Credit Underwriter

Description

JOB FUNCTION / SUMMARY:

The Credit Underwriter will be responsible for analyzing and underwriting consumer and small business loan request to ensure sound credit decisions, and compliance with United Bank’s lending policies and regulatory requirements. This role supports the bank’s consumer and small business lending strategy by assessing credit worthiness, mitigating risk, and maintaining portfolio quality while delivering accurate and timely service to internal consumer lending team. Will provide underwriting expertise as needed as backup for the Director, Consumer Credit, 1-4 Family In-House loan underwriting, and SBA Underwriting.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluate consumer loan applications to determine creditworthiness.
• Analyze applicants' financial information, such as personal financial statements, tax returns, credit reports, income statements, employment records, and other financial data.
• Evaluate small business loan requests to determine creditworthiness.
• Provide approval and guidance to retail network by structuring, underwriting, and decisioning small business loan requests.
• Analyze business and guarantor financial information, such as tax returns, financial statements, credit reports, etc.
• Review and verify the accuracy of loan documentation.
• Assess risk factors associated with the credit applied for identifies strengths, weaknesses, risks, and renders a decision.
• Ensure all loan approvals and adverse actions comply with regulatory standards and internal policies.
• Collaborate with loan officers to gather necessary documentation and clarify any uncertainties.
• Maintain detailed records of loan applications and underwriting decisions.
• Stay updated on industry trends and changes in loan underwriting regulations.
• Provide recommendations for improving loan approval processes and risk management.
• Communicate underwriting decisions to loan officers and other stakeholders timely, in a clear and professional manner.
• Any other duties as assigned by Management.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• 5+ years’ experience in consumer & small business lending, consumer and small business loan underwriting, credit analysis, or similar role in the financial industry.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability analyzing consumer and small business financial statements, tax returns, cash flow, debt service coverage, and interpretation of credit reports
• Strong knowledge of current consumer and small business loan underwriting regulations, credit and lending policies, and industry standards
• Proven ability to make sound decisions based on thorough analysis of financial data; resulting in a proven record of low credit delinquencies and risk mitigation
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple files simultaneously
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong operational use of other financial software, loan origination and underwriting systems
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• NMLS registration
• High school diploma or equivalent

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field.
• 7+ years’ progressive experience in consumer and small business lending, loan underwriting, or similar role in the financial industry.
• Advanced abilities in financial and credit analysis, global debt service coverage, loan structure, risk ratings.
• Professional certification in consumer lending, credit analysis, credit underwriting, credit risk management, or similar professional certification.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to manage time and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of an organization.
• Collaborative professional skills that lead to a collegial and partnered approach to meeting objectives.
• High motivation with ability to successfully meet individual and team goals while maintaining individual performance over the long term.
• Adaptability and flexibility.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak or hear, stand, or sit for long periods of time, open filing cabinets, walk, stoop or bend, use hands to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ten pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and complete tasks requiring manual dexterity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This job operates in a professional office environment.

United Bank is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious beliefs, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, status as a protected or disabled veteran, national origin, or any other protected characteristic as required by applicable federal, state or local law.