Commercial Underwriter, Sr

Columbia Bank•Spokane, WA

13d•$81,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

Underwrites new and renewal Commercial and Industrial (C&I) and Commercial Real Estate (CRE) credit requests, including working capital lines of credit, asset-based lines of credit, owner-occupied and investor commercial real estate loans, and equipment financing. Requests most often come from moderate-to-complex enterprises with revenues generally greater than $5 million. The role collaborates with Commercial Portfolio Managers, Client Solutions Managers, Commercial Relationship Managers, and other team members to present findings, business rationale, and risk mitigations in support of credit approval and customer needs. The position analyzes business, industry, financial, and other supporting credit information; identifies business and financial risks affecting repayment; and develops fact-based credit recommendations using sound judgment. It prepares timely, concise, and accurate recommendations with limited supervision or revision, including quantitative analysis, risk-rating model inputs, identification and mitigation of policy and guideline exceptions, compliance considerations, and loan coding. It monitors borrower financial performance, spreads financial statements, calculates covenants, and helps resolve violations through timely notifications and approvals. The role may contribute insights on customer financial needs and relationship expansion opportunities, participate in customer and prospect calls, and advise on loan structures in light of risk mitigation, market conditions, and Bank risk tolerances. With mutual approval, it may shadow-manage a portfolio for development. It may also review other underwriters’ or credit analysts’ reports, document findings using a standardized Quality Control Checklist, and provide guidance and training. The role follows applicable regulations, Bank policies, procedures, and required training; keeps current with regulatory changes; and may coach, mentor, train, or teach as a subject matter expert. It is expected to model Columbia Bank’s corporate culture, take initiative, and support the Bank’s vision to become the “Business Bank of Choice.” Other duties may be assigned.

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 juggle multiple tasks while delivering work on time.
Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups across the company to 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 software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as other business machines.
Ability to train and present to small and large audiences, or interest in learning to do so.
Working knowledge of applicable bank regulations and policies, including Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, and Bank Security requirements, as applicable.

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 documented credit recommendations.
Prepare timely, concise, and accurate credit recommendations with limited supervision or revision, including quantitative analysis, risk ratings, policy and guideline exceptions, compliance considerations, and loan coding.
Monitor borrower financial performance and loan-document requirements; spread financial statements and ensure covenant calculations are accurate and consistent with approval conditions and loan documentation.
Collaborate with team members to send borrower notifications and obtain approvals to resolve violations in a timely manner.
Offer insights on customer financial needs and relationship expansion opportunities, and provide opinions on loan structure where appropriate.
Participate in customer and prospect calls with team members as appropriate.
May shadow-manage a portfolio as part of training and development, with approval from the Underwriting Manager and Market Director.
May oversee or review the work of commercial underwriters or credit analysts, document report-quality findings using a standardized QC Checklist, and provide guidance and training.
Comply with applicable bank regulations, policies, procedures, and required training, and keep current with regulatory changes.
May coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as a subject matter expert.
Model Columbia Bank’s corporate culture, take personal initiative, and support the Bank’s vision.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans
401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions
Employee assistance program
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Tuition assistance
Mental health resources
Identity theft protection
Legal support
Auto and home insurance
Pet insurance
Online discount marketplace
Paid vacation
Paid sick days
Paid volunteer days
Paid holidays
Potential eligibility for performance-based incentive compensation