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 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 Mortgage Loan Processor is responsible for managing and supporting all aspects of mortgage lending and supporting the general loan processing team as needed. The primary responsibility of the Mortgage Loan Processor is to process mortgage loan applications for closings and service all existing mortgage loans in a team atmosphere.     

Salary Range: $18.00 - $24.36/hour

Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepares and delivers timely mortgage loan disclosures, as needed
• Works with outside providers to obtain appraisals and title commitments
• Works with lenders to ensure all necessary supporting documentation is received promptly
• Prepares loan documentation for mortgage loan closings
• Enters new loans on the core system and performs loan maintenance as needed
• Maintains loan files and necessary updates, including document imaging
• Performs duties related to the administration of the bank’s escrow program
• Performs duties related to the presentment, selling, funding & reporting of loans on the secondary market
• Manages tracking of homeowner’s insurance, including the placement of force-placed insurance policies, when necessary
• Provides weekly and monthly reports to management as requested
• Other duties as assigned 

Education & Work Experience

A high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 2 years of experience in banking are preferred.  

Mental & Physical Requirements

Ability to sit for extended periods, prioritize, analyze, and resolve problems, and possess strong time management skills. Ability to work within a team environment and be willing to assist team members as needed. 

Competencies

Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, proficiency with LaserPro, and MeridianLink Mortgage are preferred but not required. Strong oral and written communication skills are also required.  

Job Description

The Consumer Loan Processor is responsible for managing and supporting all aspects of consumer lending and supporting the general loan processing team, as needed. The Loan processor is also responsible for providing daily administrative support to the Lender, including ordering required documents necessary to process loans, preparing and booking all new consumer loans, including indirect dealer loans, and maintaining loan files.

Salary Range: $17.00 - $23.39/hour

Duties & Responsibilities

• Works with lenders to ensure all necessary supporting documentation is received promptly
• Prepares loan documentation for loan closings
• Enters new loans on the core system and performs loan maintenance as needed
• Maintains loan files and necessary updates, including document imaging
• Records bank lien on collateral documents
• Manages exception log and works to clear items.
• Manages monthly reconciling and payouts for dealer reserve accounts.
• Assists customers with questions regarding their loans, payments, etc.
• Provides weekly and monthly reports to management as requested
• Other duties as assigned

Education & Work Experience

A high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 2 years of experience in banking are preferred.

Mental & Physical Requirements

Ability to sit for extended periods, ability to prioritize, demonstrate ability to analyze and resolve problems, and possess strong time management skills. Ability to work within a team environment and be willing to assist team members as needed.

Competencies

Proficiency with Microsoft Office products is required. Proficiency with LaserPro is preferred but not required. Strong oral and written communication skills are also required.

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.

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 in accordance with 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 & Work Experience

Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time, ability to bend, squat, and kneel on occasion, ability to lift 30 lbs. consistently, ability to prioritize, analyze, and resolve problems, and possess strong time management and organizational skills.

Competencies

Basic computer skills required, math aptitude, strong written and oral presentation skills, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations while maintaining composure.

Job Description

This position is with State Street Bank, located in Quincy, IL. The officer can work from Quincy or Peoria and serve both areas. Better Banks and State Street Bank are both owned by the holding company Backlund Investment Company.

The VP/Trust Officer is responsible for providing superior trust administration and counsel to clients and their beneficiaries; collaborates effectively and provides insights and solutions to attract, retain, and grow clients to transition personal and family wealth. The VP/Trust Officer manages trust & agency accounts in conformity with law, regulation, and policy. The VP/Trust Officer directly supervises the trust department.

Salary Range: $45,000 - $85,000
Bonus: 15%

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages the trust department to ensure tasks are completed timely, efficiently, and in conformity with law, regulation, and policy
• Develops and maintains new and existing client relationships both internally and externally
• Serves as the primary point of contact for trust clients & their advisors; oversees and manages client trust & agency accounts; and builds and maintains relationships with the client’s financial team by participating in relationship reviews, and delivering fiduciary solutions, and advising on fiduciary concerns
• Maintains compliance with all internal policies and procedures, as well as with regulatory & legal requirements
• Ensures safety & soundness of client estate planning and trust documents
• Oversees the management of the administration functions for clients, such as payments, tax filings, disbursements, IRAs, ILITs, and other related administrative account functions
• Assist other department members in the management/maintenance of estates and facilitate sales of property if necessary
• Oversees trust & estate terminations
• Manages, serves as a member, & facilitates trust committee meetings
• Stays abreast of trust and estate regulations, guidelines, and practices
• Promotes the Bank within the community by actively participating in events and volunteering in the community
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education & Work Experience

A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business, supervisory experience, and a minimum of 5 years experience working in a trust department or trust services field are required.

Mental & Physical Requirements

Ability to sit/stand/kneel/bend/for extended periods of time and occasionally lift up to 20 lbs; developed interpersonal abilities; ability to work under high pressure while remaining composed; strong communication skills—both oral and written.

Competencies

Familiarity with intermediate concepts, practices, and procedures within the Trust field, a strong trust advisory focus, proficiency in Microsoft Office products, and familiarity with advanced principles of taxes and banking are required. Familiarity with advanced principles of taxes and banking is helpful. Customer service, presentation skills, attention to detail, time management, ability to prioritize and organize, and problem-solving/analysis are critical.