Freedom Bank is a community-focused bank located in Columbia Falls, Montana. Our foundation is built on trust, commitment to the community, and personal attention to our customers. We support numerous nonprofit and community development efforts in Flathead Valley. Careers at Freedom Bank offer a collaborative environment where your contributions matter and you gain diverse experience in a dynamic workplace.
Current Openings
Commercial Loan Officer
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Freedom Bank is seeking an experienced and motivated Commercial Loan Officer to join our team in beautiful Northwest Montana. This is an excellent opportunity for a proven lender to bring their experience to a thriving community bank while enjoying an exceptional quality of life.
About the Role
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in commercial lending, a demonstrated ability to develop and manage client relationships, and a commitment to sound credit practices. This individual will play a key role in growing and maintaining a diverse loan portfolio while contributing to the bank’s continued success.
We are particularly interested in candidates who bring fresh perspective and innovative thinking to community banking.
Core Responsibilities
- Portfolio Management: Monitor the ongoing financial health of an existing loan portfolio, ensuring timely renewals and adherence to loan covenants.
- Business Development & Retention: Proactively solicit new commercial loan and deposit business with a relationship approach to banking, focusing on long-term partnerships rather than one-off transactions.
- Underwriting & Loan Structuring: Evaluate complex financial statements and tax returns to assess creditworthiness. Structure loans (CRE, C&I, SBA) with appropriate terms, pricing, and collateral to mitigate risk.
- Credit Committee Presentations: Prepare and present comprehensive credit memos to the Bank’s Credit Committee for approval.
- Community Representation: Function as a visible brand ambassador by participating in local civic organizations, boards, and community events.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of commercial lending experience
- Proven record of business development and portfolio management
- Strong credit analysis and underwriting skills
- Self-motivated, innovative, and driven with a solid work ethic
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience with banking technology, systems, or process improvement is a plus
- Proficiency in financial analysis software, CRM tools, and Microsoft Office (specifically Excel for cash flow modeling).
- Willingness to relocate and become part of the local community
Education
- A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred, but not required.
- Completion of a formalized bank credit training program is highly preferred.
- Proven knowledge of federal and state banking regulations.
About Freedom Bank
Freedom Bank is a well-managed, independent community bank with approximately $145 million in assets and a strong reputation for service, stability, and local decision-making. While we specialize in small business lending, we offer a full range of loan products and pride ourselves on flexibility and responsiveness.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing community bank
- Collaborative, relationship-driven culture
- Independence and local credit authority
- Located in Northwest Montana, offering world-class outdoor recreation including fishing, hiking, skiing, and more
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with performance-based bonus
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities
- A supportive and collaborative work environment dedicated to the success of our team and community
Consumer and Real Estate Loan Officer
Position Summary
The Consumer & Real Estate Loan Officer is responsible for originating, underwriting, and managing a portfolio of consumer and residential real estate loans. This role combines credit analysis, relationship management, and business development to support both customer needs and the bank’s growth objectives. The position requires sound lending judgment, attention to regulatory compliance, and a commitment to delivering high-quality customer experiences.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Lending & Loan Origination
- Originate consumer and residential real estate loans in alignment with bank policies and regulatory requirements.
- Interview applicants to assess financial position, borrowing needs, and loan suitability.
- Analyze credit reports, income documentation, financial statements, collateral, and global debt obligations.
- Structure loan terms and prepare clear, well-supported credit recommendations.
- Compile and submit complete, accurate loan packages for approval.
- Coordinate third-party documentation including appraisals, title work, and insurance.
- Actively manage loan pipeline to ensure timely processing and closing.
Portfolio Management
- Manage an assigned loan portfolio with ongoing monitoring of credit quality and performance.
- Conduct periodic loan reviews to ensure compliance with internal policy and regulatory standards.
- Identify and address emerging credit risks, including delinquency or covenant concerns.
- Support payment collection efforts as needed while maintaining customer relationships.
- Proactively identify opportunities for refinancing, renewals, and cross-selling additional products.
Customer Relationships & Business Development
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and community partners.
- Provide responsive, knowledgeable service and guidance throughout the lending process.
- Identify customer needs and recommend appropriate bank products and services.
- Participate in community involvement and business development activities to support bank visibility and growth.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure full compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, including TILA, RESPA, ECOA, Fair Lending, BSA, HMDA, and CRA.
- Maintain complete, accurate, and well-documented loan files.
- Adhere to internal underwriting standards, policies, and procedures.
- Support internal and external audits and regulatory examinations
Administrative Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate customer records and loan documentation within bank systems.
- Prepare reports and correspondence as required.
- Stay current on industry trends, lending practices, and regulatory updates.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- 2–5 years of banking experience, including direct exposure to consumer and residential mortgage lending.
- Valid NMLS registration or ability to obtain.
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, accounting, or related field preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Solid understanding of consumer and residential real estate lending practices.
- Working knowledge of underwriting, credit analysis, and loan structuring.
- Familiarity with banking regulations and compliance requirements.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Effective analytical and problem-solving abilities with sound judgment.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with banking systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to remain seated and work at a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to travel locally for customer meetings and business development activities.
