Overall Demeanor/Goals – Loan underwriting is one of the most essential components of the overall process and function for FBDC. Loan underwriting demonstrates one’s institutional credit quality which is corollary to the loan portfolio’s risk and return consistent to that of the Board’s risk appetite, SBA objective, and basic sound credit analyses. As for any financial institution, underwriting sets the foundation in the process of defining the level of creditworthiness and standard to which we assess our loan portfolio’s ability to withstand the anticipated or unforeseen changes to the economic and market conditions. At a minimum, it is expected that underwriters meet the requirements set forth in the FBDC credit policy. These standards comply with those identified in the SBA SOP and ratified by the Board. Additionally, it is absolute that each underwriter exert the desired characteristics and commitment to hard work, industry expertise, professionalism, integrity and dedication to excellence that is imbedded within our culture. The result of this commitment will be measured by how well we perform relative to our competition in terms of SBA 504 loan volume in dollars and units as well as on going audits both internal and external.
Leadership - As a member of the FBDC team, we exhibit the standards of a well-established leader in the SBA 504 industry. For that reason, we must always represent FBDC in a professional and respectful manner, in and out of the office environment. Furthermore, as team members of one of the top performing CDCs in the nation, we must strive to meet our client’s expectations and be a resource for those that need assistance and insight to the program. We are all equally accountable for the performance and reputation of FBDC.
Underwriting/SBA Knowledge – It cannot be emphasized enough that all underwriters must adhere and effectively comply with all applicable FBDC policies and procedures. Underwriters must be able to comprehend and interpret the SBA SOP as this is essential to daily operations and defined role. Underwriters are held responsible to insure all necessary documents, with applicable signature(s), are in file in order to comply with random audits both internal and external. It is essential to keep abreast of economic conditions and changes in the market and SBA industry, including any updates to underwriting standards in order to deliver a sound risk decision. SBA eligibility requirements, risk identification, credit analysis, remediation, process loan package and procurement of an SBA guarantee is not the Business Development Officer’s responsibility, this is a credit determination and accountability lies with the underwriting team.
Performance –
Responsibilities to include:
•Effectively communicate with customers and fellow co-workers both written and verbally. •Understand and retain SBA eligibility/procedure requirements. •Must execute in a fast paced, high demand, environment while managing multiple obligations/tasks. •Ability to interpret and discuss analytical financial data and reports. •Ability to timely identify, document, and/or mitigate credit risk. •Ability to underwrite, structure, and determine credit worthiness while meeting lender and borrower expectations. •Thoroughly and independently analyze simple to complex credit situations and conform a sound credit decision/recommendation. •Comply with reasonable set expectations and completion of loan processing in all stages from initial underwriting, submission, authorization, verification, document storage and funding. •Must be able to excel in a team environment and be willing to take on additional tasks or roles for the betterment of the company. •Knowledge of FBDC’s loan management software (currently Ventures+)
Underwriter: (4+ years of SBA credit experience or equivalent):
•Must possess the skills to underwrite the loan request and package the application according to SBA guidelines and FBDC standards.
•Must perform all necessary tasks and responsibilities required to insure SBA and FBDC compliance which include but not limited to successfully obtain SBA authorization, perform 327 change action, review and receive acceptable appraisal and environmental reports, insure verification of necessary documentation, and other tasks as required.
•Maintain all 327 action changes in the loan management software so that it reflects the Authorization requirements at all times.
•Application packages are audited internally and externally. Exceptions are to be minimal. The underwriter will be held accountable for any and all exceptions to the application package.
•Ability to assist in any additional project(s) or task(s) upon request.
•Mentor or review loan requests and documentation of less experienced underwriter(s).
•Share knowledge and expertise within the company.
•Production volume - it is expected that a senior level underwriter(s) has capacity to perform all the above tasks and responsibilities for 48 loan requests per fiscal year.
Market/Industry Intelligence – It is expected that every underwriter keeps abreast to the ever changing market and industry, not just SBA but all developments in their sector. There are several resources that all team members can take advantage of within the company and in the industry, such as RMA, Coleman, NAGGL, NADCO, etc. An underwriter should initiate insightful research in order to have a deeper analytical understanding of key industries. This continuous development and improvement of our knowledge along with sharing information, skills, and expertise is essential to our competitive advantage in the SBA 504 industry.
Time Management – As our company environment allows to self-manage our time, it nonetheless requires delivery of quality write-ups to internal and external parties within deadlines. This requires that we all pay attention to details and are accountable for the accuracy of our work to ensure completion within expectations. We must always recognize the urgency of each situation and respond appropriately and efficiently in order to consistently deliver on time. The underwriter must possess the organizational skills to manage workflow efficiently as they should have multiple deals (including funding analyses and 327s) at a time in different stages of completion. It is imperative that an underwriter know how to prioritize various tasks. Management understands they will need to stop on one task and pick up on another based upon the situation.
Conclusion – Every member of FBDC is essential to our operation but none more so than the underwriters as they are the primary liaisons between the BDO and the SBA. Based upon the high expectations FBDC has in terms of dollar volume and unit volume, it is inherent that each underwriter be an industry expert. Each credit we oversee makes an impact not just within the company but more so in our communities and in our States.
Annual Production Expectation
The expectation is to review 1 deal per week or 45 per year factoring in vacations & holidays. FBDC conducts annual performance reviews every September.
Education/Experience
- 4-year degree required in Finance, Business Administration or related field
- Minimum 4 years of SBA 7a/504 experience required.
Benefits
- 100% company-paid healthcare, dental, vision for the entire family
- Life insurance policy for the employee
- Production bonuses paid bi-annually
- 3% safe harbor 401(k)
- Up to 9% profit sharing to the 401(k) based on company results
- 15 paid vacation days and 7 sick days per year
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