SBA Underwriter, Senior

First Horizon Bank - Memphis, TN

Full-time - Mid Level

Memphis, TN

5,001-10,000 employees

Credit Intermediation and Related Activities

About the position

The SBA Underwriter will play a crucial role in evaluating Small Business Administration (SBA) loan applications, ensuring that all evaluations are conducted in accordance with established criteria and the SBA Standard Operating Procedures. This position requires a candidate with a minimum of eight years of underwriting experience, including at least five years specifically focused on SBA loans. The SBA Underwriter will be responsible for assessing the merits of loan requests and will either recommend decisions to a senior credit officer or utilize their own authority to make decisions on applications. In this role, the SBA Underwriter will conduct thorough analyses of financial information to determine the creditworthiness of loan prospects. This includes evaluating financial and related data to assess the merits of specific loan requests. The Underwriter will collaborate closely with Product Specialists and Relationship Managers to gather all necessary information, ensuring that a comprehensive and accurate picture of each loan is presented. High-quality, detailed credit approval documents will be prepared, which will include in-depth analyses and identification of potential credit issues and risks, all in line with the SBA's Standard Operating Procedures. The Underwriter will also outline risks and mitigating factors associated with credit facilities based on a detailed analysis of business and personal financial statements, collateral, global cash flow, economic and industrial factors, and debt service capacity. Proficiency in financial statement analysis, tax return interpretation, and projections using Excel and CreditLens is essential. The Underwriter will provide recommendations on loan structures and alternatives that may be more suitable for specific transactions, assign accurate risk ratings for new loans, and ensure compliance with all bank policies and regulations. Meeting or exceeding service level agreements is a key expectation, along with preparing Credit Memorandums and performing other related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth analysis of financial information to form a recommendation of approval or denial of new loans.
• Analyze and evaluate financial and related data to determine credit worthiness of loan prospects and merits of specific loan requests.
• Collaborate with the Product Specialists and Relationship Managers to gather all necessary information to present an accurate and complete picture of the loan presented.
• Prepare high quality, detailed credit approval documents that contain an in-depth analysis and an understanding and identification of credit issues and risks in accordance with the SBA's SOP.
• Outline the risks and mitigating factors of a credit facility based upon the analysis of business and personal financial statements, collateral, global cash flow, economic and industrial factors and debt service capacity.
• Spread and interpret financial statements, tax returns, and projections using Excel and CreditLens.
• Complete spreads, cash flow analysis and prepare a credit authorization with a credit decision recommendation in accordance with Bank's and SBA policy and the current Small Business Administration (SBA) Standard Operating Procedures.
• Provide additional recommendations on loan structure and alternatives that may be more appropriate for the transaction.
• Assignment of accurate risk ratings for new loans.
• Follow all Bank policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations.
• Meet or exceed service level agreements.
• Prepare Credit Memorandums.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required for consideration or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eight (8) years or more of commercial credit underwriting experience with at least 5 years of SBA underwriting experience.
• Fundamental understanding of commercial credit underwriting with an emphasis on SBA.
• Above average knowledge of the SBA SOP 50-10.
• Ability to interact with all levels of clients, staff and management.
• Ability to offer appropriate resolutions to mitigate risk.
• Ability to think independently and as a team player.
• Must be organized and detail oriented with the ability to multitask.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Strong MS Office skills, especially with Excel.
• Knowledge of Moody's CreditLens preferred.
• Knowledge of nCino preferred.

Benefits

• Medical with wellness incentives, dental, and vision
• HSA with company match
• Maternity and parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Mentor program
• 401(k) with 6% match