Loan Underwriting Officer

Position Overview

The Loan Underwriting Officer is responsible for evaluating and underwriting commercial loan requests through comprehensive financial and credit analysis to assess creditworthiness, repayment capacity, collateral adequacy, and overall risk. The position prepares credit recommendations, including appropriate loan structure, pricing, terms, covenants, and risk ratings, in accordance with the Bank’s lending policies and applicable regulatory requirements. The Loan Underwriting Officer works closely with lenders and management throughout the credit approval process; monitors assigned loan relationships and supports the identification and management of emerging credit risks. The position may also support business development efforts and assigned loan production goals.

Key Responsibilities

Credit Underwriting & Analysis

• Analyzes financial statements, cash flow, collateral, and repayment capacity to assess overall creditworthiness.
• Identifies key credit risks and provides well-supported underwriting recommendations.

Risk Management & Judgment

• Exercises sound and independent credit judgment consistent with the Bank’s lending policies and risk appetite.
• Identifies emerging credit concerns and recommends appropriate risk mitigation measures.

Loan Structuring & Problem Solving

• Develops appropriate loan structures, terms, covenants, and collateral requirements based on identified risks.
• Provides practical solutions to complex credit situations while maintaining prudent credit standards.

Communication & Credit Presentation

• Prepares clear, concise, and well-supported credit memoranda and recommendations.
• Effectively communicates credit analysis, risks, and recommendations to lenders, management, and loan committees.

Collaboration & Relationship Management

• Works effectively with Relationship Managers, Credit Administration, Loan Operations, and other business partners.
• Provides constructive credit guidance while maintaining appropriate underwriting independence.

Accountability & Compliance

• Maintains accuracy, completeness, and timely completion of underwriting assignments.
• Ensures underwriting activities comply with Bank policies, approval authorities, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field required; equivalent relevant experience may by considered.
• 2-5 years of experience progressively responsible commercial credit analysis, underwriting, or related banking experience preferred.
• Experience underwriting commercial real estate, C&I, construction, and other commercial credits preferred.
• Formal bank credit training, or equivalent credit underwriting experience preferred.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of commercial credit underwriting and financial statement analysis.
• Strong understanding of cash flow analysis, global debt service, collateral analysis, and loan structuring.
• Knowledge of commercial real estate, C&I, and construction lending principles.
• Working knowledge of banking regulations, credit risk management practices, and loan documentation.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with the ability to identify material credit risks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, loan origination systems, and financial spreading/credit analysis systems.