Underwriter - Franchise Group

Celtic Bank • Salt Lake City, UT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Celtic Bank is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Underwriter to join our growing Franchise Finance team. This role is responsible for analyzing and underwriting complex credit requests for franchise clients across a variety of industries, including restaurants, fitness, retail, and service brands. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in commercial lending, credit analysis, and risk assessment, along with the ability to make sound credit decisions that support both portfolio growth and long-term risk management. This position plays a key role in delivering exceptional service while maintaining the professionalism, efficiency, and collaboration that define the Celtic Bank team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics or a related field.
• 2–4 years of commercial credit underwriting experience, preferably in franchise finance or middle-market lending.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, ratio analysis, and credit risk evaluation.
• Strong technical skills - including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Adobe, SharePoint/OneDrive, and internet applications.
• Ability to learn quickly, adapt to new processes, and work in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to maintain a professional disposition with both internal and external parties, especially while handling deadlines, delays, and setbacks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) and the ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships.
• Ability to problem solve and work independently, with high attention to detail and ability to prioritize and manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
• Ability to thrive in a deadline-driven environment, including by demonstrating excellent time management, organization, and planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and underwrite franchise loan applications including acquisitions, refinances, remodels, and development deals.
• Prepare clear and concise credit approval memos for internal credit committees and/or syndication partners.
• Perform detailed financial analysis of borrower and guarantor financial statements, tax returns, business plans, and projections.
• Assess franchisee performance metrics, brand strength, unit-level economics, and competitive positioning.
• Identify key credit risks and structure loans to mitigate potential exposures (covenants, collateral, guarantees, etc.).
• Collaborate with relationship managers, credit officers, legal, and operations to facilitate efficient deal processing.
• Monitor existing loan portfolio for performance trends, covenant compliance, and early warning signals.
• Participate in periodic portfolio reviews and contribute to credit policy updates and risk appetite frameworks.
• Complies with and adheres to all regulatory compliance areas, policies and procedures and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision
• 401(k) with employer match
• Life and long-term disability coverage
• HSA and FSA plans
• Holidays and paid time off requests
• Robust wellness program (we’re talking catered meals three times a weeks, lunch and learns, and onsite gym.)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level