Agriculture Advisor – Central Alberta

Job title: Agriculture Advisor – Central Alberta

Job description: Description :

About connectFirst Credit Union

As a credit union, we’re different than a bank – and we like it that way.

At connectFirst, we spend our days helping our members achieve their financial aspirations through a community-focused approach to banking that’s true to our co-operative principles. You’re our member, not a number. We’re your neighbours and your partner. Over 80 years ago we started from humble beginnings. Through the years, we’ve grown to become one of Alberta’s leading financial institutions through a desire to connect the dots between your dreams, your goals, your community, and your financial wellness and we echo these desires through our new, consolidated connectFirst brand.

We believe that banking is about more than money – it’s a cornerstone of every vibrant community and that our members should expect us to positively impact the financial success and viability of the communities that we call home. We invest meaningfully in the potential and well-being of our employees, and what matters most to our members. We have honest conversations about real things, as real people. Our members are owners, they have a say in how we operate, they earn dividends on common shares and investment shares, and they have access to an extensive array of financial products and services.

• Our mission: Make money make a difference.
• Our vision: Do what’s right for every member.
• Our values: Think big, act local, take charge, and make it easy.

We’re committed to providing remarkable experiences to our members, our communities, and our employees, and we’re proud to be regarded as one of the best:

• Named among Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures™ by Waterstone Human Capital
• Recipient of Canada’s Best Managed Companies award for 21 consecutive years
• $12.3 billion book of business (Deposits=45%, Loans=43%, Wealth Management=10%, Syndicated Loans=2%)
• 750 employees

Position Overview:

The Agriculture Advisor role is responsible for the overall management and growth of an assigned Agriculture portfolio in a specific geographic area. This role provides an exceptional member experience through proactive dialogue with prospects and existing members and working closely with our Consumer and Wealth partners to explore financial needs, and recommend appropriate products and services to improve outcomes for their agricultural operation.

Key Accountabilities:

• Acts as a subject matter expert providing existing Agriculture members and new prospects tailored financial advice, resources, and solutions that enhance the member experience and outcomes.
• Delivers an exceptional member experience that builds trust through expertise, responsive service, and support while balancing the interests of the credit union.
• Proactively seeks sales opportunities with current members, new member prospects, or referrals from existing relationships to achieve individual growth and profitability targets.
• Reviews and applies Risk Management policies, procedures and audit control standards in daily activities to ensure compliance and best practice standards to mitigate risk.
• Acts as a business leader by proactively networking and engaging with local agriculture leaders and members of the professional community for the discovery of banking needs and to provide financial solutions.
• Manages the assigned Agriculture portfolio which includes completing credit applications and renewals, reviewing financial statements and documentation, conducting quality risk assessment and analysis, and approving loans within assigned limits.
• Maintains a solid working knowledge and understanding of all credit union business solution products and services to maximize product penetration and foster business development through service excellence and product knowledge; remains current with policy and procedural changes.
• Ensures the profitability of the loan by applying appropriate pricing and fees that balance the value of products and services with member value.
• Collaborates with other sales teams, including Consumer & Concierge Banking, Corporate & Commercial, Wealth Management, and others, to provide/solicit referrals as appropriate to offer full-service solutions for members to become their primary financial services partner.

Experience and/or Educational Requirements:

• 1 – 3 years in agriculture lending
• Degree or Diploma in Agriculture and/or Business or equivalent.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.

Internal Education

• CFCU Commercial Credit curriculum through EDHQ – 6 modules
• Newgen LOS modules

Moody’s Analytics Mandatory:

• Business Lending Fundamentals
• Problem Loans
• CCUA CUC 346 Agriculture Lending

May be required, depending upon experience:

• Collaborative Small Business Conversations
• Effective Credit Conversations
• CUMIS Foundations of Business Lending
• Financial Accounting for Lenders

CCUA Campus Education which may be required, depending upon experience:

• Ag 101: Dairy, Beef, Crops, Poultry
• Ag Lending Case Study 1: Horticulture Operation
• Ag Lending Case Study 2: Dairy Operation
• Ag Lending Case Study 3: Hog Operation
• Ag Lending Case Study 4: Mixed Grains and Beef Operation
• Ag Lending Case Study 5: Grains and Oilseeds Operation
• Identifying Ag Members in Financial Trouble
• Ag Risk Management
• Succession – Selling or Transitioning the Farm

Proficiency Requirements:

Enabling Member Experience

Shows a passion for Alberta Producers, with expertise in agricultural business structures, and resourceful in surrounding themselves with an internal/external network of expertise and resources (e.g. Industry experts, AFSC, FCC etc..) and developing in their ability to accurately anticipate contingencies to estimate timelines to exceed member expectations. Embraces 1:1 connection time with the leader, viewing it as an opportunity to collaborate on challenges and determine the growth potential.

Business Acumen

Deepening knowledge of stages of business development, including pre-start up, start-up, and early stages of growth. Expert understanding of their local marketplace, including industries, competitors, key players in the value chain (e.g. suppliers and markets etc.) with broad business knowledge. Skillfully deciphers which deals are worthy of taking, based on the operations’ strengths and opportunities, seeking insight from their leader and peers when uncertain. Building a positive reputation within the community by attendance and participation in community events and associations to garner future referrals. Brings intention to their priorities for the week, day etc. Consistently leverages reporting and systems to proactively manage their time and structure their work, meetings, and decisions to run their business like a franchise.

Banking Expertise

Strong understanding of product recommendation and consistent adherence to CFCU policy, legal requirements, compliance requirements and risk for a broad range of industries. Strong awareness of holistic product offerings, product application process flow, and required documentation to expedite transparent approval processes. Seeks insight and expertise from leaders and partners when needed. Consistently leverages internal tools, systems, and resources to seek answers and efficiently serve members. Expert in member tools and systems. Able to explain the use and benefits to members, seeking support, if required. Strong ability to analyze a member’s financial story, including a holistic view of financial solutions to support their business (i.e. not just credit). Intermediate understanding of financial statements, income verification, ratios (working capital, debt to equity, debt servicing capacity), and the 5 C’s of credit to build a solid understanding of determining a quality application. Promotes money movement and money management solutions for members and facilitates introductions to partners across CFCU (e.g. Business Solutions, C&C, Wealth).

Interpersonal Communication

Always fully present, connecting, understanding, and listening in connections with others. Developing their level of self & other awareness (i.e. noticing and responding effectively to a member’s circumstances, mood, and values while remaining fully present, confident and humble as they balance potentially competing stakeholder priorities). Cultivating positive relationships with internal partners and developing their ability to effectively translate between internal partners and members to tell and support a story. Proactively seeks support and insight and offers knowledge and experience to those less experienced peers.

Growth Mindset & Adaptability

Takes ownership and accountability for their own (un)learning, including staying current with information, tools and resources to become proficient in their role. Seeks guidance and pursues growth opportunities and experiences towards their professional practice. Adopts advances in policy, procedure or technology aiming for early adoption and utilization and provides constructive feedback on improvement opportunities. Seeks best practices from experienced peers to enhance professional practice and member experience.

Qualified applicants are invited to apply online.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Please note applications will only be accepted online and only those applicants under consideration will be contacted.

For more information on Connect First Credit Union Careers, please visit

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