Merari Cotto

Impact driven finance professional with expertise in credit analysis, underwriting, and risk assessment across mortgage lending, SBA lending, and consumer credit. Proven ability to evaluate financial statements, tax returns, cash flow, collateral, and creditworthiness to support prudent lending decisions, portfolio performance, and enterprise risk management objectives. Adept at leveraging data analytics, AI enabled tools, and financial modeling to strengthen due diligence, enhance decision making, and drive operational efficiency.

Passionate about helping individuals and businesses access capital while supporting sustainable growth, financial stability, and long-term economic success.

Business Owner & Financial Operations Manager at Cora Carpentry LLC (2024-01 – Present)

• Directed financial and operational management of a small business, including budgeting, cash flow forecasting, invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and vendor management utilizing QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Analyzed revenue, profitability, and cost trends to support pricing strategy, financial planning, risk management, and data driven business decisions.
• Leveraged Shopify analytics, social media marketing, AI enabled tools, and business performance metrics to streamline operations, improve customer engagement, and support business growth initiatives.

Loan Officer at Navy Federal Credit Union (2021-09 – 2024-01)

• Underwrote and evaluated residential mortgage transactions by analyzing credit profiles, income documentation, cash flow, debt obligations, collateral, and overall creditworthiness for Conventional, Jumbo, Fixed Rate, ARM, VA, Military Choice, IRRRL, VA Cash Out Refinance, and Conventional Cash Out Refinance loan products.
• Conducted comprehensive risk assessments and financial analysis utilizing Excel, Encompass, Desktop Underwriter (DU), and Docusign to support prudent lending decisions, ensure regulatory compliance, and mitigate portfolio risk exposure.
• Prepared detailed loan analyses, financial summaries, and credit recommendations by evaluating borrower repayment capacity, debt to income ratios, asset positions, and compensating factors in alignment with investor and organizational guidelines.
• Collaborated with underwriting, operations, compliance, and member facing teams to streamline loan execution, maintain documentation accuracy, enhance process efficiency, and deliver high-quality lending outcomes.

Financial Relationship Specialist at Regions Bank (2019-01 – 2020-01)

• Managed high-volume consumer banking transactions and account servicing activities while utilizing Regions' digital banking platforms, CRM systems, Excel, and branch operating systems to deliver an exceptional customer experience and maintain operational accuracy.
• Analyzed customer financial profiles, including income, assets, liabilities, and credit information, to identify banking needs, assess financial positioning, and provide risk-conscious product recommendations aligned with regulatory and institutional guidelines.
• Opened and serviced deposit accounts, resolved complex customer inquiries, and educated clients on digital banking solutions, mobile platforms, and self-service technologies to improve engagement and financial accessibility.
• Collaborated with lending, operations, compliance, and branch leadership teams to support sales objectives, maintain regulatory compliance, strengthen client relationships, and contribute to branch performance goals.

Personal Banker II at Wells Fargo (2013-11 – 2018-10)

• Conducted comprehensive financial needs assessments for consumer and small business clients, analyzing income, assets, liabilities, cash flow, credit profiles, and financial objectives to recommend appropriate banking, lending, investment, and retirement solutions.
• Developed and managed customer relationships through proactive outreach, financial reviews, and consultative conversations, identifying opportunities to deepen relationships and improve overall financial wellness.
• Collaborated with mortgage, investment, business banking, and credit partners to deliver tailored financial solutions while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, risk management standards, and internal policies.
• Utilized customer relationship management platforms, digital banking technologies, and financial service systems to support account servicing, relationship growth, operational accuracy, and an exceptional client experience.

Associate's degree – Valencia College

Bachelor's in Business Management – University of Central Florida