Credit Approver

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

Job summary

First Western Trust is seeking an Associate Credit Approver in Denver to independently approve consumer, commercial, and residential mortgage credit requests within delegated lending authority while supporting sound portfolio risk management. You will perform one-up reviews, validate risk ratings, and ensure pre-closing credit conditions are met.

The role emphasizes coaching and training Credit Analysts, developing credit policy, and collaborating with lending teams to resolve underwriting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or related field.
• 5-7 years Commercial, Consumer, and/or Mortgage Credit Underwriting and Analysis.
• Knowledge of regulatory guidance, banking compliance requirements, and risk management practices.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

Mortgage lending knowledge

Financial statement analysis

Credit risk assessment

Regulatory compliance

Leadership / mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business

Commercial Credit Training (RMA/Moody’s) preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Loan origination systems

Financial spreading software

Job description

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

Applications should be submitted for consideration no later than 10/31/2026.

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.
• 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

• 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.

• 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.

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].

Region A Pay Range

Pay Range

$80,000 - $109,700 USD