Funding Specialist

Job Summary:

The Funding Specialist is responsible for reviewing, validating, and funding retail installment contracts originated through First US Bank's network of approved dealer partners. Ensures each funding package meets specific underwriting conditions, documentation requirements, regulatory standards, and bank policies prior to loan disbursement. Acts as a liaison between dealers, underwriters, servicing personnel, and other internal departments to facilitate timely funding decisions, resolve documentation exceptions, and deliver exceptional dealer experience. Performs other duties as assigned.

Primary Responsibilities / Job Duties:

• Review and validate dealer-submitted funding packages to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with underwriting approvals and bank policies.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve documentation discrepancies, missing information, and funding exceptions; exhibit persistence and attention to detail when following up and completing assignments.
• Serve as primary contact for dealer funding requests and documentation inquiries; partner with dealers to obtain missing information, contract corrections, and required stipulations.
• Demonstrate strong ownership of assigned loan funding queue by actively monitoring outstanding items and ensuring timely resolution of funding conditions.
• Contact customers to verify information and review loan terms.
• Confirm all funding conditions have been satisfied prior to loan disbursement.
• Process loan funding transactions accurately and within established service-level expectations.
• Perform a high volume of data entry with a high degree accuracy; ensure funded loans are properly boarded into servicing systems and documentation is retained according to bank procedures.
• Disburse loan proceeds in accordance with approved funding instructions.
• Maintain accurate funding records, documentation, and audit trails.
• Monitor daily funding pipelines and prioritize transactions to meet operational deadlines.
• Support dealer satisfaction by delivering responsive service and minimizing funding delays.
• Respond to customer inquiries involving loan documentation, payment information, payoff requests, and other issues.
• Effectively manage inbound email communications through timely review, assignment, escalation, and follow-up; maintain accountability for preventing unanswered or unresolved items.
• Manage a high volume of inbound calls during peak periods; take ownership of dealer and customer interactions by promptly answering calls, assessing needs, providing accurate assistance, and ensuring timely resolution or appropriate escalation.
• Maintain positive working relationships with dealer partners to support business growth and service excellence while promoting efficient and accurate funding practices.
• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Participate in and complete all required compliance training, including BSA/AML, as well as other internal and external training programs.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and dealer experience.
• Cross-train in multiple department functions to provide backup coverage during absences and periods of increased volume.
• Assist in training new teammates as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years of financial services experience preferred.
• General understanding of consumer lending and collateralized loan servicing a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other business computer systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a face-paced environment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime and occasional Saturdays, to meet operational demands during month-end, peak seasonal funding cycles, and other high-volume business periods.

Working Environment / Physical Demands:

Work is performed in a professional office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. May require the ability to lift files, bend, reach, walk or maneuver around the bank. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Disclaimer:

This position description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job; it is intended to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential to the job.

Federal Contractor - Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disabled/Vets