Underwriter Iii - Bakersfield Cal Ave (Hybrid)

JOB SUMMARY:
The Underwriter underwrites AG, Commercial Business, and Real Estate loan requests while performing various duties for the business group assigned. Develops expertise in evaluating the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses; assists with the loan process by inputting and analyzing financial information of businesses and/or individuals to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money; conducts credit investigations focused on determining whether the borrower will have the sufficient cash flow for repayment; underwrites and prepares AG and commercial credit requests, working collaboratively with and making discretionary recommendations and suggestions to other team members Follows for timely renewals, reporting requirements, compliance, and delinquencies.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Analyzes commercial loan applications received by Loan Officers to determine the eligibility of requests.
• Confers with Loan Officers to determine client needs and discuss options for borrowers.
• Requests any additional information needed to complete processing and periodically attends client meetings to provide credit expertise.
• Responsible for analyzing credit and financial information for relationships (e.g., credit reports, tax returns, financial statements, etc.) to determine levels of credit risk involved in lending money to commercial customers by:
  
  • Entering financial figures into appropriate programs to generate ratios, examining data to assist in determining the creditworthiness of applicants, and/or assisting in the assessment of compliance with loan terms and/or changes in the credit risk profile of an existing borrower.
  • Generating cash flow projections using key drivers and assumptions.
  • Reconciliation, calculation, and interpretations of ratios, comparative, trend, and market analysis; accurate cash flow analysis and stress-testing to determine the risk involved in the extension of credit or lending money to commercial/individual customers with direction from relationship managers and/or senior management;
  • Compare items such as liquidity and profitability with other companies of the same industry, size, and geographic location for commercial customers.
• Works independently to prepare thoughtful, clear, and concise written analysis, identifying repayment sources, key risks, and mitigating factors for commercial loans to complete credit authorizations for presentation to the Officer Loan Committee.
• Recommends credit approval requirements, including the establishment of financial performance covenants, monitoring requirements, and other loan provisions, and ensures accurate grading of new and existing credit based on analysis.
• Maintains a current understanding of Bank underwriting guidelines, procedures, policies, and compliance issues
• Maintains a working knowledge of regulatory requirements for documentation and regulations relating to commercial lending
• Assists Loan Officers as needed in the preparation of credit extension memo updates.
• Interface with the Loan Servicing Center (LSC), other Bank departments, and various Bank Committees to provide information regarding loan portfolio administration and collateral monitoring activities.
• Completes annual term loan reviews to assess the continued repayment ability of borrowers, adherence to financial and reporting covenants, and collateral monitoring & evaluation.
• Train and guide other underwriters in policy, process, and systems
• Train and review the work of other underwriters for accuracy and depth of details expected
• Participate and Lead when appropriate, work groups focused on improvements and efficiencies in policy, process, and systems
• Be a Team Lead of underwriters within the work group assigned, as appropriate
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

SUPERVIOSRY RESPONSIBILIES:
May be asked to supervise Credit Assistants, Credit Analysts, and/or other Commercial Underwriters as needed.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILL AND ABILITY:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficient with or the ability to quickly learn the organization's HRIS, payroll, and similar employee management software.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Undergraduate degree in Ag Business or similar, Finance, Business Administration, or Accounting; or five years of related work experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Bank of the Sierra is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.