Commercial Underwriter III

First Financial Bank; Worthington (OH); On-site; USD 74,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Incentive eligibility

Job summary

First Financial Bank seeks a Commercial Underwriter III to evaluate and underwrite complex commercial relationships, including risk assessment, financial statement analysis, and strategic decision making. You will ensure compliance with bank policies and regulations while supporting senior management.

The role requires advanced underwriting knowledge, strong decision-making, and a proven track record in credit risk for commercial portfolios, with responsibility for large credits and mentoring

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration.
• Five (5) years of credit or Business Banking underwriting experience.
• Proficiency in mathematical concepts, in order to apply to practical situations.
• Knowledge of advanced accounting principles and techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs financial analysis and risk assessment for the commercial credit portfolio including Business Banking, Commercial & Industrial, Commercial Real Estate, and other lines.
• Review commercial loan applications and analyzes credit information to assess borrower creditworthiness.
• Determine whether proposed loans conform to the Bank's lending policy and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare credit memos for new and renewal requests on complex credits and large clients; present to credit authorities as needed.
• Collaborate with Relationship Managers, COs, and senior staff; assist in CAR preparation and loan committee presentations.
• Mentor and train junior underwriters as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Mathematical proficiency

Advanced accounting

Underwriting experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Economics/Business

Job description

We do the right things, right now. We do them in a way that is relevant to our clients. Become a part of our history as it continues to be written!

The Commercial Underwriter III is responsible for evaluating and underwriting complex commercial relationships. This role involves assessing risk, financial statement analysis, strategic decision making, and ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations. The position requires advanced knowledge of underwriting principles and strong decision-making skills.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Performs financial analysis and risk assessment for the commercial credit portfolio including Business Banking , Commercial & Industrial, Commercial Real Estate, and any other business line established by Bank.
• Review commercial loan applications and analyzes credit information to make a general assessment of applicant’s creditworthiness.
• Determines whether or not the proposed loan will conform to the Bank’s lending policy.
• Provide feedback to the Business Unit Manager, Regional and/or Market President, Senior RM and Commercial Credit Officer (CO), as appropriate, regarding the structure, underwriting, and management of loans.
• Maintain on-going communication with all appropriate management on the status of transactions.
• Spread statements for all new business opportunities and renewals not assigned to credit portfolio analyst.
• Financial spreading and cash flow/CRE template preparation for pre-screen/opportunity memo for prospects and new loans to existing clients.
• Prepare credit memos for new and renewal requests on complex credits and large clients, including those going before the Senior Credit Committee.
• This position could also serve as point of contact on large credits and/or will be assigned a portfolio of clients Work with Commercial Relationship Managers in the preparation of complete and accurate CARs for presentation to the appropriate credit authorities for decisions on transaction credit requests and reviews.
• Attendance of loan committees when a CAR is being presented.
• Finalization of changes to CAR and verification of approval process in accordance with FFB policy.
• Work directly with Senior Relationship Managers, Business Unit Managers, and Regional Presidents in respective region. Includes attending local / regional meetings as necessary.
• Focus on new business and larger and/or more complex renewal transactions.
• Serve as additional point of contact on large credits and be present with RM/RA in discussions with client on financial statement questions.
• Assist RM/RA in maturity tracking for their assigned region.
• In conjunction with the CO, lead in the preparation of periodic portfolio reports assessing on-going risk.
• Assist in the management of workflow and assigned credits.
• Additionally, this associate’s responsibilities may include helping mentor, train and guide other Underwriters as needed.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform Essential Functions of the Job

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration
• Five (5) years of credit or Business Banking underwriting experience
• Proficiency in mathematical concepts, in order to apply to practical situations.
• Knowledge of advanced accounting principles and techniques
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Master’s degree in Business
• Level of Complexity and Scope
• Handles complex and high-risk accounts, often requiring a deep understanding of intricate business operations and industry-specific risks.
• Degree of Independence and Decision-Making
• Commercial Underwriter III operates with a high degree of independence, making strategic and complex underwriting decisions with minimal oversight.

Required Supervisory Responsibilities

Provides guidance and training to junior underwriters, helping to develop their skills and knowledge.

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of deskwork. Frequent use of computer, keyboard, phone and office equipment. Occasional moving within the office or to other locations within the building. Occasionally lifting and carrying light objects, typically up to 10-15 pounds. Occasionally reaching for items on shelves or in drawers. Clear and effective communication in person and over the phone. Ability to move within an office environment.

Compliance Statement

The associate is responsible for meeting all compliance requirements imposed by First Financial Bank by State and Federal law and regulation, as well as all related First Financial Bank policies and procedures. This includes all Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC and Suspicious Activity reporting requirements, as well as all other lending and deposit compliance requirements.

Development and Training

Pay Range - $74,000/annual to $98,000/annual

Benefits We have relevant, thoughtful benefits and programs that support every aspect of our associates' holistic wellbeing. Please review our Benefits Guide.

Incentive Eligibility

All roles are incentive eligible with the exception of Co-Op, Intern, or Student positions.

It is our policy to not discriminate against any individual in violation of federal, state, and local laws as it relates to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran/military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are an E-Verify Employer.

At first financial bank, our mission is clear: to be the best bank to do business with, the best place to work, and the best financial partner for our shareholders and the communities we serve. We believe that how we work is just as important as what we achieve.

• Doing the right thing
• Teamwork
• Mutual respect
• Wellbeing
• Excellence

Our success starts with our people. We know that when our associates are talented, engaged, and supported, they create outstanding results. If you're looking to be part of a team that values integrity, inclusion, and collaboration—and where your growth matters—you’ll find your future here.