Consumer Lending Underwriter

Guardians Credit Union•West Palm Beach, FL

About The Position

The Consumer Lending Underwriter makes day-to-day underwriting decisions within the consumer lending portfolio and may cross-train to underwrite HELOCs and second liens. The role approves, denies, or counteroffers loan requests in accordance with Credit Union policies and procedures and applicable laws and regulations. It evaluates applicants’ creditworthiness, repayment ability, financial stability, and overall credit risk while supporting responsible lending and the Credit Union’s financial objectives. The Underwriter works with loan officers and other lending and department personnel to facilitate timely decisions, maintain accurate documentation, and provide professional service to members and internal teams. The role manages assigned underwriting workflows, supports service and turnaround goals, maintains knowledge of consumer lending products and applicable compliance requirements, and contributes to training, audits, special projects, reporting, and effective lending controls. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate or bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, accounting, or a related field is preferred.
The posting states a minimum of two years of progressive experience in consumer lending, underwriting, loan operations, processing, funding, servicing, or financial institution work is preferred. It also states that a high school diploma or equivalent and at least three years of related experience or training are required; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, negotiation, and advanced computer skills.
Strong analytical skills to assess and manage loan risk effectively.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to continuous change and process improvement.
Highly organized and able to work independently.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Teams.
Working knowledge of consumer lending, credit analysis, collateral, loan documentation, lending regulations, and risk management practices.
Ability to review, analyze, and interpret credit reports, loan documents, financial information, procedures, exception reports, audit findings, and regulatory guidance.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, resolve routine issues, and escalate material concerns appropriately.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to perform arithmetic with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; calculate rates, ratios, percentages, and debt-to-income ratios; and interpret financial data.
Ability to apply common-sense understanding to instructions provided in written, oral, or diagram form and address problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Ability to perform the essential functions, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, accounting, or a related field.
Prior experience underwriting HELOCs and second liens.

Responsibilities

Evaluate applicants’ creditworthiness and make decisions on loan requests, including approving, denying, or counteroffering applications.
Communicate underwriting decisions verbally and in writing to Credit Union teams and, when necessary, members.
Calculate debt-to-income ratios, evaluate credit reports, assess collateral, and evaluate income for self-employed borrowers.
Monitor underwriting trends and inform the supervisor of irregularities, emerging developments, or changes affecting underwriting activities.
Manage assigned underwriting workflow to support back-office service and turnaround goals.
Maintain working knowledge of ancillary consumer lending products, including GAP and warranty coverages.
Participate in special projects and audits.
Assist with staff training and communicate updates and reminders about lending policies and procedures.
Support the Credit Union’s sales and service philosophy and provide prompt, accurate, professional service to internal teams and members.
Create and deliver accurate loan reports within required timeframes.
Participate in continuing education and maintain current knowledge of applicable lending laws, rules, and regulations.
Assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining effective controls over lending activities.
Review underwriting work for accuracy, completeness, professionalism, timeliness, and compliance with deadlines.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date files and records; attend meetings and training sessions as directed.
Maintain an understanding of the Credit Union’s history, mission, and service philosophy.
Maintain working knowledge of applicable BSA, AML, OFAC, and CTR requirements, including regulatory updates and changes.
Comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, including fair lending, consumer lending, home equity lending, privacy, information security, BSA, OFAC, and anti-money-laundering requirements.
Perform other duties, responsibilities, and activities as assigned; duties may change based on business needs.