Career Opportunities

This position is with our holding company, Backlund Investment Company, which owns Better Banks and State Street Bank. However, this position is located in the Better Banks Peoria branch.

Job Description

The Associate Project Manager is responsible for supporting the Project Manager in the planning, executing, and monitoring of projects that align with the bank’s strategic goals and objectives. The Associate Project Manager will ensure project success by assisting in research, financial evaluations, process improvements, and effective stakeholder communication.

Salary Range: $56,073 – $84,109

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists the Project Manager with the planning and implementation of projects approved by executive management
• Meets with project teams to define requirements, goals, and deliverables for projects
• Develops business cases for solutions to ensure alignment with budget and business strategy
• Assists in coordinating internal resources and teams to improve processes and operational efficiency
• Assists in managing scope, timelines, and changes to ensure project goals are achieved
• Works with vendors and stakeholders as needed to request resources and address any situations/concerns
• Leads, manages and develops project plans and timelines for smaller projects and process improvement initiatives and collaborates with bank & holding company departments to ensure project success
• Tracks and communicates progress and task completion with project team members and stakeholders
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education & Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of banking experience, a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and a minimum of 1 year of project management experience are preferred. Applicable relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the degree.

Mental & Physical Requirements

Ability to sit/stand/kneel/bend for extended periods of time, lift up to 50 lbs; Developed leadership qualities, ability to work under high pressure while remaining composed, strong communication skills, critical thinking for problem-solving, organization, time management, and financial analysis.

Competencies

Ability to manage multiple tasks while paying attention to detail, prioritize effectively, have the technical knowledge to make informed decisions, adaptability, a forward-thinking mindset, creativity to provide innovative solutions, change management, team-building skills, the ability to be a self-starter and work independently, and proficiency in Microsoft Office products.

Job Description

The Universal Banker is responsible for establishing, retaining, and deepening customer relationships by opening and closing accounts and performing teller transactions to support the bank's goals and objectives. The Universal Banker identifies customer needs for bank products and services and reports directly to the Retail Bank Manager.

Salary Range: $35,360- $50,960

Duties & Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the new accounts system database by opening, maintaining, and closing customer accounts in accordance with operating controls, including legal, corporate, and regulatory procedures to ensure the safety of customer assets.
• Provides high-level customer service in person and via telephone to assist customers with account inquiries and/or concerns
• Builds trust with current and potential customers to understand their product/service needs and provides solutions that will benefit the customer
• Educates customers on Identity fraud
• Performs teller responsibilities according to the Teller job description
• Actively reinforces and contributes towards the Bank’s ALWAYS value system
• Promotes a team environment
• Performs other duties as assigned by management

Education and Work Experience

This position is with our holding company, Backlund Investment Company, which owns Better Banks and State Street Bank. However, this position is located in Chillicothe in the Better Banks branch.

Job Description

The Operations Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of ACH origination, operational aspects of the core processing software (Jack Henry), and supporting the banks and associated financial applications. The Cashier directly supervises this position. 

Salary Range: $37,440 - $48,442

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform various operational functions, including processing ACH files, incoming/outgoing cash letters, NSF checks and ACH returns, ACH payroll, ACH loan payments, ICS/Promontory files, and wire and mobile deposits.
• Performs daily balance & repair for Better Banks & State Street Bank for End of Day. This involves verifying that all transactions have been received and calling locations for corrections.
• Work closely with bank staff and customers to manage and respond to ACH questions and issues.
• Create and maintain electronic forms using Jot Forms.
• Performs as subject matter expert for Jack Henry (JH) system, updating core data as needed.
• Provides financial and transaction reporting for internal systems, reporting agencies, and management as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Work Experience

At least 3 years of banking experience and 1 year of ACH, Bank operations, and core administration experience EG: Bookkeeping, cashier, operations, etc.

Mental & Physical Requirements

Ability to sit/stand/kneel/bend for extended periods. Developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work under high pressure while maintaining composure. Strong oral and written communication skills, high accuracy, and attention to detail are critical. Organization, prioritization, and time management skills are needed, as is an ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Competencies

Bank core processing software experience (preferably Jack Henry), proficiency in MS Office, problem-solving/reasoning/analysis, and familiarity with banking/bookkeeping, ACH, and merchant posting files are required.

