Branch Manager/Escrow Officer - Woodland Hills, CA

Job Purpose: 
The Branch Manager/Escrow Officer is responsible for supervising escrow personnel in order to ensure superior escrow services are provided while maximizing profitability.  This is achieved by utilizing technology, communication and collaboration skills in an effort to co-exist with clients, consumers and WFG personnel in a manner compliant with WFG Policies and Procedures, state and other laws.

Essential Job Functions: 

• Complete real estate escrow transactions by determining requirements; clearing title; assembling, preparing and reviewing closing documents; disbursing funds
• Determine escrow requirements by studying and clarifying buyer, seller, and lender instructions
• Obtain clear title by ordering title reports; resolving title defects; satisfying existing liens and encumbrances against property or principals
• Preparing transaction documents by completing forms and statements; collecting and reviewing existing documents
• Completing calculations by prorating taxes and interest- purchase transactions only
• Completing closing transaction documents by assembling documents; reviewing papers with parties; explaining provisions and procedures; answering questions; checking documents for completeness and accuracy; obtaining signatures
• Complete closing by recording and filing documents; preparing and distributing final closing statements and title; prepare HUD by utilizing lender instructions
• Close escrow accounts by balancing and dispersing funds
• Comply with regulatory requirements by adhering, and enforcing adherence to requirements
• Enhancing organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments
• Development of a superior workforce and escrow department
• Development of WFG company culture that emphasizes employee engagement, our 4 Cs, quality of work, key employee retention and high performance
• Development of ongoing personal improvement and engagement in keeping up with real estate industry changes
• Lead employees by encouraging employee contribution and engagement through goal setting, feedback,  performance development planning on a regular basis
• Lead employees to meet WFG’s expectations for productivity, quality and goal accomplishment
• Assist the State Escrow Manager with annual Employee Reviews
• Monthly review of Trial Balance/Un-cashed checks reports and ensuring items are cleared regularly
• Knowledge of WFG products, services and company policies and procedures
• Maintain compliance with company policies and procedures
• Maintain employee work schedules, including PTO, overtime scheduling and cover absenteeism
• Appropriately communicate organization information through monthly department meetings, one-on-one meetings and appropriate email
• Maintain transparent communication with State Escrow Manager and Division Manager
• Interact with clients, real estate agents/brokers, attorneys, consumers, lenders and any other parties involved in transactions when necessary
• Resolve complaints and maintain records per policies and procedures and report to State Escrow Manager
• Maintain a profitable escrow desk in accordance with WFG Policies and Procedures for Escrow and Settlement
• Complete with all WFG Scholar training requests in a timely manner
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Additional duties as may be assigned by management
• Comply with applicable State licensing requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Minimum of five years running a profitable escrow desk including the supervision of escrow assistants.
• Thorough understanding of escrow law, local city and state requirements.
• Thorough understanding of RESPA, TILA, Dodd-Frank and CFPB rules.
• Thorough understanding and adoption of ALTA Best Practices.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts (fractions, percentages, ratio’s and proration’s).
• Strong customer service skills; demonstrate excellent comprehension and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple actions as once; flexibility to reprioritize quickly.
• Possess leadership qualities; understand the importance of setting a good example of uncompromising dedication to accomplish the company’s vision and goals.
• Desire to engage in personal growth development.
• Strong ability to present information and respond to questions from personnel, clients and consumers.
• Act as an innovator by generating ideas to encourage collaboration, critical thinking and engagement, as well as solving practical problems.

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Ability to read, write and interpret in English.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and escrow production software e.g. ResWare, RamQuest, AtClose, IClosings and/or others.
• Possess five years related experience and/or training.

Preferred Qualifications:

College degree in business or finance preferred.

Supervisory Responsibility:
This position has supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Requirements/ADA:

No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.

Routine deadlines; usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; travel or other inconveniences have advance notice; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor.

Job frequently requires sitting, handling objects with hands.

Job occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching, talking, hearing, and lifting up to 10 lbs.

Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Days and hours of full –time position are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Part-time positions may be considered.

Travel:
No travel is expected for this position.