SBA Underwriter

Job Description

Job Description

We are changing FINANCE to finance CHANGE!

At  Climate First Bank , we're redefining what banking can be. As a Florida Benefit Corporation and FDIC-insured commercial bank, we offer a full suite of personal and business services—including solar, residential, commercial, ESOP Banking, Structured Finance and SBA loans—all designed to power a better future. We're proud to be a Certified B Corporation, a member of 1% for the Planet, and part of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), reflecting our deep commitment to sustainability, transparency, and ethical banking.

With branches in  St. Petersburg, Winter Park, Mount Dora , and a growing  digital presence , we're proving that banking can be a force for good. We don't just support environmental and social causes—we're built on them.

Under our Holding Company,  Climate First Bancorp , we are also powered by OneEthos.  OneEthos operates at the intersection of fintech and traditional banking to expand access to inclusive, values-driven financial services. Regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank, it equips Community Banks, Credit Unions, CDFIs, and Green Banks with ethical lending tools—especially in climate finance and solar lending.

We're seeking  driven, mission-aligned individuals ready to make an impact. If you're passionate about sustainability, thrive in a fast-paced, results driven environment, and want to be part of something bigger, you will feel right at home.

Our team is one of  goal-setters, go-getters, problem solvers, thought leaders, and changemakers . We celebrate wins, tackle challenges head-on, and push boundaries. Fueled by purpose, we thrive where perseverance and passion turn ambitious goals into reality.

At Climate First Bank, we're investing in your future. We offer a comprehensive, people-first benefits package that supports your health, finances, and work-life balance. Please note that benefit eligibility varies by employment status and that benefits for part-time employees may differ from those listed below.

Compensation  —  In addition to the base salary, this position may be eligible for an annual bonus, incentives and equity. Actual compensation is based on industry salary ranges, internal salary structures, experience, skills and other job-related factors.

Health Coverage — 100% employer-paid for employees; employer contribution for dependents by Us

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 
• Health Savings Account (HSA) 
• Free Telemedicine access via Teladoc

Financial Wellness & Wealth Building

• 401(k) with 6% Employer Match —No Vesting Period.
• Employee Stock Options 
• Exclusive Employee Banking Perks 
• 0% Financing for Employee Solar Loans 
• Employee Only Mortgage Product  with exclusive interest rates and terms.
• 0% Financing for Eligible Electric Vehicles (EVs) 
• Referral Incentives 

Generous Paid Time Off

• 2–4 Weeks of Vacation based on officer level plus additional tenure-based time.
• 64 Hours of Paid Sick Time  for all full-time employees.

Protection & Peace of Mind

• Company-Paid Life Insurance 
• Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life, Accident & Critical Illness Coverage  
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)  with free counseling, legal, and financial services.

What to expect as an SBA Underwriter

As the SBA Underwriter , you'll be the driving force behind helping entrepreneurs secure the capital they need to grow and succeed. Your role is a unique blend of analytical expertise, strategic thinking, ands relationship-building. You'll serve as the key connection between our SBA Lending team, borrowers, and the U.S. Small business Administration, ensuring loans are well-structured, compliant, and aligned with SBA SOP

What You'll Contribute in This Role:  Nothing Gets Past You

• Analyze SBA loan applications for small and mid-size businesses and professional practices in accordance with current SBA guidelines.
• Underwrite loans ranging from $200,000 to $5,000,000 for purposes including owner-occupied commercial real estate, equipment, acquisitions, expansions, and debt refinancing.
• Review financial statements and third-party reports, assess creditworthiness, and apply sound judgment in conventional credit analysis.
• Structure deals balancing opportunity and risk; make confident, well-supported recommendations.

Process with Purpose

• Manage the underwriting process by preparing detailed credit approval requests, including financial analysis, business history, collateral adequacy, and management assessment.
• Serve as liaison between credit administration, sales teams, and borrowers to ensure smooth communication.
• Support .

Champion Our Mission

• Demonstrate commitment to social, economic, environmental, and racial justice.
• Engage in ongoing education related to sustainability practices and core values.

Protect Our Organization and Customers

• Identify and mitigate credit weaknesses and policy exceptions to safeguard both the bank and borrowers.
• Assign accurate credit risk ratings and adhere to all bank policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Compliance to investigate suspicious activity and prevent fraud.
• Stay informed on legal and regulatory changes; complete all compliance and IT training promptly.

What You'll Leverage in this Role:

Experience & Education

• 3-5 years of direct SBA underwriting experience with deep knowledge of SBA SOP and products.
• Skilled in financial analysis, report interpretation, and loan structuring.
• Bachelor's degree in finance or equivalent education with formal credit training preferred.

Entrepreneurial Self-Starter Mentality - You take charge of your work product and take pride in delivering consistently great and measurable results. You solve problems efficiently, seek operational efficiencies and are an analytical thinker with a strong focus on data-driven decision making. A high-pace and high-expectation environment excites you and you can't wait to push yourself to new professional heights in a company that rewards high performance.

Master Communicator - Whether it's in-person, on camera, phone, or chat — you communicate with confidence, precision, and professionalism. You listen deeply and respond thoughtfully and are able to engage efficiently and tactfully with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Additionally, you masterfully build relationships and develop business with strong influencing and decision-making skills.

Banking & Fintech Acumen - You are highly educated in financial products and services, applicable regulations and laws. You also possess strong overall business acumen and the ability to interpret financial reports and legal documents. Strong knowledge of unique industries and markets in conjunction with a broad knowledge of business banking products and services is required.

Tech-Forward and Analytical Thinking - You learn new tools quickly, are excited by innovation and leverage technology to optimize your work product and streamline your creative process.

Commitment to Being a Team Player - You lift others up, share ideas, and bring positive energy to everything you do. You know what it takes to operate as a part of a larger team and cherish opportunities to contribute to the big picture. You're dependable, communicate clearly and always happy to lend a hand where needed.

How We Work Together at Climate First Bank

At Climate First Bank, we believe that how we work is just as important as what we do. Every team member is expected to deliver high-quality results on time—whether independently or in collaboration with others. You'll be part of a supportive, mission-driven team where professionalism, communication, and collaboration are key to our collective success.

You'll also be expected to stay informed and compliant with all regulatory policies, including BSA, AML, CIP, and OFAC. These aren't just checkboxes — they're essential to maintaining the trust and integrity that define our bank.

What to Expect in Your Work Environment:

• Remote role within the United States; Eastern Standard Hours.
• Occasional S. travel for company events and leadership sessions.
• Sustained standing and sitting.
• Frequent communication (speaking and listening) and use of PC, including typing or sustained attention to monitor.
• Occasional lifting up to 20 lbs

Equal Opportunity Statement:At Climate First Bank we truly believe that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our success. Diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values and mission. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/VeteransE -Verify Statement: This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9