Centralized Underwriter

b1BANK•Baton Rouge, LA

About The Position

Responsible for analyzing creditworthiness of borrowers and credit structure in order to prepare Underwriting portion of loan presentations for approval purposes. Analyses will include identifying strengths, weaknesses, repayment ability, collateral, spreading financial statements, and assessing risk. Will provide recommendations for approval and will approve loan requests within assigned loan authority. This position will support the Centralized Underwriting Credit Officer in building and maintaining strategic oversight of all key duties and processes related to the Centralized Underwriting team. Also responsible for keeping up to date with compliance regulations and the economic conditions as they relate to small commercial loans. Requires use of independent judgment and decision making. Works with minimal direction. Aids newer underwriting staff. Additionally, it promotes the financial institution and its lending services to the community and helps to identify and serve the community’s financial needs by participating in community activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field required. Four (4) years of related commercial banking underwriting experience can be used in lieu of degree.
Four (4) – Seven (7) years of business banking, SBA, underwriting or portfolio management experience is required.
Strong financial and analytical skills.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with co-workers and customers about the financial institution’s loan programs and policies.
Good knowledge of Microsoft Office Products including Word and Excel.

Nice To Haves

Master’s of Business Administration is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare front-end analysis and repayment ability on credits, which includes reviewing all necessary financial information, discussing credit request and financial information with banker in conjunction with underwriting, credit preparation of credit approval documents.
Analysis will include: Spreading annual and interim financial statements of companies.
Spreading annual personal financial statements and personal tax returns of owners/guarantors.
Industry research.
Identifying risk inherent in relationships, loan structure, or industry and identifying methods to minimize the identified risk.
Identifying policy and regulatory compliance issues.
Preparing risk analysis.
Approving loans within assigned loan authority.
Analysis includes identification of risk(s) within the relationship, loan structure, or industry as well as methods to minimize the identified risk(s) or compensating factor(s) for the risks.
Complete ongoing periodic credit servicing of loans within the portfolio including analyzing financial statements and reviewing ratio tests.
Mentor junior members of the Underwriting team.
Provide support for the Bank’s sales efforts, which may include selling and promoting Bank’s services, as opportunities arise.
Participate in the financial institution’s community activities.
Perform other duties, as assigned.