Head of Underwriting (MALPB)

Checkout.com•Atlanta, GA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a Senior Manager of Underwriting, with a background in payments and/or financial analysis, to serve as a cornerstone of our Atlanta risk operations. This is a high-impact, individual contributor role designed for a seasoned expert who thrives on technical complexity and strategic autonomy. In this dual-faceted position, you will own the underwriting lifecycle of strategic enterprise merchants, navigating complex business models, credit exposure, and scheme rules. Simultaneously, you will serve as the Head of Underwriting for Checkout’s Merchant Acquiring Limited Purpose Bank (MALPB). In this capacity, you will act as the primary bridge between our global risk standards and the MALPB’s specific regulatory landscape, providing the specialized oversight necessary to scale this entity. This role offers unique visibility across our core business, requiring close collaboration with Senior Management and key internal partners, including Business Development, Financial Partnerships, Sales, Risk, Compliance, and Legal. While initially focused on high-level execution and the onboarding of enterprise clients, this is a designated leadership track with the clear objective of building and mentoring our Atlanta underwriting team as we expand.

Requirements

8+ years of deep-domain experience in merchant underwriting, with a proven track record of expert business model assessment and identification of credit risk exposure.
Expert-level proficiency in analyzing profit and loss, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for enterprise customers.
Strong command of Customer Due Diligence (CDD), KYC, and KYB frameworks within a regulated banking or fintech environment.
A demonstrated ability to balance risk and reward, making sound, autonomous decisions that protect the company while enabling commercial growth.
Exceptional written and interpersonal skills with the "gravitas" to lead customer calls and influence internal senior management.
A passion for coaching and a desire to transition from an elite individual contributor into a people leader as the Atlanta hub expands.
Leading by example, you will demonstrate our core Values and live out our Operating Principles in everything you do.
Adopt a ‘customer first’ mindset to deliver creative solutions for our merchants and contribute to cross-team collaboration and building a ‘One Team’ culture.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement the underwriting and onboarding strategy for Checkout’s Merchant Acquiring Limited Purpose Bank, ensuring alignment with local regulatory requirements and global standards.
Own the underwriting lifecycle for complex enterprise applications, focusing on deep-dive analysis of Business Models, Credit Exposure, and Financial Statements.
Represent Underwriting in high-stakes external calls and meetings with third parties, including the regulator, auditors, and card schemes.
Mitigate micro and macro risks for high-value merchants in complex, high-risk sectors such as travel, ticket and events, gambling, and securities.
Exercise ultimate oversight over decisions made by Risk Operations and identify systemic recommendations to improve the merchant onboarding experience.
Foster a culture of collaboration by partnering with the Commercial team and representing Underwriting in customer calls to drive creative solutions.
High-grade the technical skills of junior team members through training initiatives on business model and credit analysis in line with internal policy.