Senior Asset Based Lending Underwriter

Wells Fargo & Company•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$159,000 - $305,000

About The Position

Wells Fargo is seeking a Senior Asset Based Lending Underwriter. In this role, you will independently analyze and form credit conclusions on complex transactions, including assessment of collateral quality, historical and projected financial performance, cash flow sustainability, liquidity, relevant valuation metrics, market significance, and key drivers of enterprise value. You will own and direct the due diligence process by defining scope, coordinating third‑party providers, and synthesizing findings from field examinations, appraisals (inventory, equipment, real estate, IP), environmental reports, quality of earnings analysis, and background investigations. Ensure conclusions are well‑supported and clearly documented. Identify, assess, and prioritize material credit, structural, legal, and reputational risks; develop and recommend commercially viable mitigants (if applicable) and structuring alternatives that align with return objectives and risk appetite. Lead management diligence meetings to evaluate borrower strategy, governance, financial discipline, and operational capabilities; translate insights into clear underwriting conclusions. Prioritize and follow-up on critical outstanding items to meet expected transaction deadlines. Prepare comprehensive, decision‑ready credit approval and funding memos that reflect independent judgment, well‑supported risk assessments, and thoughtful structuring recommendations. Present transactions to Credit Committee and senior leadership with clarity, confidence, and credibility, effectively influencing outcomes through data‑driven analysis and sound reasoning. Build and foster strong, collaborative partnerships across front-line teams, operational support, independent risk management, and business leadership. Lead negotiations of loan documentation directly with borrowers, sponsors, and counsel to ensure terms are consistent with credit approval and appropriately reflect the transaction's risk‑return profile. Maintain end‑to‑end accountability for transaction execution by proactively managing client and internal stakeholder expectations through consistent, transparent communication. Ensure timely and accurate completion of all internal controls, compliance, regulatory, and operational requirements. Champion leveraging approved AI and analytical tools across the platform, including daily use to enhance underwriting efficiency, accuracy, and consistency; actively identify opportunities to improve processes and documentation quality. Act as a senior leader by embracing change, demonstrating accountability, and mentoring junior talent in underwriting and beyond by providing guidance on credit judgment, structuring, and professional standards.

Requirements

7+ years of secured lending underwriting experience, or equivalent experience demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, or education

Nice To Haves

Prior asset-based lending experience and strong understanding of accounting and legal documentation
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work in a highly collaborative work environment
Experience with private equity firms
Cross-border lending experience
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or Economics

Responsibilities

Independently analyze and form credit conclusions on complex transactions, including assessment of collateral quality, historical and projected financial performance, cash flow sustainability, liquidity, relevant valuation metrics, market significance, and key drivers of enterprise value.
Own and direct the due diligence process by defining scope, coordinating third‑party providers, and synthesizing findings from field examinations, appraisals (inventory, equipment, real estate, IP), environmental reports, quality of earnings analysis, and background investigations.
Identify, assess, and prioritize material credit, structural, legal, and reputational risks; develop and recommend commercially viable mitigants (if applicable) and structuring alternatives that align with return objectives and risk appetite.
Lead management diligence meetings to evaluate borrower strategy, governance, financial discipline, and operational capabilities; translate insights into clear underwriting conclusions.
Prioritize and follow-up on critical outstanding items to meet expected transaction deadlines.
Prepare comprehensive, decision‑ready credit approval and funding memos that reflect independent judgment, well‑supported risk assessments, and thoughtful structuring recommendations.
Present transactions to Credit Committee and senior leadership with clarity, confidence, and credibility, effectively influencing outcomes through data‑driven analysis and sound reasoning.
Build and foster strong, collaborative partnerships across front-line teams, operational support, independent risk management, and business leadership.
Lead negotiations of loan documentation directly with borrowers, sponsors, and counsel to ensure terms are consistent with credit approval and appropriately reflect the transaction's risk‑return profile.
Maintain end‑to‑end accountability for transaction execution by proactively managing client and internal stakeholder expectations through consistent, transparent communication.
Ensure timely and accurate completion of all internal controls, compliance, regulatory, and operational requirements.
Champion leveraging approved AI and analytical tools across the platform, including daily use to enhance underwriting efficiency, accuracy, and consistency; actively identify opportunities to improve processes and documentation quality.
Act as a senior leader by embracing change, demonstrating accountability, and mentoring junior talent in underwriting and beyond by providing guidance on credit judgment, structuring, and professional standards.