Community Finance Tax Credits Operations Specialist

Responsible for providing overall operational support with the management and oversight of Community Finance’s applicable tax credit equity investments and other structured lending products.

• Provide support to the various Community Finance business lines by recommending solutions to problems that arise, team training, and liaising with key stakeholders.
• Process capital contributions for M&T’s investments.
• Assist in facilitating the commitment/closing process for new investments by assisting the Operations & Risk Manager with closing tasks such as validating documentation, conducting preliminary reviews, and ensuring the file is complete.  
• Oversee the department’s annual documentation collection for, and requests for information from, M&T’s stakeholder departments (including Finance, Accounting Policy, CRA, Corporate Tax, and Sustainability)
• Function as the Operations & Risk Manager’s surrogate with respect to the ownership of the department’s software systems (including working with applicable vendors); operate and maintain the department’s software systems; participate in software enhancement-related projects; function as the owner of any tools or models under the purview of the Operations & Risk Manager
• Support the tracking of productivity and performance metrics through reporting and dashboards.
• Ensure the department’s compliance with policies, procedures, and guidelines and provide quality control and assurance.
• Continuously enhance the department’s workflow processes.
• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite.  Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

The department originates and manages tax credit investments (“TCI”) that enable M&T to repurpose its tax liability in support of federal and state public policy objectives including financing activities that promote the public welfare. These activities, particularly low-income housing TCIs, are the primary driver to achieve M&T’s CRA requirements, enhance our community banking model, and contribute to our sustainability aspirations and business case.  Participation in state tax credit programs as well as historic preservation TCI is a secondary focus.  Involvement in these programs frequently necessitate both equity investments in addition to loans.  The department generates several hundred million dollars in new investments annually.  This position works closely with the Operations & Risk Manager to support Community Finance and to partner with cross-functional working teams to include M&T’s Tax, Technology, Finance, and Accounting Policy departments to ensure compliance with critical objectives.

N/A

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance or related field and a minimum of 5 years relevant experience or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 9 years higher education and/or work experience including a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience

Commercial credit experience.

Solid knowledge of personal computers, with thorough knowledge of various software programs (such as Word, Excel and other departmental software).

Investment and/or lending experience

Excellent analytical ability.

Knowledge of credit principles.

Highly motivated, detail-oriented self-starter. 

Excellent communication and organization skills.

Ability to interact with external and internal personnel using tact and diplomacy.