Commercial Banking Associate

About the Role

SouthState Bank is seeking Commercial Banking Associates for its January 2027 cohort. This program offers a structured start to a banking career, fostering group dynamics and consistency. After an initial 6-month onsite training period in Tampa, FL, associates will return to their local market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop expertise in underwriting, loan processing, portfolio management, and relationship management.
• Acquire new Business Banking clients and enhance existing relationships.
• Focus on commercial term loans, lines of credit, cash management, treasury services, owner-occupied and investment real estate loans, and SBA-guaranteed loans.
• Collaborate with commercial banking staff and sales partners to build knowledge and sales capabilities.
• Participate in cross-functional projects with various lines of business.
• Engage with business line leaders to understand strategic priorities.
• Support sales efforts by preparing client pitches and identifying cross-selling opportunities.

Essential Functions

Credit and Underwriting

• Learn and understand how financial spreads work and their practical application.
• Assist in evaluating credit applications by analyzing financial statements, credit reports, and other data to assess risk.
• Prepare preliminary underwriting documents and structure loan proposals.
• Assist in monitoring and managing assigned client portfolios, tracking loan performance, and identifying potential risks.
• Conduct periodic reviews of client accounts.

Relationship Management

• Facilitate the loan origination process by gathering and verifying client documentation.
• Streamline loan approvals and closings.
• Build and maintain relationships with Retail, Small Business Banking, Business Banking, Middle Market, and Commercial clients.
• Collaborate with sales partners to identify and pursue new business opportunities.
• Assist in preparing presentations and proposals to attract new clients.
• Develop sales acumen for business growth and client retention.

Project Collaboration

• Participate in cross-functional projects (e.g., product development, process improvements).
• Engage with business line leaders to contribute to team initiatives.

Learning and Development

• Complete all prescribed compliance courses.
• Actively participate in training sessions for financial analysis, credit risk assessment, and treasury services.
• Build product knowledge in various commercial loan types and services.
• Attend leadership training.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency.
• Familiarity with financial modeling or banking software is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree completed within the last 2 years or graduating by December 2026.
• Minimum GPA of 3.4.
• Previous internship experience, preferably in finance, banking, or a related field.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Training Requirements

• Required annual compliance training.
• New Employee Orientation.

This role requires onsite presence in an office environment 5 days a week, 40 hours per week.

Work Location: 808 Katy Fort Bend Rd. Katy, Texas 77494.