Commercial Underwriter III

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If you are interested and qualified for this role, we invite you to apply.

The Commercial Underwriter III is responsible for evaluating and underwriting complex commercial relationships. This role involves assessing risk, financial statement analysis, strategic decision making, and ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations. The position requires advanced knowledge of underwriting principles and strong decision-making skills.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Performs financial analysis and risk assessment for the commercial credit portfolio for Specialty Credit including Bannockburn, Asset Based Lending, Structured Finance Lending, ESOP Lending and Large Corporate Lending. Bannockburn credit requests include foreign exchange, commodity, and interest rate derivative credit requests, including the assessment of private equity funds. Client credit exposure size from $5.0 -$100.0 million.
• Review and analyze commercial loan requests to make a general assessment of the client’s creditworthiness. Structure proposed loan request in accordance with Bank’s lending policy. Provide feedback to the line of business and respective Bank credit officers, as appropriate, regarding the structure, underwriting, and risk assessment. Maintain ongoing communication with all parties on the status of request transactions.
• Spread financial statements utilizing Bank spreading tools for all new clients and for existing client annual reviews. Financial spreading, cash flow preparation, and risk rating assessments for all new and existing clients.

• Prepare Credit Memos for new, renewal and modification requests and client annual reviews for the existing portfolio, including those going before the Senior Credit Committee. Attendance of loan committees when a credit approval request is being presented. Finalization of changes to credit approval request and verification of approval process in accordance with FFB policy.
• Work directly with Relationship Managers, Business Unit Managers, and Portfolio Managers in respective business lines. Includes attending local / regional meetings as necessary.

• In conjunction with the credit officers, lead in the preparation of periodic portfolio reports assessing on-going risk via management of the pipeline report. Support the client annual review process by managing the ongoing existing client annual review pipeline.
• Assist with special projects as needed.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform Essential Functions of the Job

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration.
• Up to five (5) years of credit underwriting experience.
• Proficiency in mathematical concepts, in order to apply to practical situations.
• Knowledge of advanced accounting principles and techniques including the ability to spread financial statements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

Level of Complexity and Scope

• Handles complex and high-risk accounts, often requiring a deep understanding of intricate business operations and industry-specific risks.

Degree of Independence and Decision-Making

• Commercial Underwriter III operates with a high degree of independence, making strategic and complex underwriting decisions with minimal oversight.
• Position located in Cincinnati, OH office; however, depending on internal experience, this position could be remote in another FFB office location.

Required Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provides guidance and training to junior underwriters, helping to develop their skills and knowledge.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of deskwork.
• Frequent use of computer, keyboard, phone and office equipment.
• Occasionally moving within the office or to other locations within the building.
• Occasionally lifting and carrying light objects, typically up to 10-15 pounds.
• Occasionally reaching for items on shelves or in drawers.
• Clear and effective communication in person and over the phone.
• Ability to move within an office environment.

Compliance Statement

The associate is responsible for meeting all compliance requirements imposed on First Financial Bank by State and Federal law and regulation, as well as all related First Financial Bank policies and procedures. This includes all Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC and Suspicious Activity reporting requirements, as well as all other lending and deposit compliance requirements.

Development and Training

Benefits

We have relevant, thoughtful benefits and programs that support every aspect of our associates' holistic wellbeing. Please review our Benefits Guide. 

Incentive Eligibility

All roles are incentive eligible with the exception of Co-Op, Intern, or Student positions.

It is our policy to not discriminate against any individual in violation of federal, state, and local laws as it relates to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran/military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are an E-Verify Employer.