Credit Approver

First Western Financial, Inc.; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with employer match

Parking benefits

Health and wellness benefits

HSA

FSA

Medical, dental, vision

Paid time off

Professional development

Certifications sponsorship

Job summary

First Western Trust in Denver, CO is seeking an experienced Credit Approver to independently approve consumer, commercial, and residential mortgage credit requests within delegated authority while supporting sound portfolio risk management. The role includes reviewing, coaching, and ensuring policy adherence across the organization.

You will influence credit quality, participate in onboarding and training of Credit Analysts, and collaborate with lending teams to resolve underwriting issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or related field required.
• 5-7 years Commercial, Consumer, and/or Mortgage Credit Underwriting and Analysis required.
• 0-3 years Credit Approval or Delegated Lending Authority Experience preferred.
• 0-3 years Training, Mentoring, or Leadership Responsibilities within Credit Functions preferred.
• Strong knowledge of commercial, consumer, and residential mortgage lending principles.
• Thorough understanding of financial statement analysis, cash flow analysis, global cash flow, collateral analysis, and credit structuring.
• Ability to independently assess credit risk and make sound lending decisions within delegated authority.
• Knowledge of regulatory guidance, banking compliance requirements, and risk management practices.
• Proficiency with loan origination systems, financial spreading software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Formal Commercial Credit Training (e.g., RMA, Moody's, or equivalent) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Approve consumer, commercial, and residential mortgage loan requests within assigned authority limits. Collaborate with PC associates to ensure efficient movement between approval and documentation.
• Perform one-up reviews of credit decisions made by lower delegated authorities.
• Conduct post-approval, pre-closing reviews to verify satisfaction of conditions and policy requirements.
• Perform dual risk rating reviews at origination.
• Play an active role in onboarding, coaching, and training for Credit Analysts.
• Assist with development and maintenance of credit policy and underwriting standards.
• Partner with lending teams and Credit Administration to resolve underwriting issues and support complex transactions.

Skills

Credit underwriting

Financial statement analysis

Cash flow analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Microsoft Office

Education

Finance/Accounting degree

Tools

Loan origination systems

Financial spreading software

Job description

Credit Approver

Location: Denver, CO (In-Office)

Job Type: Full-Time Exempt

Salary: $80,000 - $109,700/YR *Actual offer will be based on experience, location, education, and/or skills*

Who We’re Looking For

You are a credit professional with experience in commercial, consumer, and/or residential mortgage underwriting who enjoys balancing risk management with relationship-based banking. You have strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to evaluate complex credit situations while maintaining consistency with policy and regulatory expectations. You thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy supporting the development of others through coaching, feedback, and knowledge sharing.

About the Role

The Associate Credit Approver is responsible for the independent approval of consumer, commercial, and residential mortgage credit requests within delegated lending authority while supporting sound portfolio risk management across the organization. This role performs one-up reviews of lower-level credit decisions, validates risk ratings and underwriting quality, ensures all approved loans satisfy pre-closing credit conditions and policy requirements, supports analyst development, and helps maintain strong credit quality and adherence to policy.

What You’ll Do

• Approve consumer, commercial, and residential mortgage loan requests within assigned authority limits. Collaborate with PC associates to ensure efficient movement between approval and documentation.
• Perform one-up reviews of credit decisions made by lower delegated authorities.
• Conduct post-approval, pre-closing reviews to verify satisfaction of conditions and policy requirements.
• Perform dual risk rating reviews at origination.
• Play an active role in onboarding, coaching, and training for Credit Analysts.
• Assist with development and maintenance of credit policy and underwriting standards.
• Partner with lending teams and Credit Administration to resolve underwriting issues and support complex transactions.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or related field required.
• 5-7 years Commercial, Consumer, and/or Mortgage Credit Underwriting and Analysis required.
• 0-3 years Credit Approval or Delegated Lending Authority Experience preferred.
• 0-3 years Training, Mentoring, or Leadership Responsibilities within Credit Functions preferred.
• Strong knowledge of commercial, consumer, and residential mortgage lending principles.
• Thorough understanding of financial statement analysis, cash flow analysis, global cash flow, collateral analysis, and credit structuring.
• Ability to independently assess credit risk and make sound lending decisions within delegated authority.
• Knowledge of regulatory guidance, banking compliance requirements, and risk management practices.
• Proficiency with loan origination systems, financial spreading software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Formal Commercial Credit Training (e.g., RMA, Moody's, or equivalent) preferred.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary: $80,000 - $109,700/YR, plus strong bonus potential.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Paid parking and transportation benefits.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including:
  • Health savings accounts (HSA)
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous paid time off and bank holidays.
• Access to training and professional development programs.
• Sponsorship and support for obtaining professional certifications.
• A culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared success.

Who We Are

At First Western Trust, we're more than just a financial institution - we're a team of forward-thinkers committed to excellence, innovation, and impact. Our culture thrives on teamwork and mutual respect, grounded in the belief that diverse perspectives fuel creativity and help us tackle challenges in fresh, effective ways.

We celebrate each other's successes, welcome new ideas, and take personal ownership in everything we do. A genuine desire to positively impact our clients, communities, and one another drives our work. We meet challenges with a growth mindset, act with urgency and accountability, and constantly strive to raise the bar for ourselves and our clients.

Leadership at First Western means setting an example and fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and respect. Whether you're just beginning your journey or bringing years of experience, you'll find a welcoming community where your contributions are valued and your potential is boundless.

We expect our people to:

• Demand and reward excellence.
• Take action and responsibility.
• Collaborate, communicate openly, and give/receive feedback with trust.
• Go above and beyond to do what's right-always.

If that sounds like you, you'll fit right in.

Learn more at myfw.com or email [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer

First Western Trust is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where every team member is valued and given the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. For accommodation requests, please contact [e-mail].