Consumer Retail Underwriter

Job Summary: The Consumer Retail Underwriter is responsible for analyzing, underwriting, and approving consumer loan applications in accordance with the bank's policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines. This role ensures that all consumer credit decisions support sound lending practices, manage risk appropriately, and align with the bank's mission to provide exceptional customer service within the community.

Primary Responsibilities: 

· Review and analyze consumer loan applications, including auto loans, personal loans, credit cards, home equity loans, and unsecured lines of credit.

· Evaluate applicant creditworthiness by assessing income, credit history, collateral, debt-to-income ratios, and other financial indicators.

· Render credit decisions within assigned lending authority; make recommendations to higher authority when outside of limits.

· Ensure all underwriting complies with bank policy, applicable laws, and regulations (e.g., Truth in Lending Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act).

· Communicate loan decisions clearly and promptly to lenders and applicants; provide guidance on structuring loans when appropriate.

· Partner with branch staff and loan officers to support high-quality, customer-focused loan processing.

· Maintain detailed and accurate documentation supporting each credit decision.

· Assist with the ongoing review and updating of consumer lending policies, procedures, and underwriting standards.

· Identify potential credit risks and recommend actions to mitigate exposure.

· Participate in training and cross-functional meetings to ensure consistent underwriting standards and service quality.

• Monitor      and manage delinquent consumer loan accounts
• Contact      borrowers to discuss missed payments and repayment options
• Document      borrower interactions 
• Foreclosure      and Bankruptcy management by coordinating with attorneys and other third      parties through the fcl/bk process. 
• Ensure      all collection and foreclosure/bankruptcy activities comply with federal,      state, and local regulations

Skills or Qualifications: Must be a self-motivated and focused team player. It is important to possess excellent verbal, analytical and written communication skills along with the ability to work well with various team members, customers and external loan services vendors. Working knowledge of loan documentation and basic credit concepts a plus. Strong understanding of consumer lending regulations and credit principles. Ability to analyze financial statements, credit reports and collateral documentation. Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and banking software systems. Strong Attention to Detail, organization skills, ability to work in a fast paced environment, handle multiple tasks, proficient with MS Office programs and computer savvy, willingness to learn and adapt quickly, knowledge of basic accounting principles. Familiar with bank documents. Preferred but not required: knowledge of loan servicing, collection practices and foreclosure procedures.

Education and Experience: High School diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree or higher in appropriate field preferred. Minimum of 2-4 years experience in consumer loan underwriting, credit analysis or related banking functions. Prior experience in banking, loan operations, or credit administration preferred.

Physical Requirements: This position requires a high degree of mobility. May be subject to prolonged sitting/standing, frequent use of hands and upper body to manipulate/grasp objects/office equipment, ability to communicate face to face and on the phone with clients, occasional bending and lifting from floor height, frequent forward reach, lifting of 1 – 15 lbs. Must be able to travel by vehicle to branches/meetings/seminars, and so forth.

Equal Employment Opportunity

First National Bank of Bellevue is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by law.