Loan Evaluation Officer in Wisconsin Career Overview

As a Loan Evaluation Officer, your primary responsibility revolves around assessing and evaluating loan applications to determine the creditworthiness of potential borrowers. Your role is vital in the finance and banking sectors, helping to ensure that lending practices are responsible, compliant, and aligned with organizational risk management strategies.

In your daily work, you will:

  • Review loan applications and accompanying financial documents to assess applicants' financial status and repayment capability.
  • Analyze credit history, income statements, and other relevant information to make informed decisions on loan approvals or denials.
  • Collaborate with other financial professionals, such as underwriters and loan processors, to ensure a smooth loan evaluation process.
  • Stay informed about industry regulations, trends, and lending standards to ensure adherence and mitigate risks.
  • Provide detailed reports and recommendations regarding loan applications, which will be used to guide the final decision-making process.

Your expertise contributes significantly to minimizing the risk of defaults and enhancing the overall health of the lending institution. By ensuring that loans are extended to qualified applicants, you play an integral role in maintaining the financial stability of your organization and supporting the broader economic environment. In Wisconsin's evolving financial landscape, your analytical skills and judgment are essential in fostering trust and reliability in loan transactions.

Loan Evaluation Officer Salary in Wisconsin

Annual Median: $65,460
Hourly Median: $31.47

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Loan Evaluation Officer in Wisconsin

To become a Loan Evaluation Officer in Wisconsin, you will need to obtain specific educational qualifications and training. The following college degree programs are beneficial for this career path:

  • Accounting: A degree in accounting provides essential knowledge of financial principles, tax regulations, and financial reporting, which are vital for assessing loan applications and evaluating the financial health of borrowers.

  • Business Administration and Management: This degree offers a broad understanding of business operations, management practices, and organizational behavior, equipping you to analyze loans' impact on a company's overall financial strategy.

  • Finance: A degree in finance emphasizes financial analysis, investment strategies, and risk management, allowing you to evaluate loan portfolios and understand market trends relevant to lending.

  • General: A general degree in business or finance can offer you a solid foundation in multiple business disciplines, which applies to the various aspects of loan evaluation processes.

  • Auditing: This program focuses on the principles of auditing, compliance, and internal controls, providing you with the skills to conduct thorough reviews of financial statements and assess borrower reliability.

  • Business Statistics: Knowledge in business statistics is crucial for analyzing data related to loan performance, default rates, and consumer trends, aiding in making informed lending decisions.

Completing one of these degree programs is typically required to pursue a career as a Loan Evaluation Officer. Further, obtaining relevant certifications or training specific to loan analysis and financial assessment may enhance your qualifications and open up additional career opportunities in the field.

Best Schools to become a Loan Evaluation Officer in Wisconsin 2024

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$9,552
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:18%
Total Enrollment:88,891

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

In-State Tuition:$7,404
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,404
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:156,935

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

In-State Tuition:$12,036
Out-of-State Tuition:$12,036
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:20%
Total Enrollment:24,808

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$16,407
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,407
Admission Rate:78%
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:101,816

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

In-State Tuition:$15,467
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,467
Admission Rate:99%
Graduation Rate:66%
Total Enrollment:96,709
Loan Evaluation Officer Job Description:
  • Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money.
  • Prepare reports with credit information for use in decisionmaking.

Loan Evaluation Officer Required Skills and Competencies in Wisconsin

  • Analytical Skills: You must possess strong analytical abilities to assess financial documents and determine the creditworthiness of individuals or businesses.

  • Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail is essential as you will be examining complex financial data and identifying discrepancies that could impact loan decisions.

  • Financial Acumen: Understanding financial concepts, credit scoring, and risk assessment is critical for making informed evaluations about loan applications.

  • Communication Skills: You should be able to articulate your findings clearly, both in writing and verbally, to clients and stakeholders, ensuring that complex information is easily understood.

  • Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport with clients and colleagues is important, as you will often need to navigate sensitive discussions about financial situations.

  • Problem-solving Skills: The ability to think critically and devise solutions to potential issues that arise during the loan evaluation process is vital to your role.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with financial software and databases aids in efficiently analyzing data and generating reports.

  • Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding federal and state regulations pertaining to lending and loan evaluation is necessary for compliance and risk management.

  • Time Management: You will often handle multiple loan applications simultaneously, so prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines is key to maintaining efficiency.

  • Ethical Judgement: You should possess a strong sense of ethics and integrity, ensuring that all evaluations are conducted fairly and transparently, in line with industry standards.

Job Duties for Loan Evaluation Officers

  • Analyze credit data and financial statements to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money.

  • Complete loan applications, including credit analyses and summaries of loan requests, and submit to loan committees for approval.

  • Generate financial ratios, using computer programs, to evaluate customers' financial status.

