Commercial Underwriter

Columbia Bank; Moscow (ID); On-site; USD 61,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Columbia Bank in Spokane, WA is seeking an experienced commercial underwriter to assess C&I and CRE requests, including working capital lines and owner-occupied real estate. You will analyze financial data, prepare narrative credit analyses, and ensure compliance with bank policies while supporting relationship managers and clients.

The role emphasizes accuracy, timely delivery, and collaboration across teams, with opportunities to mentor others and influence loan structures in a dynamic

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of commercial underwriting/credit analysis experience.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced credit and credit quality skills with accounting and cash flow analysis.
• Strong time management and ability to present to audiences.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and related software.

Responsibilities

• Underwrites new and renewal C&I and CRE credit requests; assesses risks and fits with credit policy.
• Prepares credit recommendations with quantitative components and risk ratings.
• Monitors borrower performance and ensures covenant calculations are accurate.
• Collaborates with CPMs, CSMs, and Relationship Managers to present findings.
• Coaches or mentors junior underwriters; ensures high-quality reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Credit analysis

Financial statement analysis

Cash flow analysis

Time management

Communication skills

Training & presenting

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Spokane, Washington

Pullman, Washington

Moscow, Idaho

Clarkston, Washington

Full time

JR103486

About the Role:

Underwrites new and renewal Commercial and Industrial (C&I) and Commercial Real Estate (CRE) credit requests comprised of working capital lines of credit, asset-based lines of credit, commercial real estate loans (Owner Occupied and Investor) and equipment financing; most often from moderate-to-complex enterprises with revenues generally greater than $5 million. Collaborates with team members, Commercial Portfolio Managers (CPM's), Client Solutions Managers ("CSMs") and Commercial Relationship Managers to accurately present findings, including business rationale and risk mitigations, in order to obtain credit approval and meet customer needs.

• Analyze business, industry, financial data and other supporting credit information concerning an applicant’s credit request; identifies key business and financial risks that may impact the repayment prospects by the borrower; derives conclusions supporting the credit recommendation based on documented facts and/or sound judgement.
• Prepare timely, concise and accurate credit recommendations, with limited supervision or revision. Includes: (1) quantitative components within the underwriting narrative documenting the credit analysis; (2) accurate use of risk rating scoring models (aka Dual Risk Rating), both quantitative and qualitative rating elements, to ensure customers and loans are properly risk-rated; (3) accurate identification and mitigation of all exceptions to Bank tracked policies exceptions (TPE), tracked guidelines exceptions (TGE), procedures and compliance regulations; and (4) accurate loan coding consistent with nature of the borrowing relationship and terms of the credit(s).
• Monitor borrower financial performance in line with commercial and/or real estate loan documents; spreads financial statement and/or ensures required financial statements are spread in accordance with Bank Guidelines and resulting covenant calculations are accurate, complete and adhere to approval conditions and loan documentation. Collaborates with team members to ensure borrower notifications are sent and approvals are obtained to resolve any violations in a timely manner.
• Partners with team members to offer insights into customer financial needs, including opportunities identified using Line of Business-approved relationship expansion tools. May also offer opinions related to a loan structure’s effectiveness to mitigate risks, appropriate to prevailing competitive market environment and Bank risk tolerances.
• Partners with team members in customer and prospect calls as appropriate. May shadow manage a portfolio as part of training and development, with Underwriting Manager and Market Director mutual approval.
• May oversee the work of other commercial underwriters or credit analysts, including the timely review of credit reports prepared by other underwriters to ensure a high level of report quality prior to submission for approval; findings to be captured via a standardized Quality Control (QC) Checklist and used to provide guidance and training to underwriters.
• Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
• Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
• May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
• Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
• Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
• Embraces our vision to become "Business Bank of Choice".
• May perform other duties as assigned.

About You:

Education

Experience

• 7-10 years — of commercial underwriting/credit analysis experience or relevant lending experience. (Required)

Skills

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced credit and credit quality skills including accounting, financial statement spreading, and cash flow analysis experience; ability to train and present to small and large audiences or has the interest in learning to train and present.
• Demonstrated time management skills, reflecting the ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously while delivering work product on time.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups across the company to manage internal and external customer relationships.
• Possess excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and presentation skills.i
• Advanced knowledge of credit policies, procedures, practices and documentation.
• Proficiency with personal computers and related software packages such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other business machines.
• Ability to train and present to small and large audiences or has the interest in learning to train and present.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional

The pay range for this role is $61,000.00 to $95,000.00.

The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.

Primary Location:

Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).

111 N Wall St Building Spokane WA 99201

Our Benefits:

We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.

We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.

Our Commitment to Diversity:

Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: [e-mail] .

At Columbia Bank, we’re redefining what it means to bank and to build a career. As the West’s premier banking experience, we combine the strength and scale of a leading financial institution with the heart and mindset of a community bank. With more than 350 locations across eight states, we deliver relationship-based service backed by regional expertise and resources that help families and businesses thrive.

Our culture is built on Do RIGHT , which means:

• Relationships: We create authentic connections with customers, colleagues, and communities.
• Impact: Every role here makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives and local economies.
• Growth: We invest in your success with career development, mentorship, and learning opportunities.
• Heart: We care deeply about doing what’s best for our customers and each other.
• Trust: Integrity and transparency guide everything we do.

Why work for Columbia Bank?

• A strong, stable financial foundation with over $67 billion in assets and a diverse portfolio that supports flexibility and opportunity.
• A culture of belonging and purpose, where your ideas matter and your work has impact.
• Competitive benefits and flexibility designed to help you thrive personally and professionally.
• Community engagement that matters, from supporting local businesses to empowering youth through financial literacy initiatives.

Ready to Do RIGHT for your career, your community, and your future? Explore opportunities and join Columbia Bank today.