Department:  Small Business Administration/ Credit

Reports To:   Underwriting Team Lead

Direct Reports: N/A

Position Summary:

The SBA Sr. Underwriter is responsible for analyzing and risk-assessing credit applications for SBA 7(a), SBA 504, SBA Express, and USDA loan programs. This position ensures credit decisions align with the company’s credit risk management strategy, internal credit policy, and SBA/USDA regulatory guidelines. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in Government Guaranteed Lending and will demonstrate deep expertise in commercial credit analysis, loan structuring, and risk mitigation.

Compensation is based on geographic location and individual pay decisions will vary based on demonstrated job related skills, knowledge, experience, education, certifications, etc.

Essential Duties:

• Review and underwrite credit requests for SBA 7(a), SBA Express, SBA 504 and USDA Loan Programs.
• Evaluate borrower financial statements, business plans, projections, and global cash flow to determine creditworthiness.
• Analyze collateral adequacy, loan structure, repayment capacity, and overall risk profile.
• Ensure compliance with internal credit policy, SBA/USDA SOP, and all regulatory requirements.
• Prepare clear and concise credit memorandums for presentation to the loan committee.
• Collaborate with Business Development Officers, Closing, and Servicing teams to resolve credit issues and structure appropriate lending solutions.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of SBA/USDA program changes and industry trends.
• Participate in training initiatives and mentoring of junior underwriting staff, as needed.
• Must complete all required training, including Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-money Laundering training, suitable to his or her position within the bank.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in business administration, finance, accounting, or economics preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in credit analysis, underwriting, or commercial lending, with a strong focus on SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans.
• Proven track record in preparing complex credit write-ups and analyzing commercial financial statements.
• Thorough knowledge of cash flow analysis, financial ratio analysis, and financial projections, as well as commercial loan structuring and documentation. Experience with discounted collateral valuation, balance sheet analysis (including pro forma), and formal credit training is a plus.
• Experience with lending platforms such as nCino, and familiarity with SBA SOPs and USDA lending requirements is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies:

• Deep understanding of financial statement analysis, pro forma projections, business and personal cash flow, and global debt service coverage.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, with a capacity to interpret and assess risk from both qualitative and quantitative data.
• In-depth knowledge of SBA 7(a), 504, and USDA loan guidelines, including environmental and appraisal standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to write clear, concise, and persuasive credit memoranda for various stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and loan origination systems (e.g., nCino, LaserPro, or similar platforms).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines with precision and thoroughness.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Works effectively in a team-oriented environment while independently managing individual workload and priorities.
• High level of integrity and professionalism; adaptable to organizational and procedural changes.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times. 
• Occasional travel as needed for training or meetings.   

EEO Statement

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, or any other protected category.

All offers of employment shall be subject to successful completion of all pre-employment screenings, verifications, and processes. Failure to comply with these processes or failure to successfully pass all phases of the pre-employment screening will result in a withdrawal of the employment offer.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Short- and Long-term disability
• Company-paid holidays