Underwriter III

Accountabilities:

• Review and evaluate loan documentation for accuracy, completeness, compliance, and adherence to company, federal, government agency, investor, state, and local requirements.
• Underwrite conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, new construction, condominium, jumbo, and other assigned mortgage loan programs.
• Analyze loan-to-value ratios, debt-to-income ratios, credit reports, applications, income, assets, down payment sources, and supporting documentation to assess borrower eligibility and identify potential fraud or misrepresentation.
• Review property appraisals to ensure loans satisfy applicable secondary market, investor, and internal standards.
• Approve or deny loan applications based on established underwriting standards, risk factors, documentation, and regulatory requirements.
• Work with Loan Processors and Loan Officers to obtain missing or additional documentation needed to complete loan packages.
• Determine when additional information or documentation is necessary to support sound underwriting decisions and request it accordingly.
• Provide guidance and recommendations regarding suitable loan programs and available financing options.
• Verify system information and ensure internal loan systems are consistent with Automated Underwriting System results.
• Monitor regulatory requirements and industry developments that may affect mortgage compliance, underwriting decisions, and risk management.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for complex underwriting questions and escalated issues, providing guidance to less experienced teammates.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion when resolving complex cases and making risk-based decisions.
• Provide coaching and support to junior team members when needed and contribute to maintaining high-quality underwriting standards.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework or technical training in Business, Finance, Accounting, Legal studies, or a related field is preferred.
• 5+ years of recent experience underwriting conventional, FHA, VA, Bond Program, jumbo, permanent, or one-time close loans, or an equivalent combination of relevant mortgage underwriting experience.
• Current Direct Endorsement (DE) certification required, along with applicable certifications and endorsements for assigned regions, including Direct, VA, Auto, and SAR as applicable.
• Expert-level knowledge of residential mortgage lending processes, including underwriting, loan processing, and funding.
• Expert-level knowledge of documentation used in consumer mortgage applications, including tax returns, financial statements, financial records, verification of income, deposits, and related supporting documentation.
• Expert-level understanding of federal, state, agency, investor, and regulatory requirements governing consumer mortgage lending.
• Strong critical-thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate facts and data, reach sound conclusions, and assess downstream impacts and associated risks.
• Strong understanding of risk management, compliance, fraud detection, and mortgage underwriting standards.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment with a strong sense of urgency.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain decisions, requirements, and recommendations.
• Excellent organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• Intermediate mathematical skills and the ability to accurately analyze financial information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel, as well as collaborative cloud-based platforms, internal knowledge systems, and third-party software applications.
• Ability to work independently with moderate to high levels of judgment and discretion while collaborating effectively with colleagues.
• Strong commitment to customer service, integrity, respect, collaboration, continuous learning, and professional excellence.
• Ability to perform primarily sedentary computer-based work, including frequent use of a keyboard and mouse, and accurately interpret information presented visually, verbally, and electronically.

Benefits:

• Target salary range of $36.14–$54.21 per hour, with compensation influenced by factors including education, experience, and geographic location.
• Eligibility for incentive compensation.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Professional and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunity to serve as a senior underwriting subject matter expert and provide guidance to less experienced teammates.
• Opportunity to work across a broad range of residential mortgage products and complex underwriting scenarios.