ensure any pending items are addressed and then, prepare and process the funding transactions and record transactions
  • Assist with resolving loan exceptions such as final title policies, etc.
  • Assist with issuing payoff letters
  • Assist with payments, draws and transfers
  • Assist Lender with releases of liens and paid-off files


Skills: Regulatory Compliance, Loan Policy Knowledge, Communication and Coordination, Documentation Management, Loan Tracking and Reporting, Closing Document Review, Exception Resolution, Administrative Support

4. Functions for Commercial Loan Assistant Cover Letter

  • Supporting 6 lenders (there is one other CLA) 
  • Setting up commercial loan files, responsible for maintaining department files accurately and efficiently. 
  • Perform procedures related to advances, paydowns, and disbursement process 
  • Prepare and review documentation of commercial loan closings
  • Solve the order required due diligence items (i.e. Appraisals, Environmental Reports, Property Inspections and Flood Searches). 
  • Ensure accuracy and proper use of tracking reports for key information such as Flood Insurance, Property Tax Insurance, UCCs, etc. 
  • Conduct regular and routine department assessments to ensure departmental controls, policies, and procedures are achieving accurate and desired results.
  • Proactively implement clean-up procedures and corresponding changes when necessary and as appropriate. 
  • Interact with auditors, examiners, compliance team, and legal team to assist in Bank reviews and examinations. 
  • Follow up and correct any items addressed and ensure necessary changes or recommendations have been implemented as directed on time. 
  • Provide administrative support to the Commercial Lending team 


Skills: Commercial Loan Processing, Documentation Management, Due Diligence Coordination, Tracking and Reporting, Regulatory Compliance, Process Improvement, Audit and Compliance Interaction, Administrative Support

5. Roles for Commercial Loan Assistant Cover Letter

  • Assist in completing financial analysis to support assessment of credit risk for new loans, modification requests and periodic loan reviews. 
  • Preparation of spreadsheets and models to support the analysis and credit decisions for new and existing credit applications.
  • Aid in the preparation of credit presentations including review of property, sponsor, appraisals, market studies, environmental assessments, market demographics, etc. and make appropriate loan structure and approval recommendations.
  • Provide technical assistance to borrowers and potential borrowers (TA areas include affordable housing financing and development, non-profit facilities, economic development, energy efficiency financing, etc.)
  • Work directly with third parties including title companies, and others to facilitate obtaining due diligence items and coordinating the closing of a loan.
  • Review and process draw requests including all supporting documentation.
  • Provide recommendations for policy and process improvements.
  • Maintains prompt and consistent communication between all parties (including broker, customer, loan officer, and loan processor) to communicate the status of loan analysis and any outstanding issues or concerns. 
  • Maintain communication with the loan processing group and any other interested parties related to the loan
  • Assist commercial lenders in remaining aware of loans due to mature within the next 30 – 90 days


Skills: Financial Analysis, Spreadsheet and Model Preparation, Credit Presentation Preparation, Technical Assistance, Coordination with Third Parties, Draw Request Processing, Policy and Process Improvement, Effective Communication

What Are the Qualifications and Requirements for Commercial Loan Assistant in a Cover Letter?

1. Accomplishments for Commercial Loan Assistant Cover Letter

  • Familiarity with commercial loan documents, SBA loan documents, and insurance documents
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to maintain the strictest level of confidentiality
  • Strong Work Ethic with highly organized and detail-oriented
  • Focus on timely follow-up, and regular reliable attendance and punctuality
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritize initiatives and duties., and work independently
  • Ability to meet deadlines and follow directions in a timely, accurate and confidential manner.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel


Qualifications: BA in Finance with 3 years of Experience

2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Commercial Loan Assistant Cover Letter

  • Banking working experience
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and professional manner
  • Computer skills, especially the ability to work in Windows-based systems
  • Knowledge and understanding of residential developer, commercial and real estate loan administration
  • Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel
  • Knowledge of Jack Henry Silverlake, Laser Pro and Encino platforms
  • Ability to apply logical or critical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions
  • Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions and deal with multiple variables
  • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with others in a clear, thorough, and timely manner
  • Be able to organize, monitor and respond to a high volume of emails daily, both internal and external


Qualifications: BA in Accounting with 4 years of Experience

3. Education and Qualifications for Commercial Loan Assistant Cover Letter

  • Commercial documentation work experience
  • Demonstrate a high level of organization, ability to prioritize and multi-task with attention to detail and accuracy, manage multiple projects, demonstrate self-motivation and ability to follow through with tasks
  • Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others
  • The ability to work to develop and maintain cooperative and positive working relationships
  • The ability to represent the bank positively and maintain credibility with others
  • Ability to produce work within a directed timeframe without compromising integrity or quality of work
  • Able to apply relevant loan policy knowledge to assist lenders and/or customers in ensuring correct documentation is ready for the closing process.
  • Be able to arrive at work on time, work on-site and have regular work attendance
  • Be able to work cooperatively with other co-workers regardless of personality, presence or communication style
  • Be able to provide cordial customer service regardless of customer personality, presence or communication style


Qualifications: BA in Economics with 5 years of Experience

4. Education and Experience for Commercial Loan Assistant Cover Letter

  • Experience providing administrative support in a financial institution setting.
  • Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Working knowledge of commercial lending documentation and regulations
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision, and meet frequent high-priority deadlines 
  • A strong degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Experience with LaserPro (or comparable commercial loan document software), and Synergy 
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills and providing best-in-class customer service are top requirements.
  • Be able to operate telephone, copier, typewriter, adding machine, credit bureau machine, calculator and FAX machines
  • Be able to move from department to department or bank to bank to attend meetings
  • Be able to operate a personal computer keyboard to create reports, schedules and other appropriate documentation


Qualifications: BA in Real Estate with 6 years of Experience

5. Requirements and Experience for Commercial Loan Assistant Cover Letter

  • Banking working experience or training.
  • Knowledge and experience of Commercial/Ag lending and banking regulations, department operations, policies and procedures
  • Proficient computer skills, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Effective time management skills with the ability to independently prioritize tasks.
  • Knowledge of required entity documentation for various business entities (Corporations, LLCs, Partnerships, etc.).
  • Be able to perform several tasks at once, and work in a stressful atmosphere
  • Be able to rotate job tasks, and occasionally work overtime
  • Be able to coordinate multiple and changing priorities
  • Be able to verbally communicate with all other associates


Qualifications: BA in Business Administration with 2 years of Experience