Senior Mortgage Underwriter

Responsibilities

• Underwrite a high volume of primarily agency loans (including Fannie Mae), with demonstrated capability to evaluate and approve portfolio loans using sound credit judgment and risk assessment.
• Apply advanced full-documentation underwriting expertise, including specialized programs such as Bridge to Homeownership, ensuring adherence to agency and investor requirements.
• Perform comprehensive reviews of loan files to validate accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies, federal regulations, agency guidelines, and applicable state and local requirements.
• Evaluate residential appraisals to confirm collateral adequacy and ensure alignment with secondary market standards, investor overlays, and internal quality expectations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Loan Officers, Processors, and Operations teams to resolve file deficiencies, streamline documentation collection, and ensure efficient loan progression.
• Exercise independent judgment in determining when additional documentation or clarification is necessary to support sound underwriting decisions; issue clear, concise, and actionable conditions.
• Provide informed guidance on loan structuring and program options, supporting optimal borrower outcomes while mitigating risk exposure.
• Maintain current knowledge of regulatory changes, underwriting guidelines, and market trends to ensure compliant and consistent decision-making.
• Ensure data integrity by validating system input accuracy and reconciling loan information against Automated Underwriting System (AUS) findings.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and resource for junior underwriters and team members, providing guidance, resolving escalations, and promoting underwriting consistency and best practices.
• Contribute to operational excellence through participation in process improvement initiatives, quality control efforts, and adherence to service level expectations.

Qualifications

• At least 5+ years of extensive experience underwriting increasingly complex mortgage transactions.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; college courses/technical training related to Business, Finance/Accounting, Legal, or related field is preferred.
• Prior experience using internal data entry systems, loan origination systems, Microsoft Office, and PDF/Document Retention programs.
• Experience working within Encompass preferred.
• Expert knowledge of end-to-end mortgage lending processes, including underwriting, processing, and funding.
• Advanced expertise in evaluating borrower documentation (e.g., tax returns, financial statements, income and asset verification) to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Deep understanding of underwriting standards and regulatory requirements, including federal, state, agency, and internal controls governing residential mortgage lending.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to assess complex data, draw sound conclusions, and evaluate downstream risk impacts.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a high sense of urgency and accountability.
• Solid numerical aptitude to support financial and credit analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
• Highest level of detail-oriented, organized, and disciplined in maintaining accuracy and quality.