Consumer Underwriter Specialist

Sunward; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunward in Reston, VA is seeking a Consumer Underwriter to evaluate auto, personal, credit card, and home equity loan applications, ensuring compliance with credit union policies and underwriting standards. The role exercises lending authority based on experience and approval limits.

The successful candidate will review applications, verify income and documentation, and document rationale while collaborating with processors and originators to obtain information for timely decisions.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years’ experience in loan underwriting.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledge of consumer credit and underwriting principles.

Responsibilities

• Review loan applications to evaluate creditworthiness and risk.
• Verify income, employment, and financial documentation.
• Decide on loan approvals or declines within authority.
• Document rationale for underwriting decisions.
• Collaborate with processors and originators to gather information.
• Explain terms and conditions to applicants.
• Stay compliant with regulations and policies.
• Participate in training and development opportunities.
• Escalate complex cases to senior staff when needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Education

High school diploma or GED

Related degree or coursework (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

Job Summary

The Consumer Underwriter reviews and decisions consumer loan applications by assessing financial risk, analyzing borrower creditworthiness, and ensuring compliance with credit union policies, underwriting standards, and applicable regulatory requirements. Depending on level, the position underwrites auto, personal, credit card, and home equity line of credit applications and exercises lending authority based on experience, demonstrated proficiency, and assigned approval limits.

Essential Job Duties

• Reviews consumer loan applications and supporting documentation to evaluate creditworthiness, repayment ability, and overall risk.
• Assesses borrower financial profiles, including credit history, income and employment stability, debt-to-income ratios, loan-to-value ratios, assets, and other relevant information.
• Calculates and evaluates key financial ratios and debt-servicing ability using applicable financial tools and credit scoring models.
• Obtains and verifies required documentation, including income verification, employment history, financial statements, and other supporting information.
• Makes loan approval or decline decisions within assigned lending authority based on risk assessment, underwriting criteria, and the General Loan Policy.
• Clearly documents and communicates the rationale for underwriting decisions.
• Recommends appropriate loan terms and conditions and identifies alternative loan structures when appropriate based on borrower needs and risk profile.
• Collaborates with loan processors, originators, and other stakeholders to obtain additional information or clarification needed to decision loan applications.
• Responds to underwriting questions accurately and in a timely manner.
• Escalates loan applications that exceed assigned lending authority or involve higher levels of complexity or risk, providing a recommendation to a higher-level Consumer Underwriter or Supervisor.
• Participates in lending seminars, training, and other development opportunities as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Familiar and comfortable with information technology, particularly digital means of communication.
• Strong organizational skills in managing multiple initiatives.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills

Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of consumer credit and underwriting principles
• Good working level knowledge of overall consumer and mortgage lending processes, including underwriting and loan processing.
• Good working level knowledge of valid documentation related to the processing of consumer and mortgage applications (tax returns, financial statements, verification of income, etc.)
• Good working knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting consumer loans
• Familiarity with home equity line of credit

Education and Experience

• Minimum two years’ experience in loan underwriting or directly related experience
• Minimum high school diploma/GED or more than two year of related experience.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Must be able to lift 5 pounds at times.