Commercial Underwriter

Job Title: VP / Senior Underwriter
Department: Credit Services
Reports To: VP, Credit Services Manager
Location: Sacramento, CA
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The VP/Senior Underwriter is responsible for high-level credit analysis, structuring, and portfolio management across a variety of commercial loan types, including Commercial & Industrial (C&I), Commercial Real Estate (CRE), Agribusiness, and SBA/Small Business loans. This role supports relationship managers by preparing thorough credit memos and recommending sound credit decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and existing credit requests with a focus on risk, structure, and repayment.

• Pre-screen potential transactions and ensure complete credit packages.

• Analyze borrower and guarantor financials, including tax returns and financial statements.

• Assess trends, ratios, projections, and proformas for creditworthiness.

• Review third-party reports (e.g., appraisals, title, collateral exams).

• Recommend risk ratings and assist in loan structuring.

• Monitor a portfolio of commercial loans, including covenant compliance and annual reviews.

• Recommend waivers or modifications as needed.

• Support identification of cross-sell opportunities with relationship teams.

• Draft detailed credit presentations summarizing financial performance, key risks, and loan terms.

• Use internal systems for spreading, documentation, and approval routing.

• Present recommendations to internal credit committee or approving authority.

• Communicate with borrowers or agents to gather financials or clarify loan data.

• Review specialized financial data such as borrowing bases and Ag budgets.

• Research market and industry trends to support underwriting decisions.

• Maintain adherence to internal credit policies and regulatory requirements.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Approve loans within delegated authority; recommend declines when appropriate.

• Provide second reviews of denied transactions.

• Mentor junior analysts and delegate tasks where appropriate.

• Support cross-functional underwriting teams during high-volume periods.

• Assist with internal projects and regulatory audits as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; college-level accounting coursework required.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or related field preferred.

• 5–7 years of experience in credit underwriting or related commercial lending functions.

• Strong understanding of financial analysis, loan policy, and regulatory compliance.

• Familiarity with cash, accrual, and tax-based accounting.

Key Competencies

• Advanced analytical and critical thinking.

• Strong communication and writing skills.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines.

• High attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Strong teamwork, judgment, and discretion.