Junior Associate or Associate

Top Tier Examination Services is a Lender Services firm which specializes in collateral field examination services in the Asset Based Lending industry. Top Tier is engaged by both commercial banks and a variety of private lenders to assess the collateral strength and creditworthiness of both prospective and existing borrowers.

This position will be for either a Junior Associate or Associate (based on prior experience) and will be based in Chicago, IL. Candidate will assist / be trained by other, more senior employees. The majority of the training will be handled by the director; however, training will also be handled by other senior level employees. The training process is very hands on, and you will be working hand-in-hand with senior-level employees to assist in the completion of field exams. Ideally, training will take place on site at client offices so that candidate receives exposure to the flow of Examinations and how Top Tier communicates with clients.

After sufficient training is completed, the Junior Associate will begin conducting solo examinations with continuous management oversight. The typical training period is nine to twelve months, but varies with each individual. The initial training process will focus on the base line skills needed to succeed in the field examination industry and not the completion of exams themselves.

For Associate hires, there is a subjective period of time, depending on the candidate, that will involve continued education related to the ABL industry. The Associate will be able to lead solo examinations and/or assist on large, complex deals once upper management gains a level of confidence regarding the Associates work quality and confidence engaging with C-suite executives / bankers.

This is a great entry-level opportunity for someone that is not only looking to contribute to a team, but to be a leader and help expand the Company. In the most recent year, expected travel has averaged ~30%, but can be up to ~60% over shorter time frames. Travel will be required for exams that mandate on-site visits or contract the firm for inventory test counts. Travel locations are not geographically bound but will normally occur within the Midwest region of the United States. Some foreign travel is possible.

When traveling to clients locally mileage is reimbursed at the IRS rate which changes yearly. When out of town stays are required travel expense are paid for by Top Tier. Per Diem for out of town assignments ranges from $60 - $74 per night.

Job Description:

•            Perform in-depth analysis on the borrower’s loan collateral, typically accounts receivable and inventory. Exams also include review of cash management, accounts payable, financial performance, payroll/taxes, and insurance coverage.

•            For prospective borrowers (survey exams), the field exam plays an integral role in developing the credit structure and assisting the lender in making informed credit decisions by building a “borrowing base.” The borrowing base is utilized as a tool by lenders to determine the prospect’s funding capacity.

•            For existing borrowers (recurring audits), the field exam analysis is crucial to monitor the borrower’s performance, borrowing base reporting, and any potential collateral weaknesses/deterioration.

•            Maintain thorough communication with both the client (lender) and borrower before, during, and after the engagement.

•            Prepare workpapers and reports for the client which highlight the exam findings and recommendations.

•            Conduct inventory counts at client warehouse to assist in validating on hand inventory balances.

Required Abilities and Skills:

•            Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal form

•            Outstanding interpersonal skills

•            Organization

•            Self-motivated

•            Sufficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word

•            General understanding of accounting principals

•            Ability to follow written and verbal directions to completion

•            Analytical and problem-solving ability

•            Willingness to travel overnight throughout the USA

•            Must have reliable means of transportation

Compensation and Benefits

•            Commensurate with experience (competitive salary & discretionary bonuses)

•            For employee only, standard insurance plan premium is covered 100% by Top Tier.

•            Top Tier offers 401K contributions