Underwriting Officer (NE), Mortgage Loan

Cathay Bank; El Monte (CA); On-site; USD 49,015 - 54,304; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Cathay Bank in El Monte, California, is seeking a Mortgage Underwriter responsible for underwriting mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit. You will ensure compliance with established guidelines and provide excellent service.

The ideal candidate will have a college degree and at least five years of experience in mortgage lending, with strong analytical and communication skills. This full-time role offers competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of mortgage lending and banking experience.
• Good knowledge of lending regulations and credit/collateral analysis practices.
• Ability to analyze complex credit transactions and asset documents.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit in compliance with guidelines.
• Conduct underwriting reviews and render decisions on time.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

Skills

Loan Origination System proficiency

Good verbal and written communication

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

College graduate with major in accounting or business

Tools

Empower

Job description

People Drive Our Success

Are you enthusiastic, highly motivated, and have a strong work ethic? If yes, come join our team! At Cathay Bank – we strive to provide a caring culture that supports your aspirations and success. We believe people are our most valuable asset and we proudly foster growth and development empowering you to achieve your professional goals. We have thrived for 60 years and persevered through many economic cycles due to our team members’ drive and optimism. Together we can make a difference in the financial future of our communities.

Apply today!

General Summary

Following established policies and department procedures, responsible for underwriting mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit. The Mortgage Underwriter position is responsible for underwriting conventional, jumbo home loans and home equity lines of credit following established company and agency guidelines and ensuring compliance with applicable government rules and regulations. Ideal candidates will be service-focused with excellent time‑management and communication skills, can multitask, and must be detail oriented.

Essential Functions

• Underwrite mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit in compliance with Bank’s established or investor credit guidelines.
• Conduct initial and final underwriting reviews and render decisions within the regulatory required timeframes.
• Ensure compliance with Bank, regulatory and credit requirements with emphasis on quality client service while adhering to given deadlines.
• Assist mortgage loan originators in understanding loan conditions.
• Respond to audits and post‑closing issues in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Education: College graduate with major in accounting or business preferred or related experience.
• Experience: Minimum five years of mortgage lending and banking experience with good knowledge of lending regulations and credit/collateral analysis practices.
• Skills/Ability: Loan Origination System proficient. Experience with Empower a plus. Good verbal and written communication skills. Bilingual a plus. Organized and detail oriented. Able to develop working knowledge of Bank’s credit underwriting policies and approval process for assigned loans. Ability to analyze complex credit transactions, asset documents, and personal & business tax returns. Must possess strong problem‑solving skills and be able to prioritize workload and manage pipeline efficiently. Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, high production environment. Strong analytical skills. High level of latitude and ability to develop viable solutions within scope of applicable laws and regulations.

Compensation and Benefits

$35.58 – $39.42 / hour. Pay determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location. This position may be eligible for a discretionary bonus.

Cathay Bank offers its full-time employees a competitive benefits package which is a significant part of their total compensation. It is our goal to provide employees with a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs which includes coverage for medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, long‑term disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health saving account (HSA) with company contributions, voluntary coverages, and 401(k).

Cathay Bank may collect personal information from potential job candidates and applicants. For more information on how we handle personal information and your applicable rights, please review our California Job Applicant Privacy Policy.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cathay Bank is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We welcome applications for employment from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, gender, national origin, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy and related medical conditions, childbirth and breastfeeding), reproductive health decision-making, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information or characteristics, disability or medical condition, military status or status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law.