SBA Underwriter

What to expect as an SBA Underwriter

As the SBA Underwriter, you’ll be the driving force behind helping entrepreneurs secure the capital they need to grow and succeed. Your role is a unique blend of analytical expertise, strategic thinking, ands relationship-building. You’ll serve as the key connection between our SBA Lending team, borrowers, and the U.S. Small business Administration, ensuring loans are well-structured, compliant, and aligned with SBA SOP

What You’ll Contribute in This Role: 

Nothing Gets Past You

• Analyze SBA loan applications for small and mid-size businesses and professional practices in accordance with current SBA guidelines.
• Underwrite loans ranging from $200,000 to $5,000,000 for purposes including owner-occupied commercial real estate, equipment, acquisitions, expansions, and debt refinancing.
• Review financial statements and third-party reports, assess creditworthiness, and apply sound judgment in conventional credit analysis.
• Structure deals balancing opportunity and risk; make confident, well-supported recommendations.

Process with Purpose

• Manage the underwriting process by preparing detailed credit approval requests, including financial analysis, business history, collateral adequacy, and management assessment.
• Serve as liaison between credit administration, sales teams, and borrowers to ensure smooth communication.
• Support .

Champion Our Mission

• Demonstrate commitment to social, economic, environmental, and racial justice.
• Engage in ongoing education related to sustainability practices and core values.

Protect Our Organization and Customers

• Identify and mitigate credit weaknesses and policy exceptions to safeguard both the bank and borrowers.
• Assign accurate credit risk ratings and adhere to all bank policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Compliance to investigate suspicious activity and prevent fraud.
• Stay informed on legal and regulatory changes; complete all compliance and IT training promptly.

What You’ll Leverage in this Role:

Experience & Education

• 3-5 years of direct SBA underwriting experience with deep knowledge of SBA SOP and products.
• Skilled in financial analysis, report interpretation, and loan structuring.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance or equivalent education with formal credit training preferred.

Entrepreneurial Self-Starter Mentality - You take charge of your work product and take pride in delivering consistently great and measurable results. You solve problems efficiently, seek operational efficiencies and are an analytical thinker with a strong focus on data-driven decision making. A high-pace and high-expectation environment excites you and you can’t wait to push yourself to new professional heights in a company that rewards high performance.

Master Communicator - Whether it’s in-person, on camera, phone, or chat — you communicate with confidence, precision, and professionalism. You listen deeply and respond thoughtfully and are able to engage efficiently and tactfully with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Additionally, you masterfully build relationships and develop business with strong influencing and decision-making skills.

Banking & Fintech Acumen- You are highly educated in financial products and services, applicable regulations and laws. You also possess strong overall business acumen and the ability to interpret financial reports and legal documents. Strong knowledge of unique industries and markets in conjunction with a broad knowledge of business banking products and services is required.

Tech-Forward and Analytical Thinking - You learn new tools quickly, are excited by innovation and leverage technology to optimize your work product and streamline your creative process.

Commitment to Being a Team Player - You lift others up, share ideas, and bring positive energy to everything you do. You know what it takes to operate as a part of a larger team and cherish opportunities to contribute to the big picture. You’re dependable, communicate clearly and always happy to lend a hand where needed.

How We Work Together at Climate First Bank

At Climate First Bank, we believe that how we work is just as important as what we do. Every team member is expected to deliver high-quality results on time—whether independently or in collaboration with others. You’ll be part of a supportive, mission-driven team where professionalism, communication, and collaboration are key to our collective success.

You’ll also be expected to stay informed and compliant with all regulatory policies, including BSA, AML, CIP, and OFAC. These aren’t just checkboxes — they’re essential to maintaining the trust and integrity that define our bank.

What to Expect in Your Work Environment:

• Remote role within the United States; Eastern Standard Hours.
• Occasional S. travel for company events and leadership sessions.
• Sustained standing and sitting.
• Frequent communication (speaking and listening) and use of PC, including typing or sustained attention to monitor.
• Occasional lifting up to 20 lbs