Underwriter-Business Banking

First Bank • Creve Coeur, MO

2d • $53,000 - $65,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Business Banking Underwriter serves as a critical control within the bank's credit risk management framework and is responsible for the independent risk assessment of Business Banking loan requests submitted through the Bank's retail channel(s). This role provides objective evaluation of creditworthiness, preparing comprehensive credit memoranda that identifies risk factors and exceptions to credit policy, and makes credit decisions within their authority.

Requirements

• Demonstrates foundational to well-developed knowledge in commercial loan structures, including term loans, lines of credit, and related collateral arrangements
• Demonstrates foundational to well-developed knowledge in core underwriting principles and independent credit risk assessment methodologies
• Demonstrates foundational to well-developed knowledge in bank credit policy and credit procedures, with the ability to apply policy consistently and escalate exceptions appropriately
• Demonstrates foundational to well-developed knowledge in basic financial analysis, including review and interpretation of financial statements, cash flow, repayment capacity, and trends
• Demonstrates foundational to well-developed knowledge in credit scoring methodologies and risk-rating frameworks
• Demonstrates foundational to well-developed knowledge in fundamental accounting principles relevant to commercial lending
• Demonstrates foundational to well-developed knowledge in SBA lending programs and eligibility requirements (as applicable to assigned portfolio)
• Demonstrates foundational to well-developed knowledge in business banking product knowledge to support appropriate credit recommendations
• Demonstrates foundational to well-developed knowledge in regulatory expectations impacting commercial underwriting, documentation, and credit administration
• Ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently in a deadline-driven environment
• Capability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with relationship managers, credit partners, and leadership
• Use of efficient work methods to manage underwriting requests, documentation, and reviews
• Strong analytical and reasoning skills to evaluate borrower risk and loan structure appropriateness
• Sound problem-solving ability when addressing complex or non-standard credit situations
• Clear and concise written communication, including credit memoranda and supporting analysis
• Effective verbal communication with internal partners and stakeholders
• Strong organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills to meet established service levels
• Professional interpersonal skills supporting partnership and constructive challenge
• Consistent ability to meet deadlines while maintaining quality and accuracy
• Skill in identifying, assessing, and escalating credit risk factors
• Ability to recommend appropriate risk mitigants aligned with policy and regulatory guidance
• Application of sound judgment in credit recommendations and escalation decisions
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to initiate work and follow through independently
• Willingness to take initiative within defined authority and escalation guidelines
• Effective team contributor in a collaborative credit and sales environment
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume workflow
• Strong sense of accountability for accuracy, timeliness, and quality of underwriting work
• Resourcefulness in resolving issues, gathering information, and navigating complex credit scenarios
• Consistent attention to detail to ensure accuracy, policy adherence, and audit readiness

Responsibilities

• Fulfill the underwriting process for Business Banking loan requests including new loans, renewals, extensions, and modifications
• Exercise independent judgment to assess the creditworthiness of loan requests, including analyses of borrowers, guarantors, and collateral
• Identify transaction risks and propose mitigants to ensure alignment with the Bank's risk appetite
• Collaborate with Business Banking Officers, Branch Managers, and Regional Credit Officers
• Provide well-supported recommendations to arrive at credit decisions
• Participate in training to increase proficiency as part of professional development
• Perform other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree