Sr. Commercial Underwriter

Liberty Bank; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Liberty Bank is seeking a Senior Commercial Underwriter to lead end-to-end credit evaluations for high-value loans, including commercial real estate, community banking, or resort finance. You will translate financial data into sound decisions, mentor staff, and expand expertise across lines of business.

Reporting to the Manager of Commercial Credit Underwriting, this role requires expert risk assessment, strong negotiation of terms, and proactive regulatory awareness to maintain risk appetite

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field preferred.
• 7–10+ years of commercial underwriting experience with high risk or complex transactions.
• Expert-level financial analysis and risk assessment capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-level narratives and financial analyses for complex banking and real estate loan applicants.
• Formulate conclusions on sophisticated loan structures and covenants for large-scale deals.
• Manage annual reviews and ongoing oversight of high-risk portfolios with minimal supervision.
• Conduct deep-dive research into niche industries and emerging market trends.
• Review complex borrower requests and guide junior staff and Relationship Managers.

Skills

Credit risk management

Loan structuring

Regulatory compliance

Mentoring/coaching

Senior underwriting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business, or related field

Job description

At Liberty, we strive to maximize our impact and exceed goals by investing in our teammates to deepen our relationships in the workplace and communities we serve. We take pride in promoting a socially responsible and sustainable future through initiatives and investment.

SUMMARY OF THE JOB:

Reporting to the Manager of Commercial Credit Underwriting, the Senior Commercial Underwriter is a critical individual contributor responsible for the end-to-end credit and underwriting function. This role requires complete proficiency in market, industry, and risk analysis for either Commercial Real Estate, Community Banking, or Resort Finance. As a senior member of the team, you will not only manage a complex high-value loan portfolio with minimal supervision but also actively expand your expertise into secondary business lines. You will serve as a technical subject matter expert, translating financial data into sound credit decisions that align with the Bank’s risk appetite and regulatory standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead the preparation of high-level narrative summaries and complex financial statement analyses for the bank’s most intricate or high-exposure Commercial Banking and Real Estate loan applicants.
• Formulate well-reasoned conclusions on sophisticated loan structures and appropriate covenants for large-scale applications, arriving at decisions with minimal supervision.
• Serve as the primary authority for the annual review and ongoing management of high-risk or high-value portfolios, ensuring risk ratings align with shifting market conditions without requiring routine oversight.
• Conduct deep-dive investigative research into niche industries and emerging market trends, serving as a subject matter expert for the department.
• Review and recommend actions for the most complex borrower requests in the existing portfolio, providing technical guidance to junior staff and Relationship Managers.
• Review and approve major payment and construction advance requests and assists when needed in audit reviews of servicing companies and borrower records.
• Interacts with customers, correspondents, appraisers and real estate brokers to obtain financial property and marketing information as needed.
• Assist in the training and development of PDPs and underwriters, setting the standard for proper presentation of financial data and ensuring technical proficiency across the team.
• Proactively monitor and interpret changes in Federal and State regulations, ensuring that departmental procedures are updated to maintain total compliance with BSA, OFAC, and the PATRIOT Act.
• Drive the improvement of underwriting and processing standards to optimize the Bank’s investment criteria and workflow efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business, or related field preferred
• 7–10+ years of commercial underwriting experience
• Extensive experience underwriting large, high risk, or specialized credit transactions
• Expert-level financial analysis and risk assessment capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to structure complex credit facilities and negotiate terms
• Strong influencing skills and ability to partner effectively with senior lenders
• Recognized subject matter expertise in credit risk management
• Proven track record of coaching and developing credit underwriting staff
• Deep understanding of credit policy and regulatory considerations

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• General Office Equipment
• Keyboard Dexterity
• Prolonged Sitting
• Ability to travel for training or site visits

COMPLIANCE:

Acts affirmatively in all activities under his/her control in conformance with the Bank’s Affidavit… . Liberty Bank is an Equal Opportunity employer. It is the policy of Liberty Bank to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Why work here?

If you’re looking for a career you can be passionate about, you may find more than just your next job at Liberty Bank.

About Us

At Liberty Bank, our 200-year legacy is just beginning. We are building a future defined by purpose, innovation, and opportunity where people feel empowered to grow, lead, and make a difference. Our culture is rooted in connection, accountability, and inclusion, creating an environment where teammates are inspired to bring their full selves to work and do their best work every day.