Senior SBA UnderwriterLocation: California
Job Type: Full-Time | Exempt | Hybrid/Remote Eligible
Salary Range: $100,000 - $135,000 per year
Job SummaryThe Senior SBA Underwriter is responsible for analyzing, underwriting, and preparing credit approval documentation for Small Business Administration (SBA) loan requests in accordance with SBA guidelines and Commercial Bank of California's credit policies. This role plays a critical part in supporting small business growth by ensuring sound credit decisions, thorough risk assessments, and timely processing of loan applications.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of SBA lending programs. This position works closely with Relationship Managers, Loan Packagers, and Credit Committees to ensure each loan is accurately evaluated and aligned with both regulatory and institutional standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Analyze financial statements, tax returns, business plans, and other relevant documents to assess creditworthiness of SBA loan applicants.
- Prepare detailed credit memoranda and present recommendations to the loan committee or approving authority.
- Ensure all underwriting complies with SBA Standard Operating Procedures (SOP 50 10), as well as internal bank policies.
- Collaborate with SBA Business Development Officers, Relationship Managers, and Loan Processors to gather required documentation and clarify loan structures.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of SBA programs, eligibility requirements, and regulatory changes.
- Assist in structuring SBA 7(a), 504, and Express loans to meet both borrower needs and SBA requirements.
- Support post-approval processes including closing, funding, and servicing as needed.
- Participate in audits and respond to SBA or internal review findings.
- Provide training and guidance to junior underwriters or lending staff as needed.
- Consistently apply good decision-making techniques pertaining to inquiries, approvals, and requests as they apply to existing policies and procedures, keeping within assigned approval limits and using these instances as learning tools for employee development.
- Cross-sell the Bank's other products and services, referring customers to appropriate staff as needed.
- Respond to inquiries or refer inquiries to the appropriate department or person and exhibit the necessary follow-through with customers and/or staff involved.
- Process, solve, and answer complex customer transactions, problems, or inquiries.
- Assume responsibility for various department functions in the absence of staff members or in overload situations as needed.
- Treat people with respect; keep commitments; inspire the trust of others; work ethically and with integrity; uphold organizational values; accept responsibility for own actions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy; show respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educate others on the value of diversity; promote a working environment free of harassment of any type; build a diverse workforce and support affirmative action.
- Assure compliance with all Bank policies, procedures and processes, and all applicable state and federal banking laws, rules and regulations; adhere to Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering Act rules and regulations.
Minimum QualificationsThese specifications are general guidelines based on the minimum experience normally considered essential to the satisfactory performance of this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform the position in a satisfactory manner. Individual abilities may result in some deviation from these guidelines.
- A Bachelor's degree (BA) or equivalent from a 4-year college or university is required, along with 3-5 or more years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience with SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs is essential. SBA underwriting certification or related training is a plus.
- The role requires advanced credit analysis skills with extensive knowledge of loan structure, pricing, and collateral analysis.
- Candidates should have advanced experience, knowledge, and training in financial statement and tax return analysis, typically resulting from a combination of education in accounting, financial and/or credit analysis, or related areas.
- Advanced experience, knowledge, and training in all lending activities and terminology is expected, including mastered knowledge of commercial, construction, real estate, and consumer loan processing.
- An intermediate knowledge of related state and federal lending and compliance regulations, as well as other Bank lending policies, is necessary.
- Familiarity with loan origination systems and SBA submission platforms is required.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills are needed, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Intermediate skills in computer terminal and personal computer operation, host computer systems, and word processing and spreadsheet software programs are expected.
- Advanced math skills are required, including the ability to calculate interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages; balance accounts; add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; locate routine mathematical errors; and compute rate, ratio, and percent, including the drafting and interpretation of bar graphs.
- Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills are essential. The candidate must be able to apply common sense to carry out instructions and instruct others, read, analyze, and interpret documents and professional journals, understand procedures, write reports, correspondence, and procedures, and speak clearly to customers and employees.
- The ability to deal with complex problems involving multiple facets and variables in non-standardized situations is important.
- The position requires the ability to work independently without supervision while performing duties.
Benefits & Perks- Competitive employer contribution to medical, dental and vision coverage
- 401k plan with employer match
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Care Accounts
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employer provided Calm subscription
- Employer provided mental health benefits through Teladoc
- Life, AD&D and disability insurance
- Minimum 15 Days of Vacation, 11 Paid Federal Holidays, Paid Time off to Volunteer
- Online discount program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
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