Chief Appraiser

Summary: Responsible for the full scope of appraisal activity. Responsible for the engagement and review of appraisals, demonstrating a broad understanding of the appraisal process and standards that are practiced. Must be familiar with the proper application of valuation concepts and methodologies for many different types of property rights.

Salary Range: The salary range budgeted for this position is $140,000/yr to $175,000/yr and represents the Company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate may vary depending on several factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location. 

The Company also offers a full range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and 401K match. Other rewards may include annual performance-based bonuses and wellness days. 

Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a First Foundation Inc. position. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an Employment Visa.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains a current knowledge of and compliance with all bank regulations, policies, and procedures including, but not limited to Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).
• Engage and review primarily residential real estate appraisals and some overflow of commercial when needed.
• Responsible for forming an opinion as to the adequacy and appropriateness of the appraisal report being reviewed and must clearly disclose the nature of the review process undertaken. Must be able to research comparables and ascertain the quality of the analysis and the reasonableness of the value conclusion.
• Must be able to perform corrective reviews with necessary
• Responsible for maintaining the Residential Fee Appraiser Panel and Rating System
• Recommend, maintain, and monitor compliance with appraisal policies and procedures
• Develop and maintain geographical competency in areas where reviews are commonly performed
• Some travel to the branches and banking regions is required
• Be able to address all appraisal issues within the Company
• Developing and implementing training of the lending staff regarding appraisal independence, compliance laws, and OCC recommendations.
• Provide current market information to lending divisions upon request.
• Monitor market trends and create reports for management as requested.
• Implied in certifications and experience is a full working knowledge of Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) which contains standards for all types of appraisal services and OCC 12CFR34 (sections applicable to appraisals).
• Other Duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has direct supervisory responsibilities

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Business from a four-year college or university or equivalent related work experience. In addition, a minimum of 10 years of experience appraising and reviewing both 1-4 family residential and commercial properties is required. Applicant must have a Certified General appraisal license and must be willing to obtain a similar license in other states as necessary. Must have experience in engaging appraisals, managing workflow, and a working knowledge of Federal Interagency Guidelines and USPAP. 

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods; use hands to operate controls on a computer; reach with hands and arms for phone and computer work; and communicate on the phone wearing a headset for extended periods. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 5 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. This job description is subject to change at any time. 

First Foundation is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.