Manuela Nellie Castro
Cherokee
Summary
Knowledgeable loan assistant with solid background in financial services and client relationship management. Adept at identifying client needs and recommending tailored financial solutions. Demonstrated expertise in cross-selling banking/loan products and maintaining high client satisfaction through effective communication and problem-solving.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Commercial Loan Assistant
Gateway First Bank
Cherokee, OK
08.2024 - Current
- Assists loan officers in preparing documentation for commercial, ag and real estate loan applications.
- Review financial statements and credit reports to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Coordinated communication between clients, underwriters, and loan officers for efficient processing.
- Maintains detailed records of loan applications and status updates in tracking systems.
- Streamline document collection processes to enhance workflow efficiency within the team.
- Implement the best practices for filing and organizing loan documentation for easy retrieval.
- Facilitates training sessions for new staff on operational procedures and software tools used in the department.
- Communicates with customers daily to request information and complete paperwork.
- Assesses loan compliance to meet mortgage lending laws and regulations.
- Assembles important paperwork and disclosures for borrower.
- Monitors key dates to obtain information by deadlines.
- Cultivates productive relationships with clients, realtors, and title/escrow officers to increase profits and expand customer base.
- Collaborates with loan officers to ensure accurate underwriting and appropriate risk assessment for each loan application.
- Boosts loan processing efficiency by streamlining documentation and application procedures.
- Reduce loan approval times by implementing efficient tracking systems for applications and required documents.
- Contributes to increased customer retention rates by providing exceptional service throughout the entire loan process from application to closing.
- Facilitates effective communication between various departments involved in commercial lending operations, ensuring smooth workflow processes across teams.
- Manages diverse portfolio of commercial loans, maintaining organized records and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Loan Assistant/Client Advisor, Floater
Gateway First Bank
Cherokee, OK
08.2020 - 08.2024
- Achieved efficient loan processing through effective support of loan officers in documentation collection and review.
- Improved customer communication by managing credit reports effectively.
- Enhanced accuracy of balance sheets and loan application processing, resulting in streamlined operations.
- Facilitated timely finalization of loan documents in partnership with loan operations.
- Delivered insightful credit analysis using Moody's software, contributing to informed decision-making.
- Optimized currency exchange and transaction examination processes, leading to improved operational efficiency.
- Maintained cash drawer and vault accuracy through diligent balancing, ensuring financial integrity.
- Streamlined invoice and accounts payable operations, enhancing overall productivity.
- Improved currency ordering and monthly reporting efficiency, resulting in better resource management.
- Conducted thorough audits and managed customer inquiries effectively, leading to higher customer satisfaction.
- Elevated customer service standards in both in-person and online banking as a universal CSR, fostering a positive customer experience.
Personal Banker
Gateway First Bank
Cherokee, OK
06.2019 - 08.2020
- Exchanging currency, proofing transactions, balancing cash drawer and vault applications, invoices/accounts payable, order currency, monthly reports, answering phones, assisting customers in person and with online banking.
- Assisted clients with account openings, transactions, and inquiries to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Educated customers on banking products and services to promote financial literacy and product adoption.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline operations and improve service delivery efficiency.
- Resolved customer issues promptly, fostering positive relationships and loyalty to the bank.
- Monitored account activities for discrepancies, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting and compliance.
- Trained new staff on banking procedures and systems, promoting a cohesive team environment.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas for service improvement and implement necessary changes.
- Utilized strong interpersonal communication skills during client interactions, resulting in increased trust and fostering long-lasting relationships.
- Assisted customers with setting up or closing accounts, completing loan applications, and signing up for new services.
- Maintained compliance with bank policies and regulations while executing various financial transactions for customers.
- Generated new business by conducting thorough financial needs assessments and offering tailored products to clients.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing personalized banking solutions and exceptional service.
- Managed deposits, withdrawals and wire transfers to process smooth banking transactions for clients.
- Promoted financial products by maintaining excellent service offering knowledge.
Bilingual Aide
Cherokee Public Schools
Cherokee
08.2015 - 10.2020
- Enhanced English proficiency among Spanish-speaking students through targeted support. Improved academic performance in reading and math for students through personalized assistance. Achieved better engagement and understanding for special education students in core subjects.
- Assisted teachers in delivering bilingual instruction to enhance student comprehension.
- Supported classroom management by facilitating communication between students and staff.
- Developed engaging learning materials that catered to diverse language needs.
- Collaborated with educators to implement individualized education plans for bilingual students.
- Provided translation services during parent-teacher meetings, promoting family engagement.
- Monitored student progress and reported findings to support educational strategies.
- Participated in training sessions to improve language skills and instructional techniques.
- Established strong relationships with both English-speaking and non-English-speaking families, fostering a sense of belonging within the school community and promoting academic achievement for all students involved.
Bilingual Interpreter, Secretary
B&B Roofing
Waynoka & Cherokee, OK
08.2009 - 08.2015
- Achieved seamless communication between clients and workers, enhancing project collaboration.
- Optimized transportation processes for workers, ensuring punctuality at job locations.
- Secured essential supplies and materials, contributing to project readiness.
- Delivered accurate estimates to clients, fostering trust and transparency.
- Organized invoices and estimates, improving operational efficiency.
- Facilitated communication between clients and staff in Spanish and English.
- Assisted in interpreting technical roofing terms for accurate project understanding.
- Streamlined translation processes to enhance service efficiency.
- Supported team members by providing bilingual assistance during client meetings.
- Collaborated with project managers to resolve language barriers during installations.
Education
High School -
JC Harmon High School
Kansas City, KS01.2009
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance
Southern New Hampshire University
01.2024
Skills
- Financial institution experience
- Supervisory experience in banking
- Proficient in English and Spanish
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Experienced in FIS and Moody’s
- Strong work ethic and organizational skills
- Adaptability
- Critical Thinking
- Customer satisfaction
- Relationship building
- Branch operations
- Client relationship management
Certification
- Notary Public
- Compliance Training
Training
- Analytics Lending Cloud Training, 2022
- Small Business Loan Training, 2021
- FIS Teller Training, 2021
- FIS CSR Training, 2021
- Reading Intervention Seminar 2019
- Really Great Reading Training 2018
Avocation
Passionate about creating organized, borrower-friendly processes that improve client experience and streamline lending operations.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Commercial Loan Assistant
Gateway First Bank
08.2024 - Current
Loan Assistant/Client Advisor, Floater
Gateway First Bank
08.2020 - 08.2024
Personal Banker
Gateway First Bank
06.2019 - 08.2020
Bilingual Aide
Cherokee Public Schools
08.2015 - 10.2020
Bilingual Interpreter, Secretary
B&B Roofing
08.2009 - 08.2015
High School -
JC Harmon High School
Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance
Southern New Hampshire University