Underwriter III

Accountabilities:: Review and evaluate loan documentation for accuracy, completeness, compliance, and adherence to company, federal, government agency, investor, state, and local requirements. Underwrite conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, new construction, condominium, jumbo, and other assigned mortgage loan programs. Analyze loan-to-value ratios, debt-to-income ratios, credit reports, applications, income, assets, down payment sources, and supporting documentation to assess borrower eligibility and identify potential fraud or misrepresentation. Review property appraisals to ensure loans satisfy applicable secondary market, investor, and internal standards. Approve or deny loan applications based on established underwriting standards, risk factors, documentation, and regulatory requirements. Work with Loan Processors and Loan Officers to obtain missing or additional documentation needed to complete loan packages. Determine when additional information or documentation is necessary to support sound underwriting decisions and request it accordingly. Provide guidance and recommendations regarding suitable loan programs and available financing options. Verify system information and ensure internal loan systems are consistent with Automated Underwriting System results. Monitor regulatory requirements and industry developments that may affect mortgage compliance, underwriting decisions, and risk management. Serve as a subject matter expert for complex underwriting questions and escalated issues, providing guidance to less experienced teammates. Exercise independent judgment and discretion when resolving complex cases and making risk-based decisions. Provide coaching and support to junior team members when needed and contribute to maintaining high-quality underwriting standards. Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework or technical training in Business, Finance, Accounting, Legal studies, or a related field is preferred. 5+ years of recent experience underwriting conventional, FHA, VA, Bond Program, jumbo, permanent, or one-time close loans, or an equivalent combination of relevant mortgage underwriting experience. Current Direct Endorsement (DE) certification required, along with applicable certifications and endorsements for assigned regions, including Direct, VA, Auto, and SAR as applicable. Expert-level knowledge of residential mortgage lending processes, including underwriting, loan processing, and funding. Expert-level knowledge of documentation used in consumer mortgage applications, including tax returns, financial statements, financial records, verification of income, deposits, and related supporting documentation. Expert-level understanding of federal, state, agency, investor, and regulatory requirements governing consumer mortgage lending. Strong critical-thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate facts and data, reach sound conclusions, and assess downstream impacts and associated risks. Strong understanding of risk management, compliance, fraud detection, and mortgage underwriting standards. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment with a strong sense of urgency. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain decisions, requirements, and recommendations. Excellent organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail. Intermediate mathematical skills and the ability to accurately analyze financial information. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel, as well as collaborative cloud-based platforms, internal knowledge systems, and third-party software applications. Ability to work independently with moderate to high levels of judgment and discretion while collaborating effectively with colleagues. Strong commitment to customer service, integrity, respect, collaboration, continuous learning, and professional excellence. Ability to perform primarily sedentary computer-based work, including frequent use of a keyboard and mouse, and accurately interpret information presented visually, verbally, and electronically. Benefits: Target salary range of $36.14–$54.21 per hour, with compensation influenced by factors including education, experience, and geographic location. Eligibility for incentive compensation. Medical insurance. Dental insurance. Vision insurance. Life insurance. Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage. 401(k) plan with employer match. Professional and collaborative work environment. Opportunity to serve as a senior underwriting subject matter expert and provide guidance to less experienced teammates. Opportunity to work across a broad range of residential mortgage products and complex underwriting scenarios.