Underwriting Principal

Fifth Third Bank • Boston, MA

3d • $96,500 - $207,500

About The Position

The Underwriting Principal works closely with Relationship Managers and Credit partners throughout underwriting, credit approval, documentation, closing, and funding. The role identifies, assesses, and communicates credit risks; performs detailed due diligence and financial analysis; and supports sound underwriting decisions within established policies and risk appetite. Complex, sensitive, or policy-exception transactions are escalated as appropriate. The position establishes collaborative routines with internal partners and contributes to underwriting consistency, risk discipline, and talent development.

The role is accountable for managing and reporting risk in accordance with Bank policies and procedures, while supporting a positive customer experience. It may include direct or indirect supervision of Credit Solutions professionals, including performance feedback, employee development, succession planning, and recognition.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in commercial underwriting.
• Deep expertise in financial analysis, projection modeling, credit structuring, documentation, and due diligence execution.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, and related applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate a credit view, key assumptions, and risk considerations clearly.
• Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple transactions and timelines concurrently.

Nice To Haves

• CFA or MBA.
• Industry expertise in one or more sectors.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Relationship Managers on initial transaction assessments, financial analysis, structuring, and preparation of opportunity memos.
• Conduct due diligence on companies, industries, management teams, and relevant internal and external information.
• Develop, review, and assess financial projection models, including base-case and downside-case projections and their assumptions.
• Manage underwriting, approval, and documentation for new-money transactions.
• Provide a balanced credit view of borrower, industry, structural, and execution risks within credit policy and risk appetite.
• Identify, evaluate, and articulate key risks and mitigants, applying client selection, credit agreement, and underwriting skills.
• Coordinate with external legal counsel and internal partners on documentation preparation, negotiation, and execution.
• Coordinate closing, funding, and booking with the Funding Desk and Credit Collateral Operations.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of post-closing requirements.
• Identify, assess, manage, monitor, report, and escalate credit risks in accordance with Bank policy, procedures, and regulatory expectations.
• Establish working partnerships and routines with internal stakeholders to support efficient execution and consistent credit outcomes.
• Provide ongoing feedback, technical guidance, and coaching to junior team members.
• Develop sector expertise as needed and monitor and communicate industry trends, risks, and themes.
• Support underwriting consistency, knowledge sharing, and best-practice development.
• Complete special projects and other assignments as requested.
• If supervisory responsibilities apply, direct day-to-day activities of Credit Solutions professionals, provide timely and constructive performance feedback, develop employees, support succession planning, and recognize accomplishments.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits programs supporting physical, financial, emotional, and social well-being.
• Eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan based on company, line-of-business, and/or individual performance.

What This Job Offers

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