Appraisal Trainee

The Appraisal Trainee supports the daily operations of the Market & Appraisal function by managing the residential appraisal pipeline, coordinating with Appraisers and/or Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs), processing appraisal orders, and helping ensure timely, compliant delivery of appraisal products. This role also supports invoice processing, reconciliations, appraisal fee collection, and system updates related to appraisal ordering and tracking.

• Receive, review, and process incoming residential appraisal orders through the Bank’s loan origination and appraisal management systems.
• Place appraisal orders with approved AMCs/appraisers in accordance with vendor rotation and engagement protocols.
• Monitor order status and follow up with AMCs/appraisers to support on-time delivery within turnaround standards.
• Review completed appraisal reports (and AMC QC reviews, as applicable) for completeness and basic compliance prior to uploading to the loan origination platform (Abrigo/Encompass).
• Maintain accurate appraisal pipeline logs and tracking records; keep appraisal files organized in document management systems.
• Process invoices, reconcile appraisal fees, and coordinate payments with internal partners.
• Serve as a point of contact for AMCs/appraisers and internal stakeholders (including Relationship Managers) for residential assignments.
• Communicate assignment conditions, property access instructions, and special requirements to vendors.
• Document vendor performance issues and escalate concerns as needed.
• Support compliance requirements, including Appraiser Independence Requirements (AIR) documentation and other required supporting items (e.g., flood documentation when applicable).
• Complete flood determination forms for all appraisal requests.
• Support special projects, reporting, and process improvement initiatives within the Appraisal Department.

Education/Experience:

Requirements

1. Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, or Finance.

Combination of education and experience will be considered.

Skills & Competencies

1. Must understand general accounting and finance principles.
2. Must demonstrate excellent financial and quantitative skills.
3. Must be capable of communicating effectively and have strong presentation skills.
4. Must possess excellent project and time management skills; possess excellent organizational, analytical, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
5. Computer proficient in MS Software, (e.g. Excel, Word, and Outlook).

Preferences

• Ability to analyze data, work with spreadsheets, calculate formulas, create pivot tables, use VLOOKUP, and run macros.
• Familiarity with the residential appraisal process, including standard form types (1004, 1073, 1075, 2055).

Licenses/Certifications

• Appraisal Trainee license is strongly preferred.