Credit Associate

This job reports up through Banking Group Portfolio Management (BGPM). BGPM is responsible for underwriting new loan opportunities and managing a portfolio of loans in the following industry and business segments: Energy, Leveraged Finance, Healthcare, Asset Based Lending, Diversified, Middle Market (including Agribusiness), Business Banking, Private Banking, Small Business and SBA. This particular position will be primarily focused on underwriting SBA guaranteed loans.

The Credit Associate is an individual contributor experienced in, and responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting various types of credit information on existing and prospective customers to determine credit worthiness. While under supervision of Underwriting Team Leaders, the Credit Associate assists in structuring new requests for extensions of credit, as well as completing extensions, renewals and making recommendations for deteriorating credits while independently managing their workflow and communication with field partners. Credit Associates are responsible for assessing the degree of risk within a given business and recommending client credit solutions to maintain the bank's asset quality while ensuring compliance with credit policy and guidelines. Credit Associates are required to make loan decisions within an assigned lending authority and provide educated, well-thought-out recommendations when higher-level approval is needed.

Essential Functions

Evaluate loan requests to properly identify purpose, risk elements, and collateral adequacy.

Assess the liquidity, quality of management, market position, industry and overall business climate to estimate future profitability of business.

Analyze credit data, financial statements (cash flow, balance sheet, income statements), and tax returns (both personal and business) to determine creditworthiness and the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending.

Apply accounting principles to financial modeling.

Input, interpret, and assess risk rating model output and client data to develop a credit recommendation.

Develop the credit write-up to make loan structuring decisions within delegated authority or make recommendations to the appropriate Credit partners/Officers; document and communicate findings providing relative guidance.

Identify deteriorating credits early and escalate with well thought out/experienced recommendations for restructure.

Initiate annual reviews.

Review loan documentation to ensure loan documents match terms and conditions outlined in the credit approval.

Create and maintain credit files, and develop spreadsheets based on financial statements to facilitate foundational underwriting analysis.

Responsible for client setup, client data tracking, document tracking, reports, testing borrowing base certificates and covenant compliance, trends, and dashboards.

Provide financial analysis and portfolio administration to ensure timely and accurate risk ratings.

Prepare loan packages and monitor and maintain loan portfolios.

Serve as a mentor, coach, and trainer for Credit Analysts.

Collaborate with bankers and credit partners to drive the efficiency and effectiveness of the credit process to meet client expectations.

Participate in periodic projects related to changes in risk management processes, policies or environment and/or underwriting process improvement/optimization.

Performs other duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities and/or activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice

Complies with all KeyBank policies and procedures, including without limitation, acting professionally at all times, conducting business ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest, and acting in the best interests of Key’s clients and Key.

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience in finance, accounting, economics and/or business (required)

Work Experience

Minimum 2 years of commercial/specialty client segment underwriting, credit, banking and/or financial services experience (required)

Competent with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and effectively utilize other technology applications (required)

Understanding of financial models (required)

Ability to gather relevant research, analyze data, and synthesize large amounts of information to accurately assess commercial creditworthiness and create a detailed and thorough underwriting package (required)

Demonstrated understanding of commercial credit underwriting/approval methodologies, credit policies and procedures (required)

Ability to plan, multi-task, manage time effectively, and work, often independently, with limited supervision of senior team members (required)

Skills

Effectively working with others to reach a shared goal. Consistently displaying a willingness to shoulder a fair share of the workload in addition to helping others meet their objectives. (experienced level)

Core Competencies

All KeyBank employees are expected to demonstrate Key’s Values and abide by Key’s Code of Conduct.

Physical Demands

General Office - Prolonged sitting, ability to communicate face to face in person or on the phone with teammates and clients, frequent use of PC/laptop, occasional lifting/pushing/pulling of backpacks, computer bags up to 10 lbs.

Travel

Work Location Category

Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.

Job Posting Expiration Date: 07/17/2026

KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.