Senior Credit Analyst

Position Summary

Nola Bank is seeking an experienced Senior Credit Analyst to serve as the analytical backbone of our commercial lending function. Reporting directly to the Chief Credit Officer, the Senior Credit Analyst is responsible for evaluating the creditworthiness of borrowers, underwriting complex commercial credits, and preparing high-quality credit memoranda that supports sound, well-documented lending decisions.

This is a high-visibility role within a growing institution. The Senior Credit Analyst will handle the bank's most complex credits across Commercial & Industrial (C&I) and Commercial Real Estate (CRE), including owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied/investment properties, while helping establish credit standards, templates, and best practices that will scale with the bank. The ideal candidate combines strong quantitative rigor with sound business judgment and is comfortable operating in the entrepreneurial, hands-on environment of a startup bank.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Spread and analyze financial statements, tax returns, personal financial statements, rent rolls, leases, appraisals, projections, and credit reports to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit.
• Underwrite and structure C&I and CRE credits, including non-owner-occupied/investment real estate, evaluating the merits of each request and identifying appropriate loan structures.
• Prepare clear, concise, and well-organized Credit Approval/Origination Memoranda that articulate borrower strengths, risks, mitigating factors, and a supported recommendation of approval or denial in accordance with bank policy.
• Assign and recommend appropriate risk ratings; identify policy exceptions and deviations and ensure they are properly documented.
• Collaborate with Relationship Managers and lenders to gather all necessary information and present an accurate, complete assessment of each loan request; on occasion, interact directly with clients alongside the Relationship Manager on larger credits.
• Present credit recommendations to the Senior Loan Committee and/or Chief Credit Officer as required.
• Complete annual loan reviews and ongoing relationship reviews to monitor credit quality, covenant compliance, and portfolio performance.
• Help develop, refine, and maintain the bank's credit analysis templates, underwriting standards, policies, and procedures as the institution grows.
• Prepare portfolio reports, lending metrics, and Board/committee reporting as requested by the Chief Credit Officer.
• Mentor and review the work of junior analysts, providing guidance on analysis quality, consistency, and accuracy.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of the bank's lending policies and applicable banking regulations; support the bank's relationship-banking culture through quality service and responsiveness.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Credit department and the bank's overall objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field — or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5+ years of commercial credit underwriting/analysis experience, including C&I and CRE credits.
• Demonstrated ability to spread and interpret financial statements, tax returns, and projections, and to perform global cash flow and collateral analysis.
• Proven ability to prepare high-quality, detailed credit approval documents that clearly identify and assess credit issues and risks.
• Strong working knowledge of commercial credit underwriting principles, risk rating methodologies, and loan policy application.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, with the ability to build and maintain detailed financial spreadsheets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex credit analysis clearly and concisely.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• High level of knowledge of non-owner-occupied/investment CRE underwriting and structure.
• Knowledge of the New Orleans / Gulf South commercial market and local industries.
• Experience in a community bank or de novo bank environment.
• Familiarity with CECL/ALLL methodology and regulatory expectations (FDIC / Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions).
• Relevant industry training or designations (e.g., Risk Management Association (RMA) coursework, ABA, or state banking association programs).

Key Competencies

• Sound credit judgment balanced with disciplined adherence to policy
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a small, collaborative team
• Comfort with the entrepreneurial, build-it-as-we-go nature of a de novo institution
• Integrity and discretion in handling confidential financial information

What Nola Bank Offers

• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package
• A collaborative, relationship-driven, locally focused work environment
• Meaningful career growth opportunities as the bank scales
• The opportunity to help build the credit culture and portfolio of a community bank
• Direct access to and mentorship from the Chief Credit Officer and senior leadership

Nola Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin,