Chief Appraiser

At Liberty, we strive to maximize our impact and exceed goals by investing in our teammates to deepen our relationships in the workplace and communities we serve. We take pride in promoting a socially responsible and sustainable future through initiatives and investment.

SUMMARY OF THE JOB:

The Chief Appraiser will be responsible for the daily management of the Real Estate Appraisal Department, including the ongoing development, implementation, and execution of the appraisal group activities. The appraisal group is responsible for the appraisal ordering, evaluation, and review processes for all commercial and residential mortgage loans in full compliance with applicable banking law and regulatory guidance. Must be capable of processing multiple service requests in a timely, accurate and cost-effective manner in support of the Bank’s real estate lending and risk management functions. The Chief Appraiser will be responsible for overseeing review and analysis of the formal reports/documentation prepared by internal and/or external appraisers to validate accuracy, adequacy, and compliance with industry standards, internal policies/procedures and regulatory requirements applicable to the appraisal of real property. The Chief Appraiser will also be expected to perform initial review/audit of appraisal reports, desk collateral approval and supporting loan documentation prepared by internal/external residential appraisers for conformance to company policies, procedures, standards and regulatory requirements; monitor daily work flow in the assigned work group and assists in scheduling/assigning of work to internal/external appraisers; and analyze work flow processes and recommend changes to facilitate timely attainment of production goals.

The Chief Appraiser will be expected to staff the Appraisal Department appropriately to meet regulatory and production requirements; participate in the ongoing review/evaluation of appraisal standards, processes and practices to identify the need for changes to accommodate changing conditions, shifting priorities, resource limitations and/or other business needs; and keep abreast of practical trends as they relate to the appraisal industry in order to identify opportunities for improvement of established standards and procedures. As a result, the Chief Appraiser will provide functional advice and guidance to less experienced staff with respect to internal appraisal standards and procedures; deliver on-the-job training and develop performance reviews; and may also review work products and offer assistance in identifying resources available to support appraisal activities.

The Chief Appraiser will also oversee to ensure that timely, complete and accurate internal documentation is present and maintained to facilitate a clear and relevant audit trail for appraisal review caseload. The Chief Appraiser will also prepare progress/status reports for management relative to achievement of personal goals and objectives; and provide timely and constructive feedback on the overall quality of work performed by external fee appraisers. Additionally, the Chief Appraiser will address appraisal issues/problems that are beyond the scope of authority of lower-level appraisers; may investigate circumstances and recommend appropriate remedies for fair and timely resolution; may review and approve reports prepared by non-approved vendors who have been engaged temporarily in the absence of approved vendors within a particular area; and may also occasionally conduct appraisals to contribute to production requirements as assigned. Additional duties involve consultation and advice for lender/clientele. Overall priority is toward assurance of sound collateral valuation analysis to ensure proper risk analysis and protection against losses to the Bank. Must be able to, if needed, perform valuation services on behalf of Liberty Bank.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Directs an effective and efficient centralized appraisal group
• The development and ongoing maintenance of corporate-wide appraisal policies, procedures, and standards
• Managing a team of appraisal specialists that are responsible for the execution of the appraisal process
• Ensuring the appraisal processes meet regulatory requirements while providing efficient and service-oriented processes
• Conducting special reviews on loans based on key risk indices or as directed by management
• Participating in various portfolio review committees or other meetings as needed to discuss risks related to specific loans
• Ensures that commercial/residential appraisal services are conducted in a regulatory compliant, cost effective, and timely manner.
• Reviews appraisal service requests for completeness.
• Solicits and collects bids for appraisal services from qualified fee appraisers.
• Approves the panel of Approved Liberty bank Appraisers
• Maintains the panel of Approved Liberty Bank Appraisers
• Engages commercial fee appraisers to perform appraisal services as needed.
• Performs Standard 3 reviews of commercial appraisal reports.
• Performs Compliance Reviews of residential appraisal reports.
• Provides advice and guidance to the business lines as well as Bank’s ELT and Board of Director’s
• Oversee the audits and quality control measures within the Department
• Training of other personnel with regards to appraisal theory and process.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance preferred or equivalent work experience
• MAI Designation preferred
• Must be licensed as a State Certified General Appraiser
• Appraisal and appraisal review theory and technique
• Appraisal regulations (FIRREA)
• Understanding of The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
• Comprehension of regulatory framework as it applies to Commercial and Residential Appraisal Policy
• Interagency Guidelines
• Dodd/Frank Legislation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Computer literacy in word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
• Staff review appraisers.
• Administrative support

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• General Office Equipment
• Keyboard Dexterity
• Prolonged Sitting
• Ability to travel by car

COMPLIANCE:

Acts affirmatively in all activities under his/her control in conformance with the Bank’s Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity, and Fair Lending Programs to achieve the Bank’s goals and objectives. The Bank shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons, and continue to recruit, hire, train and evaluate persons in all jobs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or veteran status.

Liberty Bank is an Equal Opportunity employer. It is the policy of Liberty Bank to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.