Job Description

First American Bank was founded in Chicago, and over the years has expanded throughout Wisconsin and Florida. As the largest privately held bank in Illinois, we now have over 60 locations and assets of $5 billion. We are a community bank at heart with international expertise, traditional values, and a forward-looking philosophy. Our employees have the experience and vision to meet the needs of savers, borrowers, and businesses in the 21st century. First American Bank can offer employees a level of visibility, career growth, and stability that is difficult to find in many larger corporations.

This position is responsible for supporting process improvements for departments within First American Bank to optimize efficiencies, increase productivity, and reduce risks and costs. This individual will act as the subject matter expert for improving department processes and independently implement changes.

Duties & Responsibilities

Develop, implement, analyze, and update processes and procedures for a variety of First American Bank departments in accordance with regulations. 

Ensure compliance by developing and delivering training sessions and materials to efficiently and comprehensively educate both new and existing employees to mitigate risk for the bank, maximize departmental efficiency, and reduce costs.

Analyze, implement, update improvements of existing processes and procedures to maximize departmental efficiencies, including building and reviewing process diagrams and requesting system program changes.

Acquire and maintain industry awareness within departments, knowledge of regulatory expectations, and legal expertise to interpret rules and guidelines. Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for changes to regulations, identifying the impact of the regulations on the bank and implement procedures to adhere to changes.

Lead various operational functions with minimal oversight. Develop and adapt operational functions to support projects unique to the departments’ needs.

Prepare careful data review and testing, which involve data query and report generation prior to enhancement implementations.

Identify opportunities for operational efficiency and recommend improvements to streamline processes for a variety of departments.

Serve as the representative for the implementation of new processes and procedures that are relevant to the division.

Coordinate with the department manager, outside vendors, other First American Bank departments, and others within the department to ensure that all activities and projects are completed efficiently.

Conduct and complete additional assignments/projects as designated by management.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Minimum three years of experience in process improvement and project coordination/management.

Experience in road mapping, building and reviewing process diagrams, and creating procedures required.

Strong organizational skills and a desire to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment are essential to succeed.

Demonstrate initiative, be resourceful and insightful, ability to work independently within a deadline, and ultimately be accountable for each project.

Must be professional, comfortable speaking with external and internal contacts with a demonstrated ability to tailor the message appropriately to the audience and situation effectively.

Demonstrated ability to convey thoughts and ideas effectively and succinctly via written formats, including emails, letters, and electronic platforms. Maintain professional standards relating to spelling and grammar.

Maintain credibility through professional demeanor, appearance, and presence by modeling standards appropriate to our environment and industry.

Maintain good working relationships with internal partners by exhibiting exemplary interpersonal skills, adopting a constructive, solutions-focused approach.

Use sound professional judgment to balance the interests of the organization and customer, understanding and using available resources to mitigate risks.

Must possess a high proficiency of reporting software, word processing and spreadsheet programs, and be quick to learn new programs as introduced.

Proficiency with Microsoft 365 products and applications, including the ability to effectively prepare or review documents, procedures, and reports.

Demonstrated ability to learn new systems and applications, as well as the ability to understand, adapt and adjust responsibilities/workflows as a result of system upgrades.

Aptitude for database management and query analysis is required. Prior design experience with MS Access and Power BI is preferred or candidate must be willing to be trained and become proficient.

Prior experience with Relius, PensionPro, FIS and Retirement Plan Services is preferred.

Occasional travel to other First American Bank locations, Bank functions and training facilities may be required.

Typical hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required depending upon business need.