Senior Underwriter

KPHG; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services company in Phoenix, Arizona is looking for a Senior Underwriter for SBA 7A and 504 Business Lending. The role involves complex credit analysis and loan underwriting for various government-guaranteed loan programs. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of experience in commercial loans and strong analytical skills. Knowledge of GGL policies is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree or equivalent related experience required.
• Minimum of five years of experience in commercial business and real estate loan underwriting.
• Experience in sales as a Business Development Officer or relationship management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert and Liaison for GGL Programs.
• Prepare loan credit memorandums and recommend credit decisions.
• Manage interactions with the CAFS/ETran portal.
• Evaluate compliance with bank underwriting guidelines.

Skills

Commercial business and real estate loan underwriting

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Financial analysis and credit quality assessment

Knowledge of GGL policy and procedures

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance

Tools

MS Excel

MS Office Suite

Spark

Abrigo

LaserPro

FIS

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Senior Underwriter for SBA 7A and 504 Business Lending

The Senior Underwriter (SU) for SBA 7A and 504 Business Lending is responsible for complex credit analysis, loan underwriting, and loan packaging for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans. The SU also assists in underwriting non-GGL loans as needed, under the direction of the Banks VP/Credit Officer and Chief Lending Officer. This role involves structuring commercial real estate, business, and working capital loan transactions through various government-guaranteed loan programs and leveraging non-traditional financing to complement traditional bank financing.

Note: This is not a consumer or residential mortgage position. Prior experience in commercial business loans, specifically with SBA 7A and 504 business loans, is required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert and Liaison for GGL Programs.
• Prepare loan credit memorandums and recommend credit decisions after reviewing and analyzing loan application packages and supporting documentation.
• Package GGL loans for submission and obtain necessary approvals/authorizations.
• Manage interactions with the CAFS/ETran portal, including resolving screen outs.
• Review SBA authorizations and loan agreements for accuracy, ensuring terms and conditions match approved credit decisions.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of GGL compliance and reporting requirements.
• Evaluate compliance of CRE, business acquisitions, equipment, expansions, startups, and tenant improvement projects with bank underwriting guidelines and GGL requirements.
• Analyze and spread borrower financial data, including financial statements, tax returns, projections, real estate and debt schedules, leases, credit reports, background reports, character reviews, and resumes.
• Review title reports, UCC filings, appraisals, environmental reports, and business valuations.
• Conduct industry analysis to assess and mitigate credit risk.
• Facilitate communications and information flow between bank personnel, GGL offices, and third-party partners.
• Communicate with GGL and non-GGL Business Development Officers to discuss issues, collect documentation, and manage workflows from application generation through loan closing.
• Direct and review proper loan documentation, both attorney-prepared and generated from LaserPro.
• Assist in portfolio management, servicing requests, annual reviews, and special asset transfers.
• Provide training to processors and commercial credit analysts as needed.
• Stay updated on loan policy changes, procedural notices, and GGL SOPs.
• Comply with all regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Bachelors Degree or equivalent related experience.
• Minimum of five years of experience in commercial business and real estate loan underwriting, specifically in SBA and USDA loans, plus prior non-SBA C&I loan experience preferred.
• Prior experience in sales as a Business Development Officer (BDO) or in relationship management.
• Strong knowledge and experience with GGL policy and procedures.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with prior commercial lending experience.
• Proficient in financial analysis, focusing on credit quality and cash flow, including accounting and spreading financial statements and tax returns.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced understanding of borrower documentation and third-party reports, such as entity documents, credit/background reports, appraisals, business valuations, title, and environmental reports.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals across the bank to manage internal and external relationships.
• Ability to deliver excellent service to teammates, sales staff, and customers.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while delivering accurate and quality work products.
• Knowledge of the Southwest U.S. real estate markets is a plus.
• Working knowledge of workflow and underwriting platforms; experience with Spark, Abrigo, LaserPro, and FIS highly desired.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Excel and the MS Office Suite of products.

Education & Experience

• Bachelors Degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance preferred.
• Five years of experience in Commercial Banking Government Guaranteed Lending (e.g., Credit Administration, Commercial Credit Underwriting, Portfolio Management, or Commercial Lending) is required.