• Provides high-level customer service in person and via telephone to perform routine customer transactional and operational cash responsibilities, i.e. deposits, withdrawals, check cashing, safe deposit box entry, etc. as well as balancing Teller drawer, bank vault, ATM, with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Fosters relationships with potential and current customers to educate and connect them to bank products, services, and technology solutions
• Actively reinforces and contributes towards the Bank’s ALWAYS value system
• Promotes a team environment
• Complies with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations while minimizing risks and protecting confidential customer and bank information
• Performs other duties as assigned by management
  

Education & Work Experience

Competencies

Job Description

The Collection Specialist is primarily responsible for general loan collection at the bank, with a particular focus on the dealer loan program. This position is responsible for developing relationships with customers, negotiating payment plans to collect outstanding debts in a timely manner, and coordinating legal action, such as the disposition of assets, when necessary.

Salary Range: $18.00 - $24.75/hour

Duties & Responsibilities

• Reviews the loan delinquency list weekly and coordinates customer contact and ongoing collection strategy collaboration with lending staff.
• Advises customers of payment options available and suggests satisfactory methods of payment.
• Negotiates suitable payment plans and maintains detailed records of all customer interactions.
• Develops and maintains a working knowledge of collection laws and regulations and follows the Bank’s standard operating procedures on required documentation. Communicates with lawyers, dealerships, and insurance companies to institute legal action when customers fail to pay debt promptly.
• Manages customer information related to delinquent customers in the lending software programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Education & Work Experience

Job Description

The lender is directly responsible for developing and managing mortgage, consumer, commercial, and ag loan accounts that meet established lending objectives and requirements, driving marketing efforts to build positive relationships and loan portfolios, and promoting the bank's profitability and productivity.

Salary Range: $55,653 - $83,479

Duties & Responsibilities

• Interview customers seeking loans, collect and analyze financial and related data to determine if applicants meet established minimum criteria for creditworthiness, reject or approve loans and terms within limits and established bank policies
  
• Monitors loan repayment activities and performs field work as necessary to locate and collect delinquent loan payments or secure collateral; takes necessary actions to collect from past-due accounts
  
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with existing and prospective customers
  
• Cross-sells bank products and services
  
• Maintains knowledge and understanding of lending functions, rules, regulations, laws, and policies & procedures
  
• Actively participates in community events and represents the Bank with a high level of integrity and professionalism
  
• Handles customer inquiries and/or concerns
  
• Adheres to bank policies and supports management decisions and goals in a positive, professional manner
• Performs other duties as assigned by senior management

Education & Work Experience

A bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or finance is required, AND/OR a minimum of 5 years experience performing in a lending capacity such as managing mortgage, consumer, commercial, or ag loans.

Mental & Physical Requirements

Ability to sit/stand/kneel/bend/for extended periods, lift up to 20 lbs on occasion, developed interpersonal abilities, ability to work under high pressure while remaining composed, self-driven and motivated, ability to communicate with clients, co-workers, and outside agencies in writing, person, and over the telephone.

Competencies

Strong credit analysis and underwriting skills, advanced lending principles and methods, business objectives of a lending department, proficiency in Microsoft Office products, proficiency in Bank core processing systems, attention to detail, organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.

This position is with our holding company, Backlund Investment Company, which owns Better Banks and State Street Bank. This position is located in our Group office in Peoria Heights.

Job Description

The Human Resources Assistant is responsible for assisting in the administration and coordination of the day-to-day human resources functions, including payroll, recruitment and employment, personnel records, and benefits. This position reports directly to the Director of HR.

Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000

Duties & Responsibilities

• Processes employee payroll within the Backlund Investment Co. system
• Provides support to employee questions and inquiries related to HR, payroll, and time & attendance
• Prepares & posts job announcements, screens applicants, schedules & participates in the interview, testing, and selection processes
• Prepares documents for new hires, administers and monitors new hire onboarding process, & conducts orientations
• Assists in establishing and maintaining employee records in support of HR functions through the HRMS and Aurora database
• Provides administrative support with the coordination, implementation, and management of employee benefits
• Manages and maintains sensitive and confidential information
• Stays abreast of HR trends and legislation, and demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness to changes in employment trends
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education & Work Experience

A degree in Human Resources or a related field is preferred. A minimum of two years' experience in human resources and working with an HR and Payroll Management System (HRMS) is also required. Payroll certification is strongly desirable.

Mental & Physical Requirements

Ability to sit for extended periods viewing a computer screen, stand/kneel/bent on occasion, work under high-pressure situations while remaining composed, detail focus, organization, prioritization, and time management skills are critical, and the ability to lift up to 20 lbs. on occasion.

Competencies

Knowledge of working with an HRMS, knowledge of commonly used basic HR concepts, practices, and procedures, demonstration of understanding relationship management & communications, knowledge of working on payroll processing systems, strong verbal & written communication skills, forward-thinking ability, presentation skills, and adept at problem solving/analysis.