Senior Commercial Underwriter

The Agency Recruiting; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A community bank is seeking a Senior Underwriter/Credit Officer to evaluate and manage commercial credit risk. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in credit processes. Key responsibilities include analyzing loan applications, preparing credit memos, and mentoring junior staff. This position emphasizes a community-centric approach to lending and risk management.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in commercial credit and underwriting.
• Strong understanding of C&I, CRE, and small business lending.
• Exceptional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze commercial credit requests.
• Prepare detailed credit memos for loan approvals.
• Monitor credit quality within assigned portfolios.

Skills

Commercial credit analysis

Financial statement evaluation

Risk mitigation

Mentorship

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Commercial loan software

Job description

Overview

The bank is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Senior Underwriter / Credit Officer to evaluate and manage commercial credit risk. This position is responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and approving (or recommending approval for) complex commercial loan requests in alignment with bank policy, regulatory guidelines, and sound credit principles.

This role operates within a community banking environment where local decision-making, strong relationships, and a balanced approach to credit risk are core values.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze commercial credit requests, including new loan applications, renewals, and modifications, with a focus on C&I, CRE, and agriculture-related credits (as applicable).
• Evaluate borrower financial statements, tax returns, cash flow projections, collateral valuations, and industry trends to determine creditworthiness.
• Ensure loan structures are sound, risk is appropriately mitigated, and documentation complies with bank and regulatory standards.
• Prepare detailed credit memos with clear recommendations for approval or decline, supported by thorough analysis.
• Collaborate with commercial lenders to structure transactions that meet client needs while protecting the bank’s interests.
• Monitor credit quality within assigned portfolio segments and recommend actions on deteriorating credits.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements, lending policies, and market conditions.
• Provide mentorship to junior credit analysts and lenders in underwriting best practices and risk analysis.
• Participate in loan committee meetings and present complex credits for review.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field (advanced degree or formal credit training preferred).
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive commercial credit and underwriting experience, preferably within a community or regional bank.
• Strong understanding of commercial lending, including C&I, CRE, and small business lending.
• Advanced financial statement analysis skills and ability to assess complex credit structures.
• Knowledge of banking regulations, credit policy, and loan documentation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present and defend credit decisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and commercial loan software systems.
• High degree of integrity, sound judgment, and attention to detail.

For additional information on this position, please contact Kelli Jamison at 773-572-2993 or email at [e-mail]