We are seeking a highly analytical and collaborative Associate to join our US Commercial banking team in a hybrid role that combines credit underwriting with strategic portfolio monitoring and regulatory support. This position plays a key role in evaluating credit opportunities, supporting portfolio health, and contributing to strategic initiatives that drive business performance and ensure regulatory compliance in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. **Key Responsibilities:** **Credit Underwriting:** + Analyze financial statements, cash flow, collateral, and industry trends to assess creditworthiness and loan repayment capacity of commercial clients + Identifies trends in client activities which may be predictive of deteriorating credit quality. + Prepare detailed credit approval packages, including risk assessments, covenant structures, and loan recommendations according to sound credit-granting principles. + Collaborate with Relationship Managers and Credit Officers to structure credit solutions aligned with client needs and risk appetite. + Monitor existing credit relationships for performance, covenant compliance, and early warning indicators. + Minimizes BMO’s risk exposure by adhering to internal credit policies and procedures with respect to lending decisions. + Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders. + Focus is primarily on business/group within BMO; may have broader, enterprise-wide focus. + Exercises judgment to identify, diagnose, and solve problems within given rules. + Works independently on a range of complex tasks, which may include unique situations. **Strategic & Portfolio Monitoring:** + Support portfolio management efforts by tracking key performance indicators, identifying emerging risks, and analyzing portfolio trends. + Assist in the development of strategic insights and reporting that inform business planning and risk mitigation strategies. + Contribute to the design and enhancement of portfolio monitoring tools, reporting, and dashboards to support proactive risk management. **Regulatory & Compliance Support:** + Assist in preparing documentation and data for regulatory reviews, audits, and internal risk assessments. + Ensure compliance with internal credit policies and external regulatory requirements. + Partner with Risk, Compliance, and Legal teams to support regulatory initiatives and maintain data integrity. **Process Improvement & Collaboration:** + Identify opportunities to streamline underwriting, reporting, and monitoring processes through technology enhancements, automation and best practices. + Collaborate across teams to enhance data quality, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency. + Participate in cross-functional projects that support business growth and risk management objectives. Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed. **Success factors:** + Comfortable in a fast-paced and ambiguous environment, and is a quick learner + Ability to work independently with limited supervision + Strong relationship-building and cross-functional collaboration skills + Excellent critical thinking/analytical/problem solving and organizational skills; ability to analyze issues/requests and determine next steps + Excellent written and oral communication skills + Thorough understanding of data and how it's used to inform business decisions; data-driven decision-making + Experience working with credit data, and associated business acumen + Proficient in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) **Qualifications:** + **Commercial lending underwriting experience is required** + Typically, 4-6 years of experience in commercial credit underwriting, portfolio management, or financial analysis and post-secondary degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field. + Strong understanding of credit risk principles, financial modeling, and regulatory frameworks. + Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, financial analysis tools, and reporting platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus. + Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication, and organizational skills. + Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. + Technical proficiency gained through education and/or business experience. + Collaboration & team skills - In-depth. + Problem solving skills - In-depth. + Influence skills - In-depth. + Data driven decision making - In-depth. **Salary:** $69,000.00 - $127,800.00 **Pay Type:** Salaried The above represents BMO Financial Group’s pay range and type. Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role, and may include a commission structure. Salaries for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on number of hours regularly worked. For commission roles, the salary listed above represents BMO Financial Group’s expected target for the first year in this position. BMO Financial Group’s total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans. To view more details of our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.bmo.com/global/en/Total-Rewards **About Us** At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose: Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world. As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one – for yourself and our customers. We’ll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we’ll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset. To find out more visit us at https://jobs.bmo.com/us/en BMO is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other legally protected characteristics. We also consider applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. BMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to BMOCareers.Support@bmo.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes.