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Rural banking manager (agribusiness and finance sector)
Rural banking manager (agribusiness and finance sector)
This profile highlights the skills and knowledge associated with the role. However, jobs will have varying responsibilities depending on level of the role and the size or type of the business.
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As a rural banking manager, you will have a vital role in supporting rural economies. Rural banking managers design and deliver banking services tailored to the financial circumstances of their clients.
The role holder creates a portfolio of agricultural clients, including assessing loan applications for land and other agricultural requirements. Detailed financial documentation and risk assessments for each asset and investment are carried out along with regulatory compliance tasks, considering specific agricultural operations, such as fluctuating commodity prices.
This role involves regular client interactions to understand their business plans, evaluate their financial status and help navigate policy shifts. This role is unique, offering a mix of rural and urban opportunities, allowing you to choose your preference and stay connected to both. Success in this role necessitates a combination of financial competence with agricultural operations knowledge and commercial awareness. An agricultural bank manager strives to strike a balance between profitability and risk while fostering the growth of agricultural businesses.
Depending on the size of the banking business there may be a number of specialist roles relating to banking work in the rural economy. These may include working as a nature capital specialist or product development manager.
While much of this work is office-based, a significant amount of time may be spent travelling to farm sites and rural business locations and even being a representative of the bank at agricultural shows or events. The working hours for this role are typically a 40-hour, Monday-to-Friday shifts; however, flexibility may be required during busy periods.
As an rural banking manager your responsibilities might include:
- Assessing loan applicantions thoroughly and creating risk assessments before approving them
- Interpreting financial statements and conducting credit assessments which contribute to decision-making
- Providing a high standard of service to a wide range of clients, from first-time farmers to established agricultural businesses, ensuring their goals are met
- Providing support to clients, considering their requirements and providing a risk management service
- Explaining detailed financial concepts to clients with varying degrees of financial knowledge
- Building trust-based relationships with rural communities, farmers and agribusinesses
- Ensuring all credit arrangements are in line with regulations
- Keeping up to date with recent policy changes and economic conditions in the agricultural sector, which may impact client operations
- Efficiency in managing multiple projects at once and having the capability to prioritise tasks
To work as a rural banking manager, you should have:
- Enjoy analytical thinking and problem-solving
- An adaptable approach
- Skills in working independently and as part of a team
- Good decision-making abilities
- Strong communication skills
- Good mathematical and financial knowledge
- A keen eye for detail
As a rural banking manager, you will require experience in financial management, risk assessment and client relationships, as well as a strong understanding of agricultural production systems and market trends.
Proficient communication and negotiation skills are essential for this role. The ability to work closely with farmers and businesses is required to support them in reaching their financial goals.
This role is well-suited to individuals with an enthusiasm for agriculture who have a solid background in finance and demonstrate strong analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
The salary for a rural banking manager is in the region of £28,000 to £60,000 per year.
This figure is for a full-time permanent position depending on level of experience, business type and location.
The role of rural baking manager offers strong growth prospects, offering opportunities to advance into senior roles focusing on your interests, often leading to similar finance jobs.
As experience is gained, broader banking roles become available, such as banking manager, or if the agricultural sector is your passion, a consultancy career in agribusiness firms may be pursued.
Many banks will provide all the training necessary and any strong academic background and the right array of personal qualities can lead to employment in this sector.
Formal qualifications
Apprenticeships
There are a number of apprenticeships available in the banking sector from Level 2 to Level 6/7. These span areas such as investments operations administrator to banking relationship manager. Once working for a larger bank, you might choose to specialise in agricultural or horticultural relationships or work for a specialist bank that deals specifically in that field.
TIAH Essential Skills
Our online Essential Skills modules can help you develop your skills and knowledge in a range of areas and are a great addition to your CV.
Anyone considering working as a rural banking manager would find our Getting started in Farm Finances and Farming with safety in mind courses helpful in providing more context for the farming and growing industry.
Return to our job profiles page for more exciting roles in farming and growing.
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