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Credit Analyst Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

The selectee of this position serves as an Investigative Analyst. You will be responsible for ... You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experienceEducation: ARE ...

Program Analyst

Columbus, MS · On-site

$106K/yr

To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day ... Experience analyzing project and operational data to identify problem areas, trends, deficiencies ...

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Attending various farm and farm-related meetings sponsored by First South Farm Credit and other ... Must possess strong analysis, judgment and communication skills (both oral and written). Excellent ...

Attending various farm and farm-related meetings sponsored by First South Farm Credit and other ... Must possess strong analysis, judgment and communication skills (both oral and written). Excellent ...

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Credit Analyst information

See Columbus, MS salary details

$14

$29

$47

How much do credit analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for credit analyst in Columbus, MS is $29.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $32.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a credit analyst do?

A Credit Analyst evaluates the creditworthiness of individuals or businesses applying for loans or credit. They review financial statements, credit reports, and economic conditions to assess the risk of lending money. Based on their analysis, they make recommendations to approve or deny credit applications and may suggest terms for repayment. Their work helps financial institutions minimize losses and make informed lending decisions.

What does a credit analyst do?

As a credit analyst, you evaluate customer credit history to determine the risk level for giving out loans or lines of credit to clients. You’ll use statistical software to help you decide which clients are eligible for loans and which ones aren’t. Your job duties include analyzing your clients’ financial statements and credit history, establishing credit limits, informing clients of payment policies, and resolving disputes. Your decisions impact whether the bank or financial institution you work for makes money or loses money, so your responsibilities make you a crucial part of the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a credit analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Credit Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, financial acumen, and typically a degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Proficiency in financial modeling, Microsoft Excel, and experience with credit risk assessment software such as Moody’s or S&P Global Market Intelligence are highly valued. Excellent attention to detail, effective communication, and sound judgment are essential soft skills for assessing clients and presenting findings. These abilities ensure accurate credit evaluations, mitigate risk, and support informed lending decisions.

What are the typical challenges a credit analyst faces when evaluating complex loan applications?

Credit Analysts often encounter challenges such as incomplete financial information, inconsistent documentation, and the need to assess risk in rapidly changing market conditions. Evaluating applicants from diverse industries may require specialized knowledge to accurately interpret financial statements and cash flow projections. Strong analytical skills and effective communication with both clients and internal stakeholders are essential to resolve ambiguities and ensure sound credit decisions.

What is the difference between Credit Analyst vs Loan Officer?

AspectCredit AnalystLoan Officer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related field; certifications like CFA or credit analysis coursesBachelor's degree in finance, business, or related; often requires mortgage or loan origination licenses
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, analyzing financial data, assessing creditworthinessOffice or branch, meeting clients, processing loan applications
Employer & Industry UsageBanks, credit unions, financial institutionsBanks, mortgage companies, credit unions

While both roles involve financial assessment, a Credit Analyst primarily evaluates credit data to determine risk, whereas a Loan Officer interacts directly with clients to approve and process loan applications. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Are credit analysts paid well?

Credit analysts typically earn a competitive salary that varies based on experience, education, and location. According to industry data, the median annual wage for credit analysts is around $70,000, with higher earnings possible for those with advanced certifications or in senior roles. The profession often offers opportunities for bonuses and career advancement.

What qualifications do you need to be a credit analyst?

To become a credit analyst, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field. Strong analytical skills, proficiency with financial analysis tools, and knowledge of credit reporting and risk assessment are also important. Some roles may require relevant certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Credit Risk Certification.

What cities near Columbus, MS are hiring for Credit Analyst jobs?

Cities near Columbus, MS with the most Credit Analyst job openings:

Infographic showing various Credit Analyst job openings in Columbus, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,824 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Senior Credit Officer

BankFirst Financial Services

Columbus, MS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

BASIC PURPOSE OF POSITION

Directs the evaluation, structuring, and approval of complex commercial lending relationships within the bank's Second Line of Defense. Upholds asset quality and asset discipline by serving on executive loan committees, enforcing risk policy, and actively mentoring production lending staff to elevate credit analysis, risk identification, and underwriting quality across the institution.


DUTIES OF POSITION

  • Credit Approval & Portfolio Oversight: Exercise delegated lending authority to evaluate, structure, and approve complex loan requests; serve as a voting member on the Executive Loan Committee for relationships exceeding individual approval limits.

  • Risk Rating & CECL Integration: Ensure portfolio risk rating accuracy and alignment with Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL) methodology; collaborate with lenders and Special Assets to execute proactive workout and exit strategies for deteriorating credits.

  • Policy Exception Management: Review and approve commercial loan policy exceptions, ensuring key mitigating factors are documented, tracked, and aligned with overall risk appetite parameters.

  • Lender Mentorship & Capacity Building: Partner directly with commercial lenders during pre-flight and structuring stages to refine credit package quality, cash flow analysis, and deal mechanics prior to formal credit submission.

  • Credit Culture & Training: Develop and lead internal training sessions on credit fundamentals, collateral valuation, and loan structuring, actively shifting the credit administration dynamic from a traditional "policing" role to strategic "partnering" with production staff without compromising credit standards.

  • Regulatory Compliance & Policy Refinement: Ensure strict adherence to internal Loan Policy, Federal Reserve guidelines, and Mississippi DBCF regulations; assist the CCO in refining policies to address emerging concentration risks and market conditions.


EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & TECHNICAL SKILLS

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related business discipline required.

  • Completion of a recognized Graduate School of Banking (e.g., LSU, Barret, Stonier) is a plus.

Experience

  • 12+ years of progressive commercial credit/lending experience, including 5 or more years serving in a senior credit approval role holding significant delegated lending authority at a similarly sized or larger financial institution.

  • Proven, deep expertise in underwriting complex Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and Commercial & Industrial (C&I) transactions.

  • Experience with Agricultural Lending and SBA (7a/504)/FSA programs preferred.

Technical Skills

  • Advanced knowledge of Federal Reserve and MS/AL DBCF commercial banking regulations.

  • CRE concentration risk management, stress testing, and CECL frameworks.

  • Superior credit analysis, deal negotiation, and staff development capabilities.

  • Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the demonstrated ability to deliver tough credit decisions and decline deals with tact and empathy while maintaining a constructive, developmental approach with production staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Standard office environment. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and occasionally travel within the bank’s footprint for site visits or client meetings.


BankFirst is an EO employer- M/F/Veteran/Disability