Bilingual National Underwriter

HomeEquity Bank; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

HomeEquity Bank in Toronto is seeking an experienced Mortgage Underwriter to adjudicate residential mortgage applications, assess creditworthiness, property and collateral risk, and ensure policy adherence. You will manage the underwriting pipeline, document decision rationale, and collaborate with Sales, Fulfillment, and Risk to deliver sound credit outcomes in a hybrid work environment.

Strong communication skills and experience with delegated lending authority are preferred, along with

Qualifications

• Deep experience in credit and mortgage underwriting, including complex and non-standard files.
• Proven ability to exercise delegated lending authority and apply sound credit judgment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (Bilingual in English and French preferred).
• Ability to influence outcomes through expertise, collaboration, and clear credit rationale.

Responsibilities

• Review and decision mortgage applications within delegated lending authority.
• Balance risk and opportunity by structuring solutions that meet client needs while maintaining policy adherence.
• Ensure underwriting decisions are complete, accurate, and compliant with standards.
• Escalate risk concerns to management per Bank requirements.
• Manage underwriting pipeline while meeting service levels and quality standards.

Skills

Credit underwriting

Mortgage underwriting

Delegated authority

Communication skills

Bilingual EN/FR

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

WHO WE ARE

HomeEquity Bank is a Schedule1 Canadian chartered bank and the leading national provider of reverse mortgages, with a growing portfolio. As the only bank solely dedicated to serving homeowners55and up, we’re passionate about helping Canadian homeowners live retirement on their terms. We live that commitment every day, with a range of reverse mortgage solutions that include our flagship CHIP Reverse Mortgage™ product.

OUR VALUES, OUR PASSION

Customer-Focused. Passionate Advocates Courage to Act. Do the Right Thing One Team. One Vision Think Long-Term. Ever-Evolving Be Exceptional. Inspire Greatness

POSITION SUMMARY

The underwriter is accountable for independently adjudicating residential mortgage applications by assessing borrower creditworthiness, property and collateral risk, and overall file integrity in accordance with approved credit policy, underwriting guidelines, and delegated lending authority. The role ensures sound and well-documented credit decisions, timely file turnaround, and compliance with regulatory, audit, and internal risk standards while supporting the Bank’s risk appetite and business objectives.

MAJOR ELEMENTS OF THE ROLE

Credit Adjudication & Risk Management

Review and decision mortgage applications within delegated lending authority. Balance risk and opportunity by structuring solutions that meet client needs while maintaining policy adherence. Ensure underwriting decisions are complete, accurate, meet established quality standards and regulatory expectations. Escalate suspicious or material risk concerns to management in accordance with Bank requirements. Assess borrower, property, and collateral risk using a holistic, risk‑based approach to support prudent lending decisions. Identify, evaluate, document, and elevate exceptions in accordance with established approval protocols.

Business Performance & Operational Excellence

Manage underwriting pipeline while consistently meeting service level expectations and quality standards. Maintain thorough and accurate system documentation, including decision rationale, conditions, and escalation records. Identify process inefficiencies and propose practical improvements to enhance turnaround times and consistency. Maintain knowledge of products, policies, underwriting guidelines, and regulatory expectations to support consistent decision‑making and stakeholder confidence.

Stakeholder Collaboration

Work collaboratively with internal and external partners (e.g., Sales, Fulfillment, Risk) to resolve issues and support sound credit outcomes. Build and maintain effective working relationships with Brokers, Sales, Risk, and internal partners. Provide clear, timely, and professional communication on credit decisions, conditions, and risk considerations. Support a strong risk culture by modeling disciplined underwriting practices and consistent application of policy.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Deep experience in credit and mortgage underwriting, including complex and non-standard files
• Proven ability to exercise delegated lending authority and apply sound credit judgment
• Ability to influence outcomes through expertise, collaboration, and clear credit rationale
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (Bilingual in English and French preferred)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team while effectively managing time, priorities, and workload
• Good understanding of the residential real estate market, real estate market trends, and industry lending practices
• Excellent computer skills – Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)

WORKING CONDITIONS UNIQUE TO JOB

Hybrid office environment.

WHY WORK AT HOMEEQUITY BANK?

Great Environment. HomeEquity Bank offers a hybrid working environment supported with a culture of flexibility – an approach that is unique to each person, and that enables both business and individual needs to be met in a mutually beneficial way. We pride ourselves in recognizing and celebrating performance, community service, teamwork, and diversity among our employees.

A Dynamic Culture – With People at the Centre. We believe our people make all the difference; our tireless commitment to inclusivity, professional development, and employee experience has been recognized through awards including the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers 2024, Waterstone Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures 2022‑2023, the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business: Canada’s Top Growing Companies 2022 (third year since 2019), Canadian’s Mortgage Professional (CMP) Top Mortgage Employer 2023 for the third year in a row and Achievers Top 50 Most Engaged Workplaces 2023.

Growth and Opportunities. We provide challenging and rewarding careers in a wide variety of fields. We continuously develop and train our employees through professional growth opportunities and on‑the‑job training. We also encourage our employees to develop professionally and personally through a series of career developing programs including our Educational Assistance Program, designed to reimburse costs related to professional learning and development.

Celebrating Great Work and People. We believe in an environment that celebrates success, knowledge, leadership, and work that is inspired by our core values. For these reasons, we have created several programs that make it easy for our employees to say ‘great job’ to their colleagues and leaders. From our Appreciate! Program to the High Five Award Program and President’s Award Program, we recognize professional achievement with a variety of rewards including points towards gift cards, merchandise, and travel experiences, as well as group RRSP/DPSP contributions and more. Our Community Leadership Program recognizes employees who make a positive impact in their communities through volunteer work with a grant for their charity of choice. Additionally, we provide employees with one paid day off each year to volunteer at their favourite local charity.

The Perks (for eligible employees). HomeEquity Bank offers a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Extended health and dental benefits
• Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Employer-Matched Group Retirement Savings Plan
• Employee Share Investment Plan
• Well‑being initiatives including: a wellness account; virtual self‑care programs and extended mental health benefits
• Employee corporate discount for GoodLife Fitness

HomeEquity Bank is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter. Please note that our successful candidate is required to complete a background check.

Stay in the Know. Find out what we’re up to online, and learn more about what makes HomeEquity Bank a great place to work: LinkedIn Youtube Facebook Twitter Instagram Chip.ca

HomeEquity Bank is a Schedule1 Canadian chartered bank and the leading national provider of reverse mortgages, with a growing portfolio. As the only bank solely dedicated to serving homeowners55and up, we’re passionate about helping Canadian homeowners live retirement on their terms. We live that commitment every day, with a range of reverse mortgage solutions that include our flagship CHIP Reverse Mortgage™ product. At HomeEquity Bank, our values drive and inspire our actions with our customers, our partners and each other. Customer-Focused. Passionate Advocates: - Courage to Act. Do the Right Thing - One Team. One Vision - Think Long-Term. Ever-Evolving - Be Exceptional. Inspire Greatness