Commercial Loan Underwriter

Commercial Loan Underwriter

Job Summary: Responsible for consistently underwriting safe and sound commercial loans that are in compliance with the Bank's underwriting standards and all applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations. Evaluates complex credit information for new and existing clients and underwrites commercial, SBA, real estate, term loans, and lines of credit loans. Remains abreast of industry developments, applies knowledge to the decision-making process and makes sound credit recommendations. Provides the Bank with accurate, clear, and concise written Credit Memos.

Essential Functions:

• Under general supervision, consistently underwrites safe and sound commercial loans in an expedient manner that are in compliance with the Bank's underwriting standards and all applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Under general supervision, analyzes financial data related to new and renewal loan requests, including, but not limited to, lines of credit, asset-based lines, commercial real estate, and equipment financing loans.
• Carefully assesses and evaluates the risk of financing requests within the framework of the Bank's credit culture and current economic and industry trends, and presents facts and offers opinions/recommendations to loans officers and relationship personnel concerning applicant's credit worthiness.
• Establishes and maintains a close working relationship with loan and relationship officers, participates in customer calls, assists loan and relationship officers in managing customer relationships by providing advanced credit analysis and support, thereby ensuring the needs of a borrower are met by underwriting the appropriate type of loan(s) and ancillary product(s), and works with loan and relationship officers to create solutions for problems that arise during the underwriting process.
• Reviews self-employed, corporate and partnership tax returns, profit and loss, as well as financial statements to ascertain borrowers' income, and follows up with customers to obtain all necessary information and clarification on financial analysis materials and resources.
• Orders and reviews credit and insurance reports, flood zone determinations and UCC filings, performs title searches and reviews site inspections, and ensures the Bank's collateral position can be appropriately achieved and protected.
• Utilizes independent judgement to review and correct potential problems during the commercial loan approval process, such as issues related to credit history, nonconforming appraisals, policy exceptions, etc.
• Prepares summary and/or credit approval report documenting credit analysis and supporting information for credit decision recommendations.
• May work with attorneys and other financial or legal resources to obtain correct and accurate documents to fully protect the Bank's interests in the credit relationship.
• Assists loan and relationship officers in reviewing loan documents for accuracy, completeness and adherence to approval conditions, and ensures loan agreements are in compliance with the Bank's underwriting standards and all applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Assists loan and relationship officers in providing verbal and written letters of commitment for each loan decision detailing required documentation, loan interest rate, as well as the fees and amount approved, provides related correspondence to loan officers, borrowers, and others.
• May directly manage a portfolio of credit relationships as assigned by Credit Administration.
• Assists with monitoring of assigned credit relationships for covenant compliance, collateral monitoring, and credit deterioration as applicable. Prepares, assembles, and maintains credit files / tickler system, and Problem Loan Reports.
• Responsible for timely submission of Borrowing Base requests and related documents as assigned. Including timely review, evaluation, and analysis of collateral and preparation of detailed reports for accounts, as well as portfolio assessments.
• Develops and maintains an advanced knowledge of financial industry, economy, market conditions, rates, vendors and competition, remains informed of trends and developments in local market and changes to regulations governing commercial loans, and assimilates new government regulations and applies this knowledge to improve and maintain quality and consistent underwriting. Reads periodicals and attends external webinars/workshops as needed.
• Responds to verbal and written inquiries, or refers inquiries to the appropriate department or person, and exhibits the necessary follow-through with customers and/or staff involved.
• Assumes responsibility for special projects, gathers data, and prepares reports for Credit Administration, audits, and other personnel.
• Adheres to Bank policies and procedures and complies with all United States Federal and State Regulations including the Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering Act, USA PATRIOT Act, and OFAC laws and their implementing regulations.
• Performs duties to ensure proper identification and information gathering of all parties subject to SBIC's Customer Information Program (CIP) and Customer Due Diligence Programs. Reports any Suspicious Activity to the BSA Officer or designee if found.
• Supports the Bank's compliance efforts by completing compliance and other technical training workshops as assigned.
• Reinforces the application of superior customer service through his or her own example along with appropriate follow-through with involved customers and employees.
• Treats people with respect, keeps commitments, inspires the trust of others, works ethically and with integrity, upholds organizational values, and accepts responsibility for own actions.
• Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time, supports the Bank's goals and values, and benefits the Bank through outside activities.
• Performs the position safely, without endangering the health or safety to themselves or others and will be expected to report potentially unsafe conditions. The employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations and orders issued pursuant to the OSHA Act of 1970, which are applicable to one's own actions and conduct.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy, shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences, educates others on the value of diversity, promotes working environment free of harassment of any type, and builds a diverse workforce and supports affirmative action.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent from four-year college in Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum 2 of commercial loan underwriting experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of lending and cash flow analysis.
• Working knowledge of bank products and services; credit analysis; loan structuring and documentation; credit policies and practices; credit regulations and requirements; and bank operations.
• Knowledge of Bank regulations, lending policies, procedures and techniques with an understanding of loan risk factors.
• Strong analytical and negotiating skills.
• Ability to conduct research into borrowers and industries to identify factors that may affect profitability and the borrower's ability to repay loans.
• Ability to set and obtain goals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to write accurate and concise reports.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to meet minimum qualifications. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Los Angeles, CA Onsite Full Time $33.65 - $40.86 per hour