Sr. Mortgage Loan Processor

Cathay Bank•El Monte, CA

About The Position

Following established policies and department procedures, the Senior Mortgage Loan Processor is responsible for processing residential mortgage and home equity/HELOC loan applications while providing advanced support to Mortgage Loan Originators (MLOs), underwriters, and processing staff. This role serves as a subject matter expert within the department, assisting with training, workflow coverage, and ensuring loans are processed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with Bank policies and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Minimum 3 to 5 years mortgage lending and banking experience with good knowledge of residential lending regulations and loan processing in a multi-state lending environment.
Advanced knowledge of residential mortgage and HELOC processing
Strong understanding of underwriting guidelines and regulatory requirements
Leadership, coaching, and mentoring abilities
Excellent organizational and pipeline management skills
Strong attention to detail and quality control
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities
Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Commitment to exceptional customer service and teamwork
PC proficiency, including working knowledge of mortgage loan origination system (LOS), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), and other mortgage banking technologies

Nice To Haves

Bilingual, paperless processing experience, and strong knowledge on processing portfolio mortgage loan products.

Responsibilities

Take ownership of managing a pipeline of residential mortgage and HELOC loans from application through closing.
Provide coverage for other team members' loan pipelines during absences, including vacations and sick leave, to ensure continuity of service and timely loan processing.
Serve as a trainer and mentor for new or less experienced Mortgage Loan Processors by allowing them to work alongside active loan files and providing guidance on departmental processes, procedures, and best practices.
Proactively review submitted documentation for accuracy, completeness, and potential issues that may affect loan approval or closing.
Ensure timely processing of all assigned loan files in accordance with established departmental service level agreements (SLAs).
Communicate effectively with borrowers, Mortgage Loan Originators, underwriters, title companies, escrow agents, and third-party vendors to obtain required documentation and satisfy underwriting conditions.
Conduct thorough reviews and evaluations of all documentation related to the loan file to ensure compliance with Bank policies, investor guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
Act as a liaison between MLOs, underwriters, closing agents, title companies, and other related parties throughout the loan process.
Provide and maintain exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers through professional, responsive, and solution-oriented communication.
Assist management with workflow prioritization, problem resolution, and process improvement initiatives as needed.
Identify and escalate complex loan scenarios, compliance concerns, or operational issues to management in a timely manner.
Maintain current knowledge of mortgage products, lending regulations, underwriting guidelines, and departmental procedures.
Support department goals by promoting operational efficiency, quality control, and a collaborative team environment.