Commercial Underwriter IV

First Financial Bank; Keystone (IN); On-site; USD 107,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

First Financial Bank is seeking an experienced Senior Underwriter to evaluate commercial loan applications, assess creditworthiness, and manage large credit proposals. You will spread financial statements, analyze cash flows, and prepare detailed credit memos for loan approvals or renewals.

The role includes coordinating due diligence, supervising junior staff, and maintaining ongoing loan portfolio oversight.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of credit underwriting or commercial lending experience.
• Experience with large credits ($5M+).
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.

Responsibilities

• Review commercial loan applications and assess creditworthiness.
• Spread financial statements, evaluate cash flow capacity, and assess collateral.
• Prepare and present credit memos for new and renewal requests.
• Coordinate due diligence and monitor loan portfolio.
• Assist in closing documentation and mentor junior staff.
• Make credit decisions with authority within underwriting limits.

Skills

Credit underwriting

Commercial lending

Financial analysis

Risk assessment

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Finance/Economics

Master’s Degree in Business (encouraged)

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!

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Performs financial analysis, risk assessment, and detailed due diligence for the Oak Street Lines of Business. Review commercial loan applications and analyze standard credit information packages to make assessment of applicant’s creditworthiness. Determines whether or not the proposed loan will conform to Bank Lending Policy. Provide recommendation to the Executive Director and Director of Underwriting, and to Loan Committee as applicable, regarding the structure, underwriting, and management of loans. Maintain on-going communication with all appropriate Sales and Servicing staff on the status of transactions.
• Utilize financial software tools to spread financial statements, evaluate cash flow capacity, and evaluate / validate collateral for all new business opportunities and renewals. This may include full or partial completion of flagpole memos for prospects and new loans to existing clients.
• Prepare and present credit memos for new and renewal requests on complex credits and large clients, for loan approval. These loans will in general be large in nature ($2.5MM - $20MM) that may require approval by FFB Senior Credit Committee.
• Utilize individual lending authority to approve or decline credit requests proposed by Sales or underwritten by other Underwriting team members. This position will also carry individual loan authority at the high end of the underwriting team.
• Coordinate and complete on site due diligence trips at proposed borrower locations. This may include coordinating third party due diligence teams such as accounting firms and valuation firms. Work directly with Servicing to monitor and manage the loan portfolio on an ongoing basis. This includes analyzing and completing financial covenant compliance, completing risk rating evaluations, and reviewing collateral tracking performance.
• Administer and participate in the negotiation of closing legal documentation. Complete checklist requirements of all pre-funding requirements as part of the loan closing process.
• Train to be industry experts in the lines of business that Oak Street Funding provides financing. Provide internal and external training.
• The Underwriter may be responsible for managing the Pipeline, 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.
• May provide group supervision and/or coordination in a leadership role for the entire group.
• Assist on special projects as needed

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

• Requires at least 7-10 years of credit underwriting and/or Commercial Lending Experience with emphasis and experience in underwriting commercial relationships at $5MM and greater. Specific credit underwriting experience for specialty lines of business also a plus.
• Proficiency in mathematical concepts, in order to apply to practical situations.
• Knowledge of advanced accounting principles and techniques
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration or equivalent professional training
• Seven (7) or more years of related experience
• Master’s Degree in Business, encouraged but not required

Level of Complexity and Scope

• Deals will be of the highest complexity and relationship sophistication in the portfolio.

Degree of Independence and Decision-Making

• Must have experience and ability to make credit decisions independently.

Required Supervisory Responsibilities

• May be required to provide supervision and training to junior underwriters

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally lifts and carries up to 20 lbs.
• Occasionally stand and walks.
• Frequently sits.

Compliance Statement

The associate is responsible for meeting all compliance requirements imposed on 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: $107,000/year - $142,760/year

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.