What are the responsibilities and job description for the Underwriter/Sr. Underwriter position at Woodforest Acceptance Solutions?
Description:
The Senior Merchant Underwriting Analyst is responsible for leading the review and analysis of new and existing merchant processing applications, with primary focus on the most complex, higher-risk, and higher-exposure merchant relationships. This role applies expert-level knowledge of underwriting standards, fraud prevention, and regulatory requirements to protect the organization while enabling strategic business growth. The Senior Analyst exercises broad discretion in risk decisions, provides guidance on exceptions, and serves as a trusted subject matter expert for underwriting, sales, and risk partners. This position operates with a high degree of autonomy, contributes to policy and process development, and plays a key role in mentoring and elevating the underwriting team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the independent review and approval of complex, higher-risk, and higher-exposure merchant files in accordance with the Credit policy.
- Exercise advanced judgment within established underwriting policies to approve, decline, or condition merchant accounts, escalating when exceptions or material risks are identified.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for complex underwriting issues, proactively partnering with merchants, sales channels, and internal stakeholders to resolve challenges.
- Perform in-depth analysis of credit reports, merchant processing statements, bank statements, and financial statements to assess financial viability, risk tolerance, and exposure limits.
- Identify and evaluate fraud trends, emerging risks, and control gaps; recommend and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Partner closely with sales, banking, compliance, and risk teams to balance growth objectives with sound risk management.
- Conduct advanced research related to industry trends, regulatory changes, merchant behavior, and portfolio risk exposure.
- Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to Analyst I and Analyst II team members; act as an escalation resource.
- Contribute to underwriting policy development, process improvement initiatives, and enhanced risk controls.
- Serve as a subject‑matter expert and trusted advisor to Sales, Risk, Compliance, and Operations partners by providing guidance on underwriting requirements and risk considerations.
- Review and resolve post‑boarding risk events, including volume spikes, chargebacks, or compliance concerns, recommending corrective actions as needed.
- Assist management with reporting, audits, quality assurance reviews, and strategic initiatives as requested.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Competencies Required:
- Demonstrated ability to serve as a leadership partner in the training, coaching, and professional development of underwriting team members, helping build technical proficiency and sound decision-making across the team.
- Expert knowledge of Card Scheme rules, regulations, and merchant acquiring risk principles.
- Proven ability to evaluate highly complex underwriting scenarios and make sound, well-documented risk decisions.
- Advanced understanding of fraud patterns, higher-risk industries, and mitigation techniques within merchant acquiring.
- Strong consultative and influencing skills, with the ability to partner effectively across all levels of the organization.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate complex risk decisions.
- Advanced organizational, prioritization, and time management skills in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Strong attention to detail with consistent accuracy and accountability.
- Ability to work independently with minimal oversight and take ownership of outcomes.
- Highly proactive, adaptable, and resourceful.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Minimum Qualifications/Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of merchant underwriting or merchant/payment processing experience in a financial institution, ISO, or merchant services environment.
- Experience underwriting or managing higher-risk merchant portfolios (e.g., high-risk MCCs, Limited or Controlled Business Types) within merchant acquiring is strongly preferred.