Consumer Underwriter

Eastman Credit Union is now hiring a Consumer Underwriter!

Our ideal candidate will conduct themselves in a way that reflects our high standards of professionalism and customer service. These standards include excellent communication skills, leadership ability, self-awareness, and flexibility. We search for candidates that reflect integrity, loyalty, and dedication in everything they do. 

Eastman Credit Union offers competitive pay and benefits, promotional opportunities, and a culture that is hard to beat! We have high expectations for performance and want employees who can rise to the challenge.

Summary Efficiently analyze loan applications, credit, and financial data to determine the creditworthiness of borrowers. This role ensures compliance with lending policies, mitigates financial risks, and supports the approval or denial of consumer loan applications while maintaining high levels of accuracy and service excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

•  Underwrite loans
• Evaluate loan applications, financial information, and credit reports to assess the risk associated with extending credit or lending money.
• Review and analyze consumer loan applications and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to underwriting guidelines.
• Collaborate with loan origination staff to gather necessary information and resolve any application discrepancies when unable to render a quality decision.
• Review and evaluate documents to support credit decisions (paystubs, tax returns, collateral valuation, and additional supporting documentation).
• Recognize “red flags” in an application that may suggest fraudulent intent.
• Must be able to interpret complex data using independent judgment and discretion.
• Make credit decisions within assigned authority limits or recommendations for loans escalated to higher authority levels.
• Ensure underwriting decisions occur in a timely manner.
• Escalate loans outside of lending authority to the proper staff for decisioning.
• Ensure all underwriting activities comply with federal and state regulations, including fair lending practices (ECOA), Truth in Lending Act (TILA), and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
• Review loan applications and adhere to internal loan policies, procedures, and underwriting guidelines prior to decisioning.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in lending regulations and internal procedures, guidelines, and policies.
• Maintain quality by using sound lending principles in decision making when approving, declining or making counter-offers.
• Stay updated on economic trends, industry best practices, and changes in lending regulations.
• Identify credit improvement and cross-sell opportunities when appropriate.
• Serve as a resource and mentor staff in a courteous and professional manner by answering questions, clarifying concerns, and offering alternative options to members.

 Other Skills and Abilities                                             

• Ability to adapt to new lending methods and underwriting thought processes.
• Ability to react quickly to guideline and process changes.
• Ability to interpret and analyze financial statements and tax returns.
• Actively participate in Consumer Underwriting Team meetings.
• Strives to achieve challenging goals while maintaining quality growth.
• Capable of exercising good judgment.
• Independent decision maker.
• Self-motivated and multi-tasking to successfully manage a large volume of work.
• Expert knowledge of ECU Consumer Lending products.
• Ability to seek out additional or alternative products in the best interest of ECU and the member.
• Expert knowledge of ECU Consumer Lending procedures, guidelines and policies.
• Maintain skilled knowledge of consumer loan origination system (MeridianLink).
• Proficient in using DNA, Quest, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, CuneXus, etc.
• Excellent analytical skills for problem solving.
• Communicates clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions.
• Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities by putting the team above self-interests and supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Strive for Service Excellence.
• Identify and support self-improvement opportunities.
• Participate in ongoing training and development to enhance underwriting skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrate exceptional attendance and punctuality practices.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Support ECU’s Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Intent.
• Must be flexible in scheduling.
• Some weekend hours required.
• Identify and manage risks within the department.
• Other duties as assigned.