Bankcard Operations Representative - Underwriter I

Westamerica Bank•Santa Rosa, CA

25d•Onsite

About The Position

Westamerica is among the largest commercial banks headquartered in California. We are looking for outstanding people to join on our winning team. We reached our current strength because our employees, customers, and shareholders believe in the same fundamental goals: Delivering a wide variety of financial services with a superior customer service guarantee. Weekly Working Hours: 40 Underwriter I is responsible for reviewing and evaluating low-risk FSP account applications to ensure they meet internal risk standards, industry regulations, and card brand rules. This role supports decisioning new accounts by analyzing applicant's information, financial documentations, processing history, and risk indicators.

Requirements

Experience working in a fast-paced environment, preferably but not required in banking or financial services industry
Effectively manage assigned underwriting through completion, and escalate issues proactively to leadership
Ability to effectively analyze spreadsheets, reports, and other sources of financial data
Working knowledge and experience using computer and Microsoft Office applications
Ability to continuously adhere to multiple compliance regulations and card brand rules
Natural inquisitive mindset with an infinity to learn
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills are required
Excellent multi-tasking and time management skills
Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team
Regular on-site attendance required during regular business hours

Responsibilities

Underwrites new low-risk FSP account applications:
Reviews applications for completeness accuracy, and compliance with company policies, card brand rules, and underwriting guidelines
Assess merchant risk by evaluating models, process volumes, financial stability, chargeback exposure, and historical processing behavior
Analyze supporting documents such as bank statements, financial reports, compliance details, etc. to verify legitimacy and risk alignment
Identify potential fraud or high-risk indicators and escalate application as necessary
Determine application outcome such as approval, denial, etc.
Answers inquiries from FSP and ISOs to clarify account conditions and procedures
Keeps informed of current practices in underwriting and current program guidelines and development, card brand rules, applicable regulations, and industry best practices
Meet productivity and turnaround time SLAs while maintaining high accuracy standards
“Shadow Underwrites” FSPs for low risk/low volume applications to ensure underwriting process and guidelines are managed to expected quality assurance level
Follows up on missing items from various sales channels and/or merchants
Handles exceptions and escalates cases as necessary
Provides outbound customer service with sales partners to resolve pending items
Compliance Specific: Maintain awareness of federal and state regulations applicable to designated areas of responsibility, stay current with compliance training, adhere to bank's compliance practices, support implementation of necessary changes to policies, procedures, and controls to ensure ongoing adherence.
Provides backup to Underwriter II as needed
Other duties as assigned