Technologies and Skills Used by Loan Evaluation Officers

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • SAP software

Financial analysis software

  • CGI-AMS Strata
  • Moody's KMV Risk Advisor

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Figuring out how to use new ideas or things
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Loan Evaluation Officer in Wisconsin

The current job market for Loan Evaluation Officers in Wisconsin reflects a stable demand driven by the evolving financial landscape. Here are key points to consider:

  • Demand: The growth in consumer and business lending has led to an increased need for Loan Evaluation Officers who can assess applications, evaluate risk, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

  • Growth Potential: The role is poised for growth due to several factors, including:

    • The rise of digital lending platforms necessitating skilled evaluation professionals.
    • Increased emphasis on risk management within lending institutions.
    • Expansion of community banks and credit unions in both rural and urban areas that require dedicated personnel to handle loan evaluations.
  • Geographical Hotspots: In Wisconsin, certain regions exhibit a higher concentration of opportunities:

    • Milwaukee: As the largest city in the state, Milwaukee boasts a robust financial services sector, with many banks and credit unions requiring loan evaluation expertise.
    • Madison: The capital city has seen a rise in startup financial tech companies, opening new positions for Loan Evaluation Officers to assess innovative lending products.
    • Green Bay: A growing hub for small to mid-sized banks, Green Bay's financial institutions often seek skilled evaluators to handle a diverse range of loan applications.
    • Racine and Kenosha: These cities are experiencing a resurgence in local banking, with new branches and lending institutions increasing their workforce.
  • Networking and Professional Associations: Engaging with professional organizations such as the Wisconsin Bankers Association can provide networking opportunities and insights into emerging trends within the loan evaluation field.

Being attentive to these factors can enhance your prospects as you navigate the job market for Loan Evaluation Officers in Wisconsin.

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Loan Evaluation Officer in Wisconsin

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

  • National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU)

    • This organization offers resources related to the regulatory environment, training, and best practices for credit unions, which may employ Loan Evaluation Officers.
    • NAFCU Resource Center
  • Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)

    • The MBA provides education, resources, and networking opportunities specifically tailored for professionals in the mortgage banking industry.
    • Mortgage Bankers Association
  • Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)

    • The DFI oversees various financial institutions in Wisconsin. Their website provides information on state regulations and consumer resources that may impact your career as a Loan Evaluation Officer.
    • Wisconsin DFI
  • American Bankers Association (ABA)

    • The ABA offers education, advocacy, and resources specifically for professionals in the banking industry, including best practices for loan evaluation.
    • American Bankers Association
  • LinkedIn Learning

    • This platform offers courses on financial analysis, credit risk assessment, and other relevant skills for aspiring Loan Evaluation Officers. A subscription grants access to a wide array of professional development resources.
    • LinkedIn Learning
  • National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS)

    • The NMLS is essential for understanding licensing requirements and regulations for loan originators. It provides access to educational resources and requirements specific to various states, including Wisconsin.
    • NMLS Resource Center
  • Wisconsin Mortgage Corporation

    • This organization provides access to localized mortgage lending resources and might have specific training programs, seminars, or networking opportunities for professionals.
    • Wisconsin Mortgage Corporation
  • Books and Publications

    • Consider reading texts such as "The Complete Guide to Real Estate Finance for Investment Properties" by Steve Berges and "Commercial Real Estate Analysis and Investments" by David M. Geltner for in-depth knowledge on finance and evaluation, which is vital for your role.

Utilizing these resources can enhance your understanding and skills as a Loan Evaluation Officer, aligning you with industry standards and best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Loan Evaluation Officer in Wisconsin

  • What are the main responsibilities of a Loan Evaluation Officer?
    As a Loan Evaluation Officer, you primarily assess loan applications by analyzing financial documents, evaluating creditworthiness, and determining the risk associated with lending to applicants. You also ensure compliance with banking regulations and internal policies.

  • What qualifications are needed to become a Loan Evaluation Officer?
    Typically, a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field is required. Additionally, relevant work experience in banking or finance, along with strong analytical and decision-making skills, is essential.

  • Is certification required for this position?
    While certification is not strictly required, obtaining credentials such as the Certified Loan Officer (CLO) designation can enhance your qualifications and improve job prospects.

  • What skills are important for success in this role?
    Key skills include strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in financial software and tools. Understanding market trends and having knowledge of credit law is also beneficial.

  • What is the typical salary range for a Loan Evaluation Officer in Wisconsin?
    Salaries for Loan Evaluation Officers in Wisconsin usually range from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, the size of the institution, and the specific duties of the role.

  • Are there opportunities for advancement in this career?
    Yes, there are several pathways for advancement. You can progress to senior loan officer positions, managerial roles, or specialize in areas such as risk assessment or loan underwriting.

  • What is the job outlook for Loan Evaluation Officers in Wisconsin?
    The job outlook for Loan Evaluation Officers is generally positive, as the demand for financial services continues to grow. Advances in technology and online banking services may also create new roles and opportunities in this field.

  • Where are Loan Evaluation Officers typically employed?
    Loan Evaluation Officers are most commonly employed by banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and other financial institutions that offer loans and credit services.

  • What are the working hours for a Loan Evaluation Officer?
    Most Loan Evaluation Officers work full-time during regular business hours, but there may be opportunities for overtime during busy periods or when deadlines are approaching.

  • Do Loan Evaluation Officers work independently or as part of a team?
    You typically work as part of a lending team that may include underwriters, loan officers, and other financial professionals. Collaboration is important to ensure the thorough evaluation of loan applications.