Underwriter-Business Banking

About the role

The Business Banking Underwriter serves as a critical control within the bank's credit risk management framework and is responsible for the independent risk assessment of Business Banking loan requests submitted through the Bank's retail channel(s).

Responsibilities

• Fulfills the underwriting process for Business Banking loan requests including new loans, renewals, extensions, and modifications
• Exercises independent judgment to assess the creditworthiness of loan requests, including analyses of borrowers, guarantors, and collateral
• Identifies transaction risks and proposes mitigants to ensure alignment with the Bank's risk appetite
• Collaborates with Business Banking Officers, Branch Managers, and Regional Credit Officers
• Provides well-supported recommendations to arrive at credit decisions
• Participates in training to increase proficiency as part of professional development

Requirements

• Demonstrates foundational to well-developed knowledge in commercial loan structures, core underwriting principles, and credit risk assessment methodologies
• Applies bank credit policy and procedures consistently and escalates exceptions appropriately
• Performs basic financial analysis, including review and interpretation of financial statements, cash flow, repayment capacity, and trends
• Uses fundamental accounting principles relevant to commercial lending
• Understands SBA lending programs and eligibility requirements (as applicable to assigned portfolio)
• Knowledgeable in business banking product knowledge to support appropriate credit recommendations
• Complies with regulatory expectations impacting commercial underwriting, documentation, and credit administration
• Applies sound judgment in credit recommendations and escalation decisions

Qualifications

• Proficiency in using efficient work methods to manage underwriting requests, documentation, and reviews
• Strong analytical and reasoning skills to evaluate borrower risk and loan structure appropriateness
• Solid problem-solving ability when addressing complex or non-standard credit situations
• Clear and concise written communication, including credit memoranda and supporting analysis
• Effective verbal communication with internal partners and stakeholders
• Strong organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills to meet established service levels
• Professional interpersonal skills supporting partnership and constructive challenge
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy, policy adherence, and audit readiness

Skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently in a deadline-driven environment
• Capability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with relationship managers, credit partners, and leadership
• Strong analytical and reasoning skills to evaluate borrower risk and loan structure appropriateness
• Solid problem-solving ability when addressing complex or non-standard credit situations
• Clear and concise written communication, including credit memoranda and supporting analysis
• Effective verbal communication with internal partners and stakeholders
• Strong organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills to meet established service levels
• Professional interpersonal skills supporting partnership and constructive challenge
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy, policy adherence, and audit readiness

Benefits

First Bank offers a competitive compensation package that includes a range of benefits designed to support your overall well-being. These benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more.

Pay

A reasonable estimate of the current pay range is $53,000 - $65,000.

Schedule

First Bank operates in a hybrid work environment, allowing employees to work at least three full days in the office with more or all in-office days expected of our client-facing teams and the groups that support them in the business.

About Us

Be a part of a growing company that is truly committed to its employees and clients. Consider joining the First Bank family. As a member of our family, you are part of one of the largest independent banks in the U.S. We are proud of our growth and success over the past 100 years and look forward to a bright and promising future.

Diversity

Diversity At First Bank one of our biggest strengths is the diversity of our people. Our mission is to capitalize on the diversity of our associates and promote personal and professional development throughout every area of the organization. We encourage diversity by actively seeking employees from various backgrounds, walks of life, and job skills. We strongly encourage you to apply whenever a First Bank job opportunity interests you.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin. At First Bank, we embrace a hybrid work environment which allows employees to work at least three full days in the office with more or all in-office days expected of our client facing teams and the groups that support them in the business.