Senior Credit Approver: Mortgage & Loan Risk Leader

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

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.