Underwriter - Commercial Real Estate Credit CRE
Amerant

Responsible for providing a sound, independent and objective assessment and recommendation on risk factors associated with small business, midsize, large, complex structures and transactions related to Commercial Real Estate (CRE) transactions. This position will also oversee credit risk management and maintenance of credit quality for the respective assigned portfolio by monitoring relationship trends, clearing of exceptions, properly assessing and evaluating credit risk and other key factors, and providing recommendations and credit solutions which are appropriate to the relationship risk profile.

Responsibilities:

• Provide transactional support with the creation of credit memos while maintaining clear understanding of the Bank's credit programs and policy and its adherence. Reports to supervisor all deviation from credit programs and policy.
• Conduct analysis/underwriting functions, as needed. Provide support on new business activities by screening preliminary data and follow up in obtaining required documentation and conformity to credit underwriting policy of the bank. Prepare documentation, memos, and/or presentation as needed.
• Perform the annual review of existing credit relationships; Identify necessary risk rating changes, errors or inconsistencies and recommend modifications to risk rating as deemed appropriate. This includes calculating and verifying covenant testing requirements and monitoring loan policy exceptions, as needed.
• Support the accurate review and evaluation of the financial condition and operating performance of CRE Borrowers for new and existing loan exposures, increases, and modifications of terms/conditions.
• Support the large & complex financial analysis with a high degree of accuracy in terms of figures and credit risk assessment. Responsibility will also include the proper identification of loan policy exceptions and identification of industry/loan structure specific risks/issues with appropriate mitigating factors.
• Ability to identify, evaluate, monitor and make any recommendation deemed necessary to the supervisor to assess, reduce, eliminate or control any current or prospective risks to earnings or capital arising from violations of, or nonconformance with, laws, rules, regulations, prescribed practices, internal policies and procedures or ethical standards.
• Assist in the review and measurement of Bank Borrower's conformance with legal covenants, tracking of same and the identification of compliance or non-compliance This may include assisting Credit Portfolio Managers and Relationship Managers in collaborating with other bank units such as Credit Administration, Loan Operations, Credit Services, Closing areas, and Credit Risk.
• Assist in the training process of new underwriters. Specifically, assist the trainees in the following: adopting the operating procedures of the department, mastering the various formats used and the credit criteria applied to the various forms of analysis.
• Complete or review and provide feedback on spread financial statements, comprehensive analysis, and credit approval packages according to Bank credit programs and policy.
• Work within the software systems for loan originations, modifications, annual reviews, and other presentations to senior management.
• Responsible for the administration and monitoring maturities, delinquencies, including criticized assets reports on a regular basis as well as assisting in the identifying any "red flags" or problems within the portfolio. Reports to supervisor all portfolio issues and irregularities found in these reports.
• Conduct project site visits/inspections and report findings.
• Provide assistance in other areas within the department, as required, covering during vacation or absenteeism.
• Ensure preventive measures are carried out to fully comply with current rules, regulations and internal policies relating to risks pertaining to BSA, USA Patriot Act, OFAC and other AML related issues.
• Assist management with ongoing projects.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Chief Credit Officer or supervisor.

Minimum Education and/or Certifications Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in business, accounting or finance required. Master's degree preferred OR 5+ years of credit underwriting/credit analysis experience in lieu of education. Formal credit training preferred.

Minimum Work Experience Requirements:

7+ years of professional experience credit underwriting/credit analysis. Knowledgeable of banking products and documentation.

Technical and/or Other Essential Knowledge:

Thorough understanding of the Bank's credit procedures, programs and policy. Accounting and credit principles. Proficiency in Microsoft Suite is required; experience in SQL is a plus. Salesforce, nCino, FIS IBS experience is a plus. Sound time management and organizational skills required. Well organized and systematic. Must possess strong communication skills.

This position is hybrid/remote work eligible.

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