Job Description

We do the right things, right now. We do them in a way that is relevant to our clients. Become a part of our history as it continues to be written!

If you are interested and qualified for this role, we invite you to apply.

The Commercial Underwriter IV is a senior-level position responsible for overseeing the underwriting of complex and high-value commercial insurance accounts. This role involves advanced risk assessment, policy development, and strategic decision-making, with a significant level of independence and authority. The Commercial Underwriter IV also plays a key role in mentoring junior staff, leading underwriting initiatives, and contributing to the company’s overall strategic goals.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Performs financial analysis and risk assessment for the commercial credit portfolio including Business Banking , Commercial & Industrial, Commercial Real Estate, and any other business line established by Bank.
• Review commercial loan applications and analyzes credit information to make a general assessment of applicant’s creditworthiness. Determines whether or not the proposed loan will conform to the Bank’s lending policy. Provide feedback to the Business Unit Manager, Regional and/or Market President, Senior RM and Commercial Credit Officer (CO), as appropriate, regarding the structure, underwriting, and management of loans. Maintain on-going communication with all appropriate management on the status of transactions.
• Spread statements for all new business opportunities and renewals not assigned to credit portfolio analyst. Financial spreading and cash flow/CRE template preparation for pre-screen/opportunity memo for prospects and new loans to existing clients.
• Prepare credit memos for new and renewal requests on complex credits and large clients, including those going before the Senior Credit Committee. This position could also serve as point of contact on large credits and/or will be assigned a portfolio of clients
• Work with Commercial Relationship Managers in the preparation of complete and accurate CARs for presentation to the appropriate credit authorities for decisions on transaction credit requests and reviews. Attendance of loan committees when a CAR is being presented. Finalization of changes to CAR and verification of approval process in accordance with FFB policy.
• Work directly with Senior Relationship Managers, Business Unit Managers, and Regional Presidents in respective region. Includes attending local / regional meetings as necessary.
• Focus on new business and larger and/or more complex renewal transactions.
• Serve as additional point of contact on large credits and be present with RM/RA in discussions with client on financial statement questions. Assist RM/RA in maturity tracking for their assigned region. In conjunction with the CO, lead in the preparation of periodic portfolio reports assessing on-going risk.
• Provide underwriting and credit management activities for specialized portfolios originated or managed at the corporate level.
• Provide assistance and/or leadership in the underwriting and analysis associated with loan purchases and sales on an individual or pool basis.
• Conduct and provide certain industry analysis that is related to the various commercial loan portfolios.
• Assist in the Due Diligence activity associated with bank or business acquisitions as requested.
• The Underwriter may be responsible for managing the Pipeline, Assist in the management of workflow and assigned credits..
• May provide group supervision and/or coordination in a leadership role for the entire group.
• Help to ensure that workflows and productivity challenges are addressed on a group level.
• May be assigned a higher level of independent credit authority.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform Essential Functions of the Job

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration
• Seven (7) years of specific credit underwriting or Business Banking underwriting experience. Specific credit underwriting experience for specialty portfolios should be come from experience in the specialty lending area.
• Proficiency in mathematical concepts, in order to apply to practical situations.
• Knowledge of advanced accounting principles and techniques
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Master’s degree in Business
• CPA or other appropriate financial certification.

Level of Complexity and Scope

• A senior role with significant independence and decision-making authority, responsible for managing complex and high-value commercial insurance accounts.

Degree of Independence and Decision-Making

• Make final underwriting decisions on complex and high-value accounts, with the authority to approve or reject applications and endorsements based on comprehensive risk analysis.

Required Supervisory Responsibilities

• Mentor and provide leadership to junior underwriters and support staff, offering guidance, training, and support to develop their skills and knowledge.
• No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of deskwork.
• Frequent use of computer, keyboard, phone and office equipment.
• Occasional moving within the office or to other locations within the building.
• Occasionally lifting and carrying light objects, typically up to 10-15 pounds.
• Occasionally reaching for items on shelves or in drawers.
• Clear and effective communication in person and over the phone.
• Ability to move within an office environment.

Compliance Statement

The associate is responsible for meeting all compliance requirements imposed on First Financial Bank by State and Federal law and regulation, as well as all related First Financial Bank policies and procedures. This includes all Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC and Suspicious Activity reporting requirements, as well as all other lending and deposit compliance requirements.

Development and Training

Pay Range:

$107,000/year to $142,760/year

Benefits

We have relevant, thoughtful benefits and programs that support every aspect of our associates' holistic wellbeing. Please review our Benefits Guide

Incentive Eligibility

All roles are incentive eligible with the exception of Co-Op, Intern, or Student positions.

It is our policy to not discriminate against any individual in violation of federal, state, and local laws as it relates to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran/military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are an E-Verify Employer.