BECAUSE YOU DESERVE INSIGHT THAT GOES BEYOND THE NUMBERS
WHY US?
WE GET DEEP
Our goal is to provide our clients with an in depth analysis that goes beyond the numbers.
WE HAVE YOUR BACK
With pre-exam discussions with the Lender and the Borrower, we start the exam process by reviewing the concerns of the Lender as well as discussing at high level the Borrower’s business and books and records.
WE FOSTER OPEN DIALOGUE
From these conversations we can approach the exam in a more structured process as to focus on the truly relevant information. As the “eyes and ears” for the Lender we make a concerted effort to ensure open dialogue between the Examiner and the Borrower by ensuring that conversations are had with management as well as the employees that assist in the process.
WE HAVE BOOTS ON THE GROUND
We believe that the only true way to provide a quality exam is to be on-site for at least a portion of the exam, where questions and discussions can be held in person. This allows us to provide a completed report that not only adheres to the standard scope and guidelines of the industry, but also provides value added insight to help in the lending decision making process.
WE KNOW CLARITY IS KEY - FOR YOU AND US
We strive to paint a fair and accurate picture of a Borrower so that an informed lending decision can be made.
150+
Collective Years of Experience
700+
Exams
Completed
8
States
With Examiners
20+
Clients Served
ABOUT US
Top Tier Examination Services provides collateral field examination services, primarily for traditional asset-based lenders. Top Tier also performs other types of exams, including, specialty finance, “ABL Lite”, and monthly recurring revenue/cash flow analysis.
Our clients consist of national banks, regional banks, and non-bank lenders. Top Tier provides a structured approach to the exam process by focusing on pre-exam communication with the lender to ensure all concerns are addressed.
With experienced Examiners in Atlanta GA, Jacksonville, FL, Orlando, FL, Charlotte NC, Buffalo, NY, Newark, NJ, Indianapolis, IN, Metro Chicago, IL, Kansas City, MO, and Dallas, TX, Top Tier is able to provide value added reports in a timely manner for all our clients' Survey, Recurring, Special Asset, and Factoring Field Examination needs. Top Tier also performs desktop reviews and collateral verifications.
Our Associates have a wide range of knowledge across numerous industries and services lenders with clients located both domestically and internationally. Industry experience includes manufacturing, distribution, food processing, agriculture, construction, lumber, staffing, mining, auto finance, lender finance, retail, and oil & gas, just to name a few. The Top Tier Team is also familiar with various industry standard concerns, such as PACA/PASA, PMSI, vendor lien issues, and international-specific concerns such as Retention of Title, UK Enterprise Act, WEPPA, UK Insolvency Act, and other preferential tax/employee liabilities.
Assignments range from one associate engagements with one set of books and records to multiple associates with numerous sets of books and records located throughout the U.S. and overseas. Lines of credit reviewed range anywhere from $2 million to $1 billion.
EMPLOYMENT
Top Tier is always looking for talented personnel to join our team. We hire personnel fresh out of college, personnel looking for a career change, or personnel with experience in asset-based lending that are looking for a better work life balance, We proudly offer:
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Competitive pay
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Annual bonuses
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Up to 4% employer retirement contribution
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Generous vacation packages, sick days, and comp days, where appropriate.
Contact us to learn more about our policies to ensure a strong work/life balance.
TRAINING
Our extensive experience in training has enabled numerous former employees to excel within the asset-based lending industry. Our philosophy is to:
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Train our new Associates “in the field”, almost from day 1
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Provide exposure to all areas of the field exam process
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Hold management accountable to the growth of trainees
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Provide six to nine months of training before any solo exams are performed
In our experience, the on the job training has resulted in quicker turn around of completed field exams, with no additional costs to our clients.
CAREER GROWTH
Whether looking for growth opportunities or just looking for a change, there is a spot for you at Top Tier. Senior Associates are able to:
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Take an active role in the development of our younger Examiners
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Provide valuable feedback and guidance to ensure the high standards for quality of work are being met
ABOUT THE OWNER
Top Tier was founded in 2019 by Joseph Gillespie. Prior to Top Tier, Joe spent 16 years working for an outsource exam firm, 12 of which were in the capacity of Atlanta Regional Exam Manager. Joe has experience in a wide range of industries and transactions servicing lenders with clients located both domestically and internationally. Engagements have ranged from single examiner assignments to multi person assignments with numerous locations and sets of books and records. Additionally, throughout his career Joe has always been directly involved training recently graduated personnel in the asset-based lending field exam process.
After graduating from the University of Notre Dame in January of 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Joe began his career with the Chicago, IL location of a CA based field examination firm. Within four years Joe was promoted to Regional Exam Manager and moved to Atlanta, GA to open the Southeast office. Joe spent 12 years as the Atlanta Regional Exam Manager. During this time, he developed a market in the region and grew the office from one employee in Atlanta, to six examiners in the Southeast.
With the wide range of clients serviced over his 20 year career, Joe has been exposed to the industry’s “best practices” and is well versed in both industry-specific as well as jurisdiction-specific legislative concerns for lenders in the UK, the EU, Australia, and New Zealand.
Contact Information:
Joseph W. Gillespie // joegillespie@toptier-es.com // 404-694-4833
