Senior Underwriter

This is a hybrid role with the expectation that time working will regularly take place inside and outside of a company office.

First Citizens Maritime Finance offers customized solutions for secured loans to vessel owners and operators. Key areas of focus include the freight, bulker and container shipping sectors.

Reporting to the Head of Underwriting & Portfolio Management for Maritime Finance, the Sr Underwriter and Portfolio Manager will be responsible for underwriting as well as portfolio management of asset-backed maritime financing transactions, leading deal teams, mentoring junior resources, and assisting with the preparation of presentations and reports for regulatory and internal informational purposes.

• New business - Play a key role in deal teams to evaluate new transactions, pre-screen transactions, conduct due diligence, prepare credit approval memos on transactions that are green-lighted in the pre-screen process, present transactions to credit committee in order to obtain credit approval, collaborate with legal team to negotiate and review commitment letters and legal documentation as needed, and participate in deal closing
• Analyze financial statements and capital structures, conduct business/industry analysis to identify transaction risks and mitigants; recommend transaction structures appropriate to the opportunity; provide Head of Underwriting with a recommendation on the transaction based on due diligence and financial modeling
• Manage assigned portfolio accounts - monitor performance and covenant compliance, prepare quarterly credit review forms and periodic/annual reviews, process amendments and waiver requests in a timely manner to meet customer expectations, provide performance updates to manager; identify and act on warning signals, participate in portfolio reviews as needed
• Maintain familiarity with Bank policies, procedures, and underwriting standards
• Interface with other departments within the bank, such as Legal, Operations, Insurance, Problem Loan Management, Capital Markets, Corporate Risk Management, Compliance, Loan & Risk Review, and Internal Audit
• Develop maritime industry knowledge and track industry trends across the various sub-sectors including dry bulk, tankers, containerships, LNG/LPG, and other niche segments
• Interface with customers to complete diligence process, gather key information for credit analysis, and obtain periodic materials such as financial statement, compliance certificates, etc
• Interface with and independently manage information requests received from auditors and loan examiners (internal as well as external, including regulators), prepare reports for regulatory and internal informational purposes, as well as work on any special projects as per business needs
• Mentor junior resources for the business
  
  

Bachelor's Degree and 6 years of experience in Credit analysis, underwriting or Risk Management OR High School Diploma or GED and 10 years of experience in Credit analysis, underwriting or Risk Management

Preferred:

• Maritime Finance or Maritime Industry experienced strongly preferred
• Degree with a concentration in finance or accounting preferred. MBA/CFA/CPA a plus.
• Formal credit training with experience in the underwriting and execution effort on senior debt transactions is preferred.
• Experience with structuring transactions and negotiating documentation is preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; team player.
• Self-motivated with high energy levels; ability to prioritize and multi-task effectively

The base pay for this position is generally between $152,250.00 and $185,000.00. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.

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Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at