Senior Commercial Loan Closing Specialist (Paralegal)

Overview

The role supports the end-to-end commercial loan closing process by overseeing loan file assembly, documentation, funding, and portfolio management, ensuring accurate and legally compliant documentation, and coordinating all activities from loan approval through booking. Act as a subject matter expert and key point of contact, collaborating with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and legal counsel to facilitate a smooth and efficient closing experience. Responsible for complex assignments and maintaining acceptable risk levels while ensuring first-in-class experience for Business Members. Regularly acts on behalf of leadership in their absence and is the primary point of contact during this time.

Responsibilities

Team Support & Leadership

• Assist leadership in daily operations to meet production goals, SLAs, and corporate objectives
• Regularly acts on leadership's behalf to handle daily loan assignments, approve invoices from third-party vendors (for various reports such as appraisals and inspections), requiring a complete understanding of all loan approval processes
• Mentor and guide team members on loan review, documentation, and system usage; supporting onboarding and training of new staff
• Gather and participate in audits, operational risk reviews, and performance reporting, taking feedback and recommendations provided into consideration when making adjustments

Loan Processing & Documentation

• Manage pre-close, closing, funding, and booking for various commercial loan types (e.g., CRE, BLOC, SBA, forbearances).
• Manage the most complex SBA 7(a) and 504 loans with highly complex borrower profiles
• Manage the legal and regulatory requirements of SBA 504 and other loans due to the participation of multiple entities
• Review and analyze commercial title insurance policies in order to prevent risks and ensure thorough understanding and compliance. Only the most complex and difficult questions would need to be referred to outside attorneys
• Draft, review, and validate complex commercial loan documents for accuracy and compliance with federal/state regulations, internal policies, and investor guidelines
• Perform due diligence on borrower and collateral documentation (e.g., UCC filings, insurance)
• Coordinate with internal teams and external counsel on a regular basis depending on the quantity of loans in process and ensure timely document execution
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in systems including document imaging; Ensure adherence to documentation SLAs, policies and regulatory requirements

Compliance & Quality Control

• Conduct quality control reviews and identify compliance issues. Review error reports on a monthly basis, and identify team trends
• Support post-closing audits and document imaging
• Perfect collateral liens and ensure proper recording to ensure and protect Navy Federal's security interest

Systems & Reporting

• Serve as a subject matter expert for commercial loan closing including policies, procedures and systems; (participate in policy reviews, process improvement projects and system upgrades and implementations
• Assist in the preparation of reports and presentations on productivity, loan status, and operational performance
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize operational efficiency and resolve issues
• Assist in developing training materials and procedures

Qualifications

• Significant experience with commercial loan documentation, including promissory notes, security agreements, loan agreements, guaranties, and related instruments
• Advanced knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations (e.g., Regulations B, C, Z, HMDA, UCC, SBA).
• Advanced knowledge of collateral perfection and lien priority rules
• Strong understanding of commercial loan structures, banking industry trends, and financial products and services
• Experience in customer/member service, preferably in a call center, retail banking, or financial institution setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently and in a team environment to meet deadlines and goals
• Advanced skills in document review, data analysis, and problem-solving related to loan processing and compliance
• Advanced skill exercising initiative and using good judgment to make sound decisions
• Advanced skill comprehending, analyzing, interpreting, communicating, and applying government financial industry regulations
• Advanced skill performing mathematical calculations and working accurately with numbers
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to interact diplomatically with staff, vendors, and members
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn and navigate various internal systems and vendor platforms
• Ability to research, interpret, and apply complex regulations and internal policies

Desired Qualification(s)

• Experience with mortgage/equity loan processing and Navy Federal's systems, documentation processes, and business membership products
• Familiarity with Navy Federal's business lending systems and workflows
• Working knowledge of Navy Federal's financial and credit transaction documentation processes
• Working knowledge of Navy Federal's functions, philosophy, operations, and organizational objectives
• Proficiency in loan origination and documentation systems (e.g., nCino, Expere); familiarity with Compliance One, UAD, MSP, ALS is a plus
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies, Business, or related field; Paralegal certification preferred
• 3+ years of experience in commercial lending, legal documentation, or financial services, preferably in a high-volume, fast-paced environment within a large financial institution
• Experience with SBA 7(a) and 504 loan documentation

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30AM - 5:00PM

Location: 5510 Heritage Oaks Drive, Pensacola, FL 32526

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