Underwriter-Business Banking

About this 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). This role provides objective evaluation of creditworthiness, preparing comprehensive credit memoranda that identifies risk factors and exceptions to credit policy, and makes credit decisions within their authority.

In this Role You Will

• Fulfill the underwriting process for Business Banking loan requests including new loans, renewals, extensions, and modifications
• Exercise independent judgment to assess the creditworthiness of loan requests, including analyses of borrowers, guarantors, and collateral
• Identify transaction risks and propose mitigants to ensure alignment with the Bank's risk appetite
• Collaborate with Business Banking Officers, Branch Managers, and Regional Credit Officers
• Provide well-supported recommendations to arrive at credit decisions
• Participate in training to increase proficiency as part of professional development
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Demonstrates foundational to well‑developed knowledge (depending on level and experience) in the following areas:
• Commercial loan structures, including term loans, lines of credit, and related collateral arrangements
• Core underwriting principles and independent credit risk assessment methodologies
• Bank credit policy and credit procedures, with the ability to apply policy consistently and escalate exceptions appropriately
• Basic financial analysis, including review and interpretation of financial statements, cash flow, repayment capacity, and trends
• Credit scoring methodologies and risk‑rating frameworks
• Fundamental accounting principles relevant to commercial lending
• SBA lending programs and eligibility requirements (as applicable to assigned portfolio)
• Business banking product knowledge to support appropriate credit recommendations
• Regulatory expectations impacting commercial underwriting, documentation, and credit administration
• Proficiency expectation: Certain knowledge areas may be developing at entry or intermediate levels, with progression toward well‑developed competence through experience and training.

Skills

• Demonstrates effective application of skills required to manage workload, assess risk, and communicate credit decisions:
• 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
• Use of efficient work methods to manage underwriting requests, documentation, and reviews
• Strong analytical and reasoning skills to evaluate borrower risk and loan structure appropriateness
• Sound 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
• Consistent ability to meet deadlines while maintaining quality and accuracy
• Skill in identifying, assessing, and escalating credit risk factors
• Ability to recommend appropriate risk mitigants aligned with policy and regulatory guidance
• Application of sound judgment in credit recommendations and escalation decisions

Abilities

• Demonstrates professional behaviors and work attributes aligned with successful performance:
• Self‑motivated and proactive, with the ability to initiate work and follow through independently
• Willingness to take initiative within defined authority and escalation guidelines
• Effective team contributor in a collaborative credit and sales environment
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑volume workflow
• Strong sense of accountability for accuracy, timeliness, and quality of underwriting work
• Resourcefulness in resolving issues, gathering information, and navigating complex credit scenarios
• Consistent attention to detail to ensure accuracy, policy adherence, and audit readiness

Compensation Disclosure

The range for this role takes into account many factors that First Bank considers when making hiring decisions, including but not limited to prior experience, skill set, training, and other internal business and organizational factors. First Bank generally does not hire at or near the top of the stated range. The range is driven by the geographic location of the anticipated hiring location; however, the specific range may vary depending on the geographic location for remote positions. Compensation decisions depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each hiring instance.

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