SBA Underwriter III

The SBA Underwriter/Eligibility Officer role supports the Business Banking and Commercial lines of business. This position functions as a credit resource who engages in eligibility determination, recommends appropriate loan structures, analyzes financials/projections and underwrites facility for a wide range of business credits while maintaining appropriate service level agreement. This position may coach and mentor junior credit analysts and underwrites more complex credits.

The ideal candidate will help us grow the line of business through thoughtful efficiency recommendations and will become a trusted resource for the SBA sales team.

Essential Functions

Efficiently and thoroughly determine the credit worthiness of new SBA loan requests and risk ratings for annual reviews

SBA loan decision authority under the Dual Loan Approval Authority matrix structure

Disseminate Northwest’s and SBA credit risk appetite to lenders and team partners in their assigned regions

Engage in monitoring of all SBA credit-related portfolio trends, and banking rules and regulations applicable to SBA loan portfolio

Review and approve of SBA credit requests, annual reviews and portfolio monitoring/management up to designated joint lending authority

Determine the appropriate level of credit underwriting and due diligence to appropriately characterize the risk profile of each credit

Identify credit strengths, weaknesses, and mitigating factors

Engage in pre-flight reviews of credits

Determine eligibility requirements based on SBA SOP

Meet or exceed established service level expectations

Review term sheets and commitment letters prior to issuance to customers

Prepare and present updates as needed to senior leadership

Support the Bank in developing understanding of SBA eligibility and processes within the organization

Support training across organization as needs arise

Ensure complete data integrity in origination and annual review process and ensuring that loan requests are accurately and completely presented

Ensure compliance with Northwest’s policies and procedures, and Federal/State regulations

Navigate Microsoft Office Software, computer applications, and software specific to the department in order to maximize technology tools and gain efficiency

Work as part of a team

Work with on-site equipment

Complete special projects as requested by management

Monitor, develop, and suggest revisions to workflows and procedures as necessary to enhance efficiency and minimize expenses

Identify potential for credit losses and mitigating risk accordingly including transfer of individual credits to Special Assets

Education, Experience and Skills

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance related degree preferred

5-6 years of experience in SBA lending or credit administration including credit analysis, portfolio management, loan review and/or special assets with a focus on SBA required

Experience and knowledge of SBA eligibility required

Experience and knowledge of USDA programs preferred

Experience as a Commercial Loan Officer preferred

Knowledge of all banking regulations related to credit administration including the analysis of loan/lease losses, troubled debt restructures, accrual rules and risk rating concepts

Knowledge of SBA eligibility, underwriting guidelines, deal structuring and compliance with SBA SOP

Knowledge of macro-economic issues affecting regions across the bank footprint

Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

R-100819