Consumer Loan Underwriter - Middletown, NY

About us

Heritage Financial Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution committed to helping our members achieve their financial goals and building a stronger community. We believe that everyone deserves access to affordable financial services and are dedicated to providing our members with the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial dreams. Our vision is to be the leading financial institution in the communities we serve, with a culture of excellence where employees thrive, feel valued, and respected.

Our core values:

• Experience: Go Above Expectations; Create Positive Moments; Personally Acknowledge
• Service: Deliver As One Team; Stay A Step Ahead; Guide with Product Expertise
• Integrity: Do What's Right; Speak the Truth; Own Our Actions
• People: Grow Together; Respect Every Voice; Build Trusting Relationships; Strengthen Culture & Community

About the role

This position is responsible for underwriting and processing various consumer loan applications, including personal, auto, home improvement, credit card, and indirect lending automotive loans in accordance with Credit Union Policy. Performs a variety of support duties related to the lending function within the credit union.

Responsibilities

• Perform responsibilities in accordance with federal and state regulations, credit union policies, and procedures.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of HFCU’s Loan Policy and underwrite loans in accordance with those parameters.
• Manage loan pipeline with an emphasis on organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Underwrite loan applications generated through various channels: in-branch, online, and indirect lending, following established credit union policies and procedures.
• Maintain a working knowledge of current loan fraud trends, leveraging internal tools and resources to evaluate incoming consumer loan applications for potential fraud.
• Collaborate with branch personnel, processors, and other underwriters to ensure loan applications are fully completed, necessary documentation is received, and loans close properly.
• Gather background information on applicants by obtaining credit bureau reports, verifying debts, and calculating aggregates and ratios to determine credit union exposure in terms of secured and unsecured debt.
• Analyze loan applicants’ financial status, credit, and collateral to determine feasibility of granting loans; provide feedback to branch personnel or financial counseling to members if applicable.
• Approve consumer and indirect lending loans within authorized limits and communicate decisions to branch personnel and/or dealers. Recommend approval or denial for loans in excess of authorized limits; explain reasons for declines and provide counter offers whenever possible.
• Process adverse action notices for declined loans.
• Recommend operational procedures to increase effectiveness of department operations.
• Assist in conducting training on the loan origination system for end-users and troubleshoot system issues.
• Serve as a resource on consumer products/services of the Credit Union; respond to internal and external loan-related member questions and research; provide guidance on consumer lending practices, loan policies, and procedures.
• Work with all areas of lending, including origination, consumer lending, indirect lending, servicing, and collections, to ensure an efficient, effective team-based division.
• Process, analyze, and maintain lending department reports as assigned.
• Participate in department and/or strategic projects as directed.
• Meet or exceed objectives for accuracy, volume, and profitability of all consumer and indirect loans, as well as service level and business unit strategic goals.
• Assist in credit review training for end users.
• Cross-train in additional lending areas, including home equities and commercial lending, to broaden underwriting knowledge and support operational needs.
• Perform other related and unrelated duties as requested.

Requirements

• Two-year college degree preferred, plus two years of related underwriting experience; or a comparable combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, fair lending practices, and lending industry guidelines.
• Working knowledge of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requirements and compliance.
• Experience using PC-based software, including Microsoft Office.

Skills

• Strong analytical and detail-oriented skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
• Ability to project a professional appearance and positive attitude at all times.
• Proficiency in pipeline management and multi-tasking.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off & Paid Federal Holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)/Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Supplement Benefits: Critical Illness Care, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Legal Services
• BenefitsPlus+ perks program (travel, entertainment, gift cards, and more)
• CareNet – benefits concierge service
• 401(k) with 5% Employer Match
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Time to Volunteer
• HFCU Logo-wear

Pay

$25.89 - $32.37 per hour (depending on experience)