First-Southern-Bank

Unless you're in the Greenville office, there is no room for advancing into a different department. They go on and on about a "family culture," but it is creepy and fake. A lot of offices have people who don't actually like each other and will talk bad about everyone else behind their back. The company is overtly religious, which was a big surprise to me when I got to orientation. So if you don't align with Christianity, you will feel uncomfortable. Also, I have NEVER had issues with pay until I worked here. They call it "salaried," but it is actually hourly. It is funky and the pay never seems quite right. I suggest they overhaul that entire system. Also, their teller software is sub-par. Breaks all the time and is not intuitive at all. Clients are babied and get whatever they want, especially if they have a ton of money. Pay was fine, but I personally hated every minute I was there because of the staff and clients. When I would try to follow the rules, I'd be told to make an exception because of who the client was. Got sick of it real fast. Teller leader has no real authority, I constantly got overshadowed by some of the bankers. But I must note, there were about four people I got along with well, so it wasn't all bad.

TL;DR - Pay is fine and the pace is relaxed. Good place if you have no where else to go, but I would consider almost anything else before going back. Certain offices have catty staff. Tellers are looked down upon. Head of mortgage department makes everyone's lives a living h-ll. Wouldn't recommend unless you're desperate (like I was.)

This Company was wonderful but just as all Companies do when the grow too much they over work there employees and cut Customer Service were it is most needed.   
A typical day at work was enjoyable. We were fully trained in all areas of Deposit operations for each persons job, that way if an employee or another person were out sick or unavailable at the same time  we would be able to cover each others duties. We did at the end seem overworked and under paid for the experience we had in all we had learned for the job. 
I have always learned so much in Banking and there will always be something to learn in that field. 
The most enjoyable part of the job was the atmosphere and the people I worked with. A true family.
The hardest part of the job was the end of year raise and bonus that hearing all year long how much the Company was growing the raise was always 3% not enough to help with inflation.
Management was wonderful and I will never forget how much they helped and cared for each one of us.

Sexuality,  race, and religion should not be the topic of discussion at work. Diversity is very slim and I made it a point to speak with HR about my concerns. A diversity group was the solution but was upset they decided to “pick” their candidates. CXO would rather sleep under the desk and worry about other departments rather than providing  appropriate training. No feedback on progression, mediocre attitude, and no room to grow if you don’t kiss a**. Their motto is “if you are okay with working in the grey area, this is the job for you.” CXB’s perform their job duties while holding down the CXO roles as well. Qualified enough to do their work just not qualified enough to take their job. My character, integrity, and peace of mind is what I cherish the most. If the company I work for does not respect that then I have to part ways because wasting my time is not an option. Moving on from what can’t be changed to fulfilling my own personal enjoyment and growth. 

Company had big turnover a few years ago hiring from outside sources rather than promoting from within for many upper management positions.  New upper staff members came from larger financial institutions implementing many of the big bank policies and procedures.  This once great place to work and wonderful banking institution is quickly becoming just another big bank.  The banking clients are not as pleased as they once were and nether are the longtime employees who remember the wonderful culture this bank once had !

I loved it when I started, but as time progressed I began seeing things that aren’t exactly ethical in a work place. The way that they execute pay is very odd. Salary but the dates it’s paid out doesn’t match the dates on the pay stubs…but that’s not the point. I worked with great people but felt as if my manager did not care for our improvement. They were never fully present..and they got away with a lot that other banks would have fired them for..for sure. I don’t appreciate how I was treated by HR upon separating, after leaving on good terms. I also don’t think it’s okay to sweep things under the rug that the manager is doing that is 100% not okay. Even if you bring it up to higher-ups, nothing was done. Disappointing but not surprising in the slightest. Make sure you really know who your manager is before starting. Because they will stop caring real quick..at least mine did. I know of other managers that were actually competent. 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Management seldom recognized or promoted employees. Very little room for growth. They did not have a training department or online procedures. The work environment was somewhat negative because ideas for improvement or new ideas were frowned upon. Comraderie, collaboration were lacking. The main reason I worked there for as long as I did was because they paid more than other banks in this area. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The focus was on production over quality and developing the employee. I didn’t think my opinion or voice nor that of my co-workers were valued or heard. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
I witnessed people get targeted and bullied until they resigned. I experienced degrees of that as well.

Working at Southern First felt too good to be true when I first started. It took me literally months to realize and accept the authenticity of the caring spirits and servant hearts of our associates. We help each other out at work and in life. I have been here for almost 4 years and can't imagine leaving. I am growing as a person and feel safe to try out new ideas and stretch myself professionally and personally. 

Success combined with an incredible culture is unique. We work hard each day to not take our company for granted. 

Everyone here truly cares about each other and the work that they do. There is a level of trust and respect I've never experienced before. My manager is very communicative, supportive, and really lets me shine and elevates me. I'm able to see the results of my work every day, and the leadership team go out of their way to take notice and recognize my impact as well. I've never felt more appreciated, which continually motivates me to be the best I can be. I couldn't be more grateful to be here and highly recommend working here to anyone considering it.

I really enjoy working at Southern First. I have learned a lot about commercial and consumer lending. The management team is great and really cares about helping you succeed. The most difficult about the job is keeping up with the ever changing regulations with consumer lending.  The most enjoyable part of the job is definitely the family atmosphere that has been created here.

Southern First Bank has admirable involvement in the local community.  I really appreciate their support of charities and desire to better the community.  I really enjoy daily interactions with clients. It is important for me learn how to meet and exceed client's needs. They do not staff very consistently which creates strain on current staff.

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