Work Environment
- Professional office environment with frequent customer interaction.
- Occasional evenings or community events may be required.
- Occasional Saturday coverage as onsite officer
This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions and does not restrict additional duties that may be assigned.
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Electronic Funds Transfer Specialist
Pay: From $23.00 per hour DOE
Job Type: Full-time, 8 AM – 5 PM Monday – Friday, Availability for Secondary Holidays
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About the Position
The EFT Specialist provides support for electronic payments and acts as a first level problem identification and resolution resource, including answering questions, providing advice, and troubleshooting to assist users with digital banking. This role is responsible for addressing common digital banking customer questions, resolving issues, and providing the highest level of internal and external service and support.
Key Responsibilities
- Exceptional Customer Service: Provide outstanding service to customers by addressing inquiries promptly and professionally. Field customer inquiries related to electronic payments. (i.e. ACH files, transfers, bill payments, Mobile Deposit Capture, Merchant Capture, debit card transactions, etc.)
- Educational and Marketing Support: Be the subject matter expert in electronic payments solutions, including debit cards, ACH, Wire, P2P, and real time payments. Assist businesses, recommending banking services and building access profiles for business online, ACH and merchant capture.
- Issue Resolution and Collaboration: Serve as a primary point of contact for the Bank’s digital channels, providing technical support for the online banking app and troubleshooting user access issues. Take lead on resolving complex electronic transaction errors and ACH/debit disputes in compliance with Regulation E, while performing immediate fraud mitigation to secure compromised accounts and stop further losses.
- Electronic Transfers: Intake and process incoming/outgoing wires to ensure accounts are properly credited or debited. Process and post ACH files and returns, ensuring ODFI and RDFI ACH transactions are maintained and processed within the guidelines set forth by NACHA and the Federal Reserve Bank.
- Debit Card Support: Perform tasks relating to the Bank’s debit card portfolio, including card ordering/printing, card limit increases, assisting with fraud cases, processing cardholder disputes, and resolving issues with transaction errors.
- Team Engagement: Participate actively in team meetings and training sessions to enhance product knowledge and service skills. Ensure thorough documentation of processes, adhering to bank policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Special Projects: Assist with special projects as needed.
Preferred Qualifications, Traits, and Skills
- Confidentiality and Discretion: Maintain confidentiality at all times and exercise discretion when handling sensitive customer information.
- Accuracy: Ensure accurate and complete data entry.
- Operational Integrity: Adhere strictly to the bank’s operational, security, and compliance procedures.
- Commitment to Development: Complete all required bank training programs within designated timeframes to stay updated on policies, procedures, and technology.
- Educational Background: High School Diploma or equivalent; further education or certification in financial services is a plus.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency with computer systems, digital tools and financial software. Familiarity with standard office equipment. Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies quickly.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to explain complex information clearly.
- Interpersonal Skills: High level of professionalism and personal integrity. Demonstrate empathy and respect in all customer interactions.
- Time Management: Effective at managing time to prioritize tasks and handle customer needs promptly.
- Critical Thinking: Leverage reason, deduction, and methods of identity verification to ensure validity of transaction requests.
Physical Activities and Requirements
- Dexterity: Frequent use of hands and wrists for typing and handling documents.
- Mobility: Ability to stand or sit for extended periods depending on customer needs.
- Lifting: Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required.
This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Part-Time Teller
Pay: From $19.00 per hour DOE
Job Type: Part-time, 1 PM-6 PM Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday, 9 AM-1 PM Saturday, Availability for Secondary Holidays
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About the Position
Tellers are responsible for providing excellent customer service while accurately processing financial transactions. This role serves as a frontline representative of the bank, building customer trust through professionalism, efficiency, and attention to detail. The ideal candidate is courteous, dependable, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. This role emphasizes customer interaction, accuracy in transaction processing, and adherence to bank policies and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Greet customers warmly and assess their banking needs
- Process routine transactions including deposits, withdrawals, check cashing, and loan payments
- Accurately record all transactions in the bank’s systems
- Verify customer identification and maintain compliance with bank policies and procedures
- Balance cash drawer and assist with daily reconciliation
- Maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in all transactions
- Promote bank products and services when appropriate
- Answer phones and assist customers with account-related questions
- Maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive customer information
- Assist with opening and closing procedures as needed
Preferred Qualifications, Traits, and Skills
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Basic math skills.
- Proficiency in basic computer operations and financial software. Familiarity with standard office equipment. Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies quickly.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to explain complex information clearly.
- High level of professionalism and personal integrity. Ability to maintain confidential information. Demonstrates empathy and respect in all customer interactions.
- Effective at managing time to prioritize tasks and handle customer needs promptly.
- Leverage reason, deduction, and methods of identity verification to ensure validity of transaction requests.
Physical Activities and Requirements
- Dexterity: Frequent use of hands and wrists for typing, handling documents, and counting money.
- Mobility: Ability to stand or sit for extended periods depending on customer needs.
- Lifting: Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required.
This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
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