Loan Underwriter

 The Loan Underwriter is responsible for evaluating loan applications and determining credit worthiness in accordance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and sound lending practices. This position analyzes financial information, assesses risk, and ensures loans are structured to protect the financial institution while serving member needs.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Review, analyze, and underwrite consumer, mortgage, business and/or commercial loan applications

· Evaluate credit reports, income documentation, tax returns, bank statements, appraisals, and collateral documentation.

· Assess borrower capacity, credit history, collateral adequacy, and overall risk profile.

· Ensure compliance with federal and state lending regulations (e.g Fair Lending, TRID, HMDA, ECOA, Reg B).

· Make approval, denial, or counteroffer decisions within assigned lending authority.

· Provide detailed loan stipulations and communicate conditions to lending staff.

· Work closely with loan officers, processors, and branch staff to gather additional documentation.

· Maintain documentation and decision rationale in loan file.

· Monitor and manage pipeline to ensure timely decisions and service level standards.

· Identify potential fraud or misrepresentation concerns.

· Assist with audits and regulatory examinations as required.

· Recommend policy improvements based on underwriting trends and risk patterns.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business, Accounting or related field preferred.

· 3-5 years of underwriting experience (consumer, mortgage, and/or commercial).

· Experienced in a bank or credit union environment preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

· Strong understanding of credit analysis and risk assessment

· Knowledge of lending regulations and compliance requirements.

· Ability to analyze financial statements and tax returns.

· Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities.

· Proficiency in loan origination systems and Microsoft Office.

Competencies:

· Sound judgment

· Risk assessment and mitigation

· Regulatory compliance awareness

· Time Management

· Collaboration and communication

· Confidentiality and discretion

Physical Requirements:

· Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

· Occasional lifting of files up to 20lbs

Work Environment:

· Office environment within a financial institution

· Standard business hours with occasional extended hours based on loan volume.