Scenario Desk

About the role

At Acra Lending, we celebrate teamwork and community, offering a supportive environment with events, raffles, and giveaways. Our beautiful Irvine, California campus includes a free gym membership for local employees. We seek passionate candidates committed to growth and contribution.

The Scenario Desk leads our Scenario Desk function, providing expert guidance on complex Non-QM loan scenarios to support responsible loan production and exceptional customer service. This role serves as the primary resource for loan originators, account executives, brokers, and internal teams seeking eligibility, guideline, product, and structuring guidance prior to loan submission.

Responsibilities

• Scenario Review and Loan Structuring
  • Review and assess complex loan scenarios submitted by brokers, loan officers, and account executives.
  • Provide guidance regarding borrower eligibility, credit requirements, income qualification, asset sourcing, reserve requirements, and collateral considerations.
  • Identify the most appropriate loan product and structure based on the borrower's profile.
  • Analyze complex transactions and develop alternative solutions when a loan does not fit standard program parameters.
  • Interpret Non-QM underwriting guidelines and communicate requirements clearly to production teams.
  • Serve as subject matter expert on new and existing loan products.
• Sales Support and Business Development
  • Partner with Account Executives and Sales Leadership to support loan origination efforts.
  • Assist originators in structuring loans that maximize approval potential while maintaining guideline compliance.
  • Act as a trusted resource for brokers and business partners.
  • Improve conversion rates by identifying solutions early in the loan process.
  • Support growth initiatives through timely and accurate scenario responses.
• Guideline Interpretation and Consistency
  • Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all agency, non-agency, and proprietary lending programs.
  • Ensure consistent interpretation of guidelines across all channels.
  • Escalate complex scenarios requiring policy clarification or exception consideration.
  • Collaborate with Credit Policy and Underwriting leadership regarding guideline updates and product enhancements.
  • Assist in developing internal scenario reference materials and job aids.
• Team Leadership
  • Lead, coach, and develop Scenario Desk Analysts.
  • Establish service-level standards for response times and quality.
  • Monitor workload distribution and staffing requirements.
  • Conduct quality reviews of scenario responses.
  • Provide ongoing training regarding underwriting guidelines and product updates.
• Process Improvement
  • Identify recurring guideline questions and recommend clarifications.
  • Develop workflow efficiencies to improve turnaround times.
  • Partner with Operations and Technology teams to enhance scenario management systems.
  • Implement reporting and tracking mechanisms to monitor activity and trends.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Underwriting, Credit Risk, Sales, Operations, Product Development, Capital Markets, Quality Control, and Compliance teams.
  • Facilitate communication between production and credit teams.
  • Support implementation of new products and program enhancements.

Requirements

• Proficiency with mortgage loan origination systems (LOS).
• Strong knowledge of underwriting guidelines and income calculation methodologies.
• Ability to interpret program matrices and overlays.
• Experience using pricing engines and eligibility tools.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting skills.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of mortgage lending experience.
• 5+ years of Non-QM underwriting, credit, scenario desk, or sales support experience.
• 3+ years of team leadership or management experience preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in complex residential mortgage loan analysis.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness programs and EAP counseling services.
• FSA & HSA options.
• Company-sponsored life insurance for employees.
• Voluntary life insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
• AD&D Insurance.
• Voluntary short-term and long-term disability.
• Critical illness and accident insurance.
• Legal assistance and pet insurance.
• Living will and trust preparation discounts.
• Commuter program.
• Annual walking challenge.
• Employee appreciation events and monthly sales awards.
• Competitive salary and exceptional 401k match program.