Credit Underwriter

Credit Underwriter

At Southwest Heritage Bank, we are dedicated to the financial well-being of our entire community—from small to medium-sized businesses to the families and individuals who call this region home. We provide comprehensive banking solutions, from essential online banking and bill pay to specialized services, all delivered by local experts. Whether you're expanding operations, acquiring equipment, or financing a new building, our experienced banking officers are dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals. We are committed to consistently delivering responsive, tailored, and expert banking services through local leadership.

Southwest Heritage Bank combines the long tradition of Bank 34 and Commerce Bank of Arizona, bringing over 90 years of dedicated service to Arizona and New Mexico. We believe a strong local bank is the foundation of a strong community, and our success is measured by the success of the communities we serve. By reinvesting locally and providing custom financial solutions, we continue our legacy of building relationships and supporting the people and businesses who are rooted in this region.

We have created a culture built on trust, collaboration, and genuine care for our employees. Our people consistently recognize our supportive leadership, open communication, generous benefits, and the strong sense of camaraderie that makes our bank a rewarding place to work. Employees value having accessible leaders who listen, opportunities for internal career growth, and an environment that welcomes diverse perspectives and empowers individuals to make meaningful contributions.

The position of the Credit Underwriter ("CU") is primarily responsible for the supervision and gathering, analyzing, and underwriting credit information on current and potential customers; determining whether a lending opportunity fits within the objectives and credit standards of the Bank; and preparing credit presentations via the Bank's lending software program. The CU is also responsible for soliciting, negotiating, and coordinating the closing of SBA, commercial real estate, and commercial business loans. The position assists in maintaining the established Bank goals and effectively interacts with customers and prospects to develop a mutually beneficial relationship.

The CU plays a key role in collaborating and generating solutions to current and prospective customers. The CU has knowledge of advanced lending concepts, structures, practices and procedures and of various government guaranteed loan programs. The CU oversees the ongoing monitoring of the portfolio performance to effectively manage credit risk and maximize return to the Bank. This includes, but is not limited to, assisting lenders with collection of routine financial information due, underwriting annual reviews, and quarterly risk updates. At the Chief Credit Officer's discretion, the CU may be assigned a lending limit, which would include reviewing various loan requests for approval and providing the approval within the assigned lending limit. In addition, at the Chief Credit Officer's discretion, the CU may be responsible for managing their own portfolio (not assigned to other lenders).

Essential Duties

• Gathers data from customers and prospects, internal and external sources, prepares spreadsheets and analyzes financial information including financial statements and tax returns; contacts Lenders, customers, prospects and CPAs directly to request additional information and clarification of data.
• Prepares Credit Presentations on new money requests for new and existing customers in a timely manner. Prepares annual review presentations for customers within the assigned portfolio. Works closely with Lenders and Loan Operations to manage loan pipeline and workflow.
• Develops accurate risk ratings on loan relationships. Continually monitors the loan portfolio for signs of stress or deterioration and proactively recommends upgrades or downgrades as warranted.
• Ensures that renewals and annual relationship reviews are completed timely in order to avoid any administrative past dues.
• A good general knowledge of Bank's various loan, deposit, and underwriting system(s) is required.
• Responsible for monitoring covenants of customers within assigned portfolio to identify deteriorating credit conditions and compliance with loan agreements. Document covenant violations and obtain approval of covenant violation waivers.
• Works closely with Lenders and Loan Operations to ensure that renewals are completed timely in order to avoid any administrative past dues.
• Monitor monthly documentation exceptions for assigned portfolio to ensure past due items are collected timely.
• Actively participates in customer and prospect meetings, both on-site and at the customer's or prospect's place of business as needed. SPM will document customer & prospect meetings and site visits.
• The SPM can serve as the secondary or primary Bank officer for various customers and manage customers not assigned to other Lenders.
• Maintain and develop knowledge of market trends for various industries and their potential impact to the Bank's existing loan portfolio as well as any new loans being considered.
• Interviews prospective applicants and requests specified information related to loan or credit application; corresponds or re-interviews applicants to resolve questions regarding application information.
• SPM's with Credit Authority shall review and grant intermediate and/or final approval of proposed loans, which includes providing feedback to lenders and other credit team members regarding the content of credit write ups, including recommendations for modifications or additions required to support a prudent credit decision.
• Performs pre-qualification assessments and analysis of financial condition and risk of financing requests within framework of Bank credit culture and current economic and industry trends.
• Develops knowledge of SBA programs in accordance with SBA SOPs and USDA loan programs. SPM will work with Loan Operations to complete / compile appropriate application & documentation, complete servicing actions and correspond with the appropriate servicing centers.
• Coordinates processing of approved loans; ensures loans are processed according to agreement, customer needs and conform to Bank lending policies; obtains sufficient information and/or documentation from customers; solves problems relative to processing and servicing of loans within his or her portfolio; approves loan disbursements in accordance with agreements.
• Manage existing relationships via regular customer contact, oversee timely annual review and renewals of existing facilities and manage financial reporting and collateral tickler and exception reports.
• Performs periodic review and audit of customer loan files.
• Protects the Bank's assets and maintains quality of portfolio by adhering to lending processes, policies & procedures, compliance, legal and ethical requirements and regulations, audit requirements and established risk management guidelines.
• Develops knowledge of various industries, economy, market conditions, interest rates, participating banks and competition.
• Consistently applies good decision-making techniques pertaining to inquiries, approvals, requests as they apply to existing policies and procedures, keeping within assigned approval limits and using these instances as learning tools for employee development.
• Represents the Bank in various community, civic, and community reinvestment functions to further enhance the Bank's image and develop additional business; assists the Bank in establishing and maintaining market position in the financing arena.
• Keeps informed of changes, i.e. regulations and laws that pertain to job responsibilities.
• May represent the Bank in various community, civic, and community reinvestment functions to further enhance the Bank's image and develop additional business.
• Adheres to all Bank policies including, but not limited to Bank Secrecy Act, Privacy Act, Anti-Money Laundering Regulations and Information Security policy.
• Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; works ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values; accepts responsibility for own actions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes working environment free of harassment of any type.
• Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports the Bank's goals and values; benefits the bank through outside activities.
• Performs the position safely, without endangering the health or safety to themselves or others and will be expected to report potentially unsafe conditions. The employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations and orders issued pursuant to the OSHA Act of 1970, which are applicable to one's own actions and conduct.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements

These specifications are general guidelines based on the minimum experience normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform the position in a satisfactory manner. Individual abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines.

Education & Experience

• BS/BA in business; and 3-5 years of banking experience and/or training; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience, knowledge and training in all lending activities, terminology, products and services.

Knowledge & Communication Skills

• Advanced knowledge of related state and federal banking compliance regulations, and other Bank operational policies.
• Effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions and instruct others, interpret documents, understand procedures, write reports and correspondence, speak clearly to customers and employees. Ability to develop and maintain relationships internally and externally.