Commercial Underwriter, Sr

Columbia Bank•Yakima, WA

24d•Onsite

About The Position

Underwrites new and renewal Commercial and Industrial (C&I) and Commercial Real Estate (CRE) credit requests, including working capital and asset-based lines of credit, owner-occupied and investor commercial real estate loans, and equipment financing. Requests most often involve moderate-to-complex enterprises with revenues generally greater than $5 million. The role collaborates with team members, Commercial Portfolio Managers, Client Solutions Managers, and Commercial Relationship Managers to present findings, business rationale, and risk mitigations to obtain credit approval and meet customer needs. The Commercial Underwriter analyzes business, industry, financial, and other supporting credit information; identifies risks affecting repayment prospects; and develops fact-based credit recommendations. The role prepares timely, concise, accurate recommendations with limited supervision or revision, including quantitative analysis, risk-rating model use, identification and mitigation of policy and guideline exceptions, compliance matters, and accurate loan coding. The position monitors borrower financial performance against loan documents, spreads or ensures the spreading of financial statements, and verifies covenant calculations. It works with team members to issue borrower notifications and obtain approvals to resolve violations promptly. The underwriter may provide insights into customer financial needs and loan structure, participate in customer and prospect calls, shadow-manage a portfolio with required approvals, and oversee or review the work of other underwriters or credit analysts, including quality-control reviews and coaching. The role follows bank policies, procedures, and applicable regulations; completes required training; maintains working knowledge of relevant banking regulations; and may coach, mentor, or train others. It also supports Columbia Bank’s corporate culture and vision and may perform other assigned duties. This position is fully onsite at 10 N 5th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902, with occasional travel.

Requirements

7–10 years of commercial underwriting/credit analysis experience or relevant lending experience (required).
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
Advanced credit and credit-quality skills, including accounting, financial statement spreading, and cash flow analysis.
Demonstrated time-management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks while delivering work on time.
Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups across the company and manage internal and external customer relationships.
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Advanced knowledge of credit policies, procedures, practices, and documentation.
Proficiency with personal computers and business software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability or interest in learning to train and present to small and large audiences.
Ability to work fully onsite at the posted location.

Responsibilities

Underwrite new and renewal C&I and CRE credit requests, including working capital and asset-based lines of credit, commercial real estate loans, and equipment financing.
Analyze business, industry, financial, and supporting credit information; identify repayment risks and develop credit recommendations supported by documented facts and sound judgment.
Prepare accurate and timely credit recommendations, including quantitative analysis, risk ratings, policy and guideline exceptions, compliance considerations, and loan coding.
Monitor borrower financial performance against loan documents and ensure financial statements are spread and covenant calculations are accurate and compliant with approval conditions and loan documentation.
Coordinate borrower notifications and approvals to resolve violations in a timely manner.
Collaborate with team members to identify customer financial needs and potential relationship-expansion opportunities, and offer input on loan structure and risk mitigation.
Participate in customer and prospect calls as appropriate.
May shadow-manage a portfolio with mutual approval from the Underwriting Manager and Market Director as part of training and development.
May oversee commercial underwriters or credit analysts, review credit reports for quality, document findings using a standardized QC Checklist, and provide guidance and training.
Follow bank policies, procedures, and applicable regulations; keep current on regulatory changes and complete required training.
Maintain working knowledge of applicable written policies and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, and Bank Security requirements.
May coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as a subject matter expert.
Demonstrate and foster Columbia’s corporate culture and vision; perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans for eligible associates.
401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions.
Employee assistance program.
Life insurance and disability insurance.
Tuition assistance.
Mental health resources.
Identity theft protection.
Legal support.
Auto and home insurance.
Pet insurance.
Access to an online discount marketplace.
Paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays.
The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation.