Senior SBA Underwriter

Commercial Bank of California•California City, CA

6h•$100,000 - $135,000

About The Position

The Senior SBA Underwriter analyzes and underwrites Small Business Administration (SBA) loan requests and prepares credit approval documentation in accordance with SBA guidelines and Commercial Bank of California’s credit policies. The position supports small business growth through sound credit decisions, thorough risk assessments, and timely loan application processing. The role works closely with Relationship Managers, Loan Packagers, Business Development Officers, Loan Processors, and Credit Committees to evaluate loans against regulatory and institutional standards. It also supports loan structuring, post-approval activities, audits, and the development of junior underwriting and lending staff. The position is based in California and is listed as hybrid/remote eligible.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (BA) or equivalent from a four-year college or university, plus 3–5 or more years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs.
Advanced credit analysis skills and extensive knowledge of loan structure, pricing, and collateral analysis.
Advanced knowledge and experience in financial statement and tax return analysis, typically gained through education in accounting, finance, credit analysis, or a related field.
Advanced experience and knowledge of lending activities and terminology, including commercial, construction, real estate, and consumer loan processing.
Intermediate knowledge of state and federal lending and compliance regulations and bank lending policies.
Familiarity with loan origination systems and SBA submission platforms.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Intermediate computer skills, including computer terminals, personal computers, host systems, word processing, and spreadsheet software.
Advanced math skills, including calculating interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages; balancing accounts; performing arithmetic with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; identifying routine mathematical errors; and computing rates, ratios, and percentages, including interpreting and drafting bar graphs.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to interpret documents and professional journals, write reports and correspondence, understand procedures, give instructions, and communicate clearly with customers and employees.
Ability to handle complex problems involving multiple factors and variables in non-standardized situations.
Ability to work independently without supervision.

Nice To Haves

SBA underwriting certification or related training.

Responsibilities

Analyze financial statements, tax returns, business plans, and other documentation to assess SBA loan applicants’ creditworthiness.
Prepare detailed credit memoranda and present recommendations to the loan committee or approving authority.
Underwrite loans in compliance with SBA Standard Operating Procedures (SOP 50 10) and internal bank policies.
Work with SBA Business Development Officers, Relationship Managers, and Loan Processors to obtain documentation and clarify loan structures.
Maintain current knowledge of SBA programs, eligibility requirements, and regulatory changes.
Assist with structuring SBA 7(a), 504, and Express loans to meet borrower needs and SBA requirements.
Support post-approval processes, including closing, funding, and servicing, as needed.
Participate in audits and respond to SBA or internal review findings.
Provide training and guidance to junior underwriters or lending staff as needed.
Apply sound judgment to inquiries, approvals, and requests within assigned approval limits and established policies and procedures.
Cross-sell bank products and services and refer customers to appropriate staff.
Respond to inquiries or refer them to the appropriate department or person, following through with customers and staff.
Process, solve, and answer complex customer transactions, problems, or inquiries.
Assume department functions during staff absences or periods of workload overload, as needed.
Act ethically and with integrity, keep commitments, take responsibility, uphold organizational values, and treat people with respect.
Adhere to Equal Employment Opportunity policies, respect cultural differences, support diversity, and promote a workplace free of harassment.
Comply with bank policies, procedures, applicable banking laws and regulations, and Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering requirements.