Commercial Underwriter IV

About the role

A senior-level position responsible for overseeing the underwriting of complex and high-value commercial insurance accounts. This role involves advanced risk assessment, policy development, and strategic decision-making, with a significant level of independence and authority. The Commercial Underwriter IV also plays a key role in mentoring junior staff, leading underwriting initiatives, and contributing to the company’s overall strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Performs financial analysis and risk assessment for the commercial credit portfolio including Business Banking, Commercial & Industrial, Commercial Real Estate, and any other business line established by the Bank.
• Reviews commercial loan applications and analyzes credit information to make a general assessment of applicant’s creditworthiness.
• Determines whether or not the proposed loan will conform to the Bank’s lending policy.
• Provides feedback to the Business Unit Manager, Regional and/or Market President, Senior RM, and Commercial Credit Officer (CO), as appropriate, regarding the structure, underwriting, and management of loans.
• Maintains ongoing communication with all appropriate management on the status of transactions.
• Spreads statements for all new business opportunities and renewals not assigned to credit portfolio analyst.
• Prepares financial spreading and cash flow/CRE template for pre-screen/opportunity memo for prospects and new loans to existing clients.
• Prepares credit memos for new and renewal requests on complex credits and large clients, including those going before the Senior Credit Committee.
• Serves as point of contact on large credits and/or is assigned a portfolio of clients.
• Works with Commercial Relationship Managers in the preparation of complete and accurate CARs for presentation to the appropriate credit authorities for decisions on transaction credit requests and reviews.
• Attends loan committees when a CAR is being presented.
• Finalizes changes to CAR and verifies approval process in accordance with FFB policy.
• Works directly with Senior Relationship Managers, Business Unit Managers, and Regional Presidents in respective region, including attending local/regional meetings as necessary.
• Focuses on new business and larger and/or more complex renewal transactions.
• Serves as additional point of contact on large credits and is present with RM/RA in discussions with client on financial statement questions.
• Assists RM/RA in maturity tracking for their assigned region.
• Leads in the preparation of periodic portfolio reports assessing ongoing risk in conjunction with the CO.
• Provides underwriting and credit management activities for specialized portfolios originated or managed at the corporate level.
• Assists and/or leads in the underwriting and analysis associated with loan purchases and sales on an individual or pool basis.
• Conducts and provides certain industry analysis related to the various commercial loan portfolios.
• Assists in the Due Diligence activity associated with bank or business acquisitions as requested.
• Manages the Pipeline and assists in the management of workflow and assigned credits.
• Provides group supervision and/or coordination in a leadership role for the entire group.
• Ensures that workflows and productivity challenges are addressed on a group level.
• May be assigned a higher level of independent credit authority.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration.
• Seven (7) years of specific credit underwriting or Business Banking underwriting experience.
• Specific credit underwriting experience for specialty portfolios should come from experience in the specialty lending area.
• Proficiency in mathematical concepts to apply to practical situations.
• Knowledge of advanced accounting principles and techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business.
• CPA or other appropriate financial certification.

Level of Complexity and Scope

A senior role with significant independence and decision-making authority, responsible for managing complex and high-value commercial insurance accounts.

Degree of Independence and Decision-Making

Makes final underwriting decisions on complex and high-value accounts, with the authority to approve or reject applications and endorsements based on comprehensive risk analysis.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Mentors and provides leadership to junior underwriters and support staff, offering guidance, training, and support to develop their skills and knowledge. No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of deskwork.
• Frequent use of computer, keyboard, phone, and office equipment.
• Occasional moving within the office or to other locations within the building.
• Occasionally lifting and carrying light objects, typically up to 10-15 pounds.
• Occasionally reaching for items on shelves or in drawers.
• Clear and effective communication in person and over the phone.
• Ability to move within an office environment.

Compliance

The associate is responsible for meeting all compliance requirements imposed on First Financial Bank by State and Federal law and regulation, as well as all related First Financial Bank policies and procedures. This includes all Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC, and Suspicious Activity reporting requirements, as well as all other lending and deposit compliance requirements.

Pay

$107,000/year to $142,760/year.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits and programs that support every aspect of associates' holistic wellbeing. Review our Benefits Guide for details.

All roles are incentive eligible with the exception of Co-Op, Intern, or Student positions.