Senior Special Assets C&I Underwriter

About the organization

A well-established, community-focused financial institution headquartered in the Bay Area, known for its personalized banking services and long-standing commitment to local communities. The organization offers a full range of financial products including personal and business banking, mortgage lending, and wealth management. It distinguishes itself through relationship-based service, local decision-making, and support for regional economic growth through philanthropic initiatives and community engagement.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Special Assets Manager, the Senior Special Assets C&I Underwriter is responsible for underwriting and managing adversely graded loans within the Bank’s classified loan portfolio. This includes secured and unsecured commercial loans, land and construction loans, income property loans, and private banking lines. The role focuses on restructuring troubled borrower relationships, reducing classified assets, and minimizing loan losses while ensuring compliance with bank policies and regulatory requirements.
Key responsibilities include financial and cash flow analysis, collateral evaluation, risk mitigation strategy development, and preparation of required monthly and quarterly reports. The position requires strong independent judgment, collaboration, and alignment with the Company’s Core Values in all internal and external interactions.

Role and Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of criticized and classified loans to reduce delinquency and charge-offs.
• Conduct thorough financial analysis and provide timely, accurate reporting.
• Meet with borrowers to assess financial challenges and recommend strategies to enhance repayment and mitigate risk.
• Negotiate repayment terms and loan restructures, evaluating loan terms, collateral, guarantor strength, and liquidation rights; present recommendations for approval to appropriate committees.
• Oversee the management and disposition of repossessed assets efficiently.
• Ensure risk ratings, accrual status, and loan loss provisions accurately reflect asset quality.
• Recommend timely loan downgrades and charge-offs as necessary.
• Assist in managing bankruptcy and foreclosure processes, in coordination with legal counsel and the Special Assets Manager.
• Advise lending staff on early intervention strategies for deteriorating credits not formally assigned to Special Assets.
• Support special projects such as annual loan reviews, credit audits, and regulatory requests as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• 4+ years of experience in C&I underwriting & CRE underwriting
• Must have understanding of Global Cash Flow
• Must have understanding of business financial statements and spreading software
• Advanced skills utilizing Microsoft Excel with experience in Outlook, Work and PowerPoint.
• Ability to deliver excellent service to teammates, sales staff, and customers.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while delivering accurate and quality work product.
• Knowledge of the Bay Area industries and real estate market preferred
• Loss mitigation, or loan workout experience is a plus.
• Experience in the financial industry in a commercial lending or credit approval role may substitute for collections-specific experience.
• Requires moderate oversight.
• Must be knowledgeable of the Fair Debt Collection Protection Act.
• Proficient in the use of the PC, MS Office, email, and internet usage.
• Possess strong understanding and experience in commercial loan underwriting, structuring, approval and documentation.
• Possess a strong understanding of business and other economic issues to logically assess and analyze the potential risks of problem credits so as to resolve them in an efficient and professional manner.
• Must be knowledgeable of the Fair Debt Collection Protection Act.
• Able to read title searches and identify lien positions
• Able to analyze credit reports, tax returns, business and personal financial statements, rent rolls and appraisals.
• Accuracy and Thoroughness –Strong attention to detail.
• Analytical Skills – Must have strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. 
• Communication – Must speak and write clearly and persuasively in all situations; you listen, get clarification, and respond well to questions. 
• Compliance – Must adhere to Bank policies and regulations.
• Innovation –An original thinker who brings creativity to dealing with work problems and opportunities, meeting challenges with resourcefulness.
• Multi Task - Must be able to meet time sensitive deadlines in an unstructured work environment with minimal supervision and constant interruptions.
• Monthly reporting and spreading financials require solid Excel and spreading software skills.
• Actively participate in team meetings.
• Proficient in the use of the PC, MS Office, email, and internet usage.
• Loss mitigation, or loan workout experience. Experience in the financial industry in a commercial lending or credit approval role may substitute for collections-specific experience. Requires occasional oversight.
• Must be able to:
  - Work a flexible work schedule to include before and after normal work hours, weekends and holidays when necessary.
  - Must be able to operate standard office equipment, including phone, personal computer, copier, and etc.
  - Must be able to read and understand bank-related documents.
  - Must be able to work in a conventional office setting, involving sitting at a desk or workstation for long periods of time.
  - Must also be able to adapt to different work environments as needed to perform the job.
  - Knowledgeable of foreclosure and bankruptcy laws.