Commercial Underwriter IV

First Financial Bank • Indianapolis, IN

2d

About The Position

The Commercial Underwriter IV performs financial analysis, risk assessment, and due diligence for Oak Street Lines of Business. The role reviews commercial loan applications and credit information, determines whether proposed loans comply with Bank Lending Policy, and recommends loan structure, underwriting, and management to senior leadership and the Loan Committee as applicable. It underwrites complex, large commercial credits, generally ranging from $2.5 million to $20 million, and may exercise individual lending authority to approve or decline credit requests.

The position works closely with Sales and Servicing, uses financial software to analyze statements, cash flow, and collateral, and prepares credit memos for new and renewal requests. It coordinates onsite borrower due diligence, works with third-party accounting and valuation teams, and monitors the portfolio through covenant compliance, risk-rating evaluations, and collateral tracking. The role also participates in negotiating closing documentation and completing pre-funding requirements.

The associate develops expertise in Oak Street Funding’s financing lines, provides internal and external training, and may manage pipeline and workflow, mentor or train underwriters, supervise or coordinate the group, and assist with special projects. The associate is responsible for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and First Financial Bank policies, including Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC, suspicious activity reporting, and lending and deposit compliance requirements.

Requirements

• At least 7–10 years of credit underwriting and/or commercial lending experience, with emphasis on underwriting commercial relationships of $5 million or greater.
• Seven or more years of related experience.
• Experience and ability to make credit decisions independently.
• Proficiency in mathematical concepts and applying them to practical situations.
• Knowledge of advanced accounting principles and techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or equivalent professional training.

Nice To Haves

• Specific credit underwriting experience in specialty lines of business.
• Master’s degree in Business is encouraged but not required.

Responsibilities

• Perform financial analysis, risk assessment, and detailed due diligence for Oak Street Lines of Business.
• Review commercial loan applications and analyze credit information to assess applicants’ creditworthiness.
• Determine whether proposed loans conform to Bank Lending Policy.
• Recommend loan structure, underwriting, and management to the Executive Director, Director of Underwriting, and Loan Committee as applicable.
• Maintain communication with Sales and Servicing staff about transaction status.
• Use financial software to spread financial statements and evaluate cash flow capacity and collateral for new business and renewals; this may include completing all or part of flagpole memos.
• Prepare and present credit memos for complex credits and large clients seeking new or renewal approvals.
• Use individual lending authority to approve or decline credit requests, including authority at the high end of the underwriting team.
• Coordinate and complete onsite due diligence at proposed borrower locations, including coordinating third-party accounting and valuation teams as needed.
• Work with Servicing to monitor and manage the loan portfolio, including financial covenant compliance, risk-rating evaluations, and collateral tracking.
• Administer and participate in negotiating closing legal documentation.
• Complete pre-funding checklist requirements as part of the loan closing process.
• Develop industry expertise in Oak Street Funding’s lines of business and provide internal and external training.
• As assigned, manage the pipeline and assist with workflow and credit assignments.
• Help mentor, train, and guide other underwriters as needed.
• May provide group supervision or coordination in a leadership role.
• Assist with special projects as needed.
• Meet compliance requirements imposed by applicable law, regulation, and First Financial Bank policies and procedures.

Benefits

• The company offers benefits and programs intended to support associates’ holistic wellbeing; details are available in its Benefits Guide.
• Incentive eligible.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior