Sr Commercial Credit Underwriter
First Fed, Seattle, WA, United States
Position Purpose
The Commercial Underwriter underwrites commercial business and real‑estate loan requests. The underwriter analyzes financial information, borrower and guarantor credit history, tenant leases, property condition reports, appraisals, market trends, and recommends loan actions. The role analyzes commercial loan applications and renewals, determines credit worthiness and appropriate grading, assists the sales staff to maximize cross‑sales, prepares loans for legal documentation, monitors closing, and follows up to ensure timely renewals and compliance with First Fed Bank policies and regulatory guidelines.
Essential Functions
Perform credit analysis and underwrite commercial loan applications to determine eligibility, ensuring compliance with lending policies and regulatory guidelines.
Review and evaluate credit data and annual financial information to determine profitability and qualification of the loan.
Perform all key ratios to assess borrower/project strength and compliance with credit policies.
Analyze loan collateral, recommend additions or alternative terms as necessary.
Recommend covenants and conditions for each loan.
Prepare the loan presentation document, support the loan request, determine credit quality, and identify potential risks. Discuss adverse issues with the Credit Administrator.
Define loan documentation requirements and review existing documentation for validity.
Ensure due diligence and background evaluation is complete before approval.
Coordinate with Relationship Managers to prepare the narrative portion of the Credit Memo.
Ensure all loan files presented to the Loan Committee are properly reviewed and pre‑approved prior to presentation.
Verify all conditions of approval are met and approve or decline exceptions prior to signing/closing.
Review new loan documentation prior to signing/closing for accuracy and validity.
Perform credit analysis on existing commercial loan relationships, including cash flow, tax returns, ratio analysis, and guarantor assessments.
Analyze collateral quality and define perfection requirements.
Define transaction structure and pricing, including workouts and restructures.
Maintain organized, updated credit files, and prepare Risk Rating Worksheets accurately and timely.
Review all property inspections prepared by Relationship Managers.
Conduct annual risk assessments on existing credits in accordance with policy and schedule.
Participate in Credit Committee and Special Assets Committee discussions as requested.
Coordinate with Relationship Managers to collect and prepare required financial information in proper format.
Maintain current working knowledge of the commercial lending industry, including research and training.
Ensure compliance with Bank Secrecy Act and other regulatory requirements; complete annual BSA training on time.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Qualifications & Requirements
Undergraduate degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related work experience.
Commercial Credit Underwriter I: 1–2 years of relevant banking experience; accounting and financial analysis skills required.
Commercial Credit Underwriter II: 3–4 years of relevant banking experience; accounting and financial analysis skills required.
Senior Commercial Credit Underwriter: 5+ years of relevant banking experience; demonstrate accounting and financial analysis skills and subject‑matter expertise in commercial loan underwriting.
Established knowledge of financial accounting theory, loan structuring, and commercial products.
Ability to interpret analytical data and make credit recommendations to senior management and risk management.
High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
Excellent credit analysis, accounting, and mathematical skills.
Ability to work under pressure, adapt to a fast‑paced environment, and complete high volumes of work with accuracy.
Ability to assume responsibility and accountability for decision making.
Demonstrated teamwork and independent work capability.
Ability to interact professionally with the public and internal contacts.
Excellent organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written.
Proficiency with personal computers, Windows programs, and the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel).
Knowledge of First Fed policies, procedures, and systems.
Physical Requirements The work requires the ability to operate office equipment such as personal computers, printers, copying machines, and telephones. It also requires clear verbal communication and involves extended periods of sitting or standing.
Pay Range
Senior Commercial Credit Underwriter salary range: $86,431.49 – $146,933.53.
Typical hiring range: $86,431.49 – $99,180.13.
Incentive plan: Partnership Incentive plan, paid quarterly with a 7.5% target payout.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; Employee Stock Ownership Plan; gym membership reimbursement; discounts on banking products; and more.
Equal Opportunity Statement Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
First Fed is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
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Essential Functions
Perform credit analysis and underwrite commercial loan applications to determine eligibility, ensuring compliance with lending policies and regulatory guidelines.
Review and evaluate credit data and annual financial information to determine profitability and qualification of the loan.
Perform all key ratios to assess borrower/project strength and compliance with credit policies.
Analyze loan collateral, recommend additions or alternative terms as necessary.
Recommend covenants and conditions for each loan.
Prepare the loan presentation document, support the loan request, determine credit quality, and identify potential risks. Discuss adverse issues with the Credit Administrator.
Define loan documentation requirements and review existing documentation for validity.
Ensure due diligence and background evaluation is complete before approval.
Coordinate with Relationship Managers to prepare the narrative portion of the Credit Memo.
Ensure all loan files presented to the Loan Committee are properly reviewed and pre‑approved prior to presentation.
Verify all conditions of approval are met and approve or decline exceptions prior to signing/closing.
Review new loan documentation prior to signing/closing for accuracy and validity.
Perform credit analysis on existing commercial loan relationships, including cash flow, tax returns, ratio analysis, and guarantor assessments.
Analyze collateral quality and define perfection requirements.
Define transaction structure and pricing, including workouts and restructures.
Maintain organized, updated credit files, and prepare Risk Rating Worksheets accurately and timely.
Review all property inspections prepared by Relationship Managers.
Conduct annual risk assessments on existing credits in accordance with policy and schedule.
Participate in Credit Committee and Special Assets Committee discussions as requested.
Coordinate with Relationship Managers to collect and prepare required financial information in proper format.
Maintain current working knowledge of the commercial lending industry, including research and training.
Ensure compliance with Bank Secrecy Act and other regulatory requirements; complete annual BSA training on time.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Qualifications & Requirements
Undergraduate degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related work experience.
Commercial Credit Underwriter I: 1–2 years of relevant banking experience; accounting and financial analysis skills required.
Commercial Credit Underwriter II: 3–4 years of relevant banking experience; accounting and financial analysis skills required.
Senior Commercial Credit Underwriter: 5+ years of relevant banking experience; demonstrate accounting and financial analysis skills and subject‑matter expertise in commercial loan underwriting.
Established knowledge of financial accounting theory, loan structuring, and commercial products.
Ability to interpret analytical data and make credit recommendations to senior management and risk management.
High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
Excellent credit analysis, accounting, and mathematical skills.
Ability to work under pressure, adapt to a fast‑paced environment, and complete high volumes of work with accuracy.
Ability to assume responsibility and accountability for decision making.
Demonstrated teamwork and independent work capability.
Ability to interact professionally with the public and internal contacts.
Excellent organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written.
Proficiency with personal computers, Windows programs, and the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel).
Knowledge of First Fed policies, procedures, and systems.
Physical Requirements The work requires the ability to operate office equipment such as personal computers, printers, copying machines, and telephones. It also requires clear verbal communication and involves extended periods of sitting or standing.
Pay Range
Senior Commercial Credit Underwriter salary range: $86,431.49 – $146,933.53.
Typical hiring range: $86,431.49 – $99,180.13.
Incentive plan: Partnership Incentive plan, paid quarterly with a 7.5% target payout.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; Employee Stock Ownership Plan; gym membership reimbursement; discounts on banking products; and more.
Equal Opportunity Statement Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
First Fed is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
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