Senior Underwriter
Description
About Allica Bank
Allica is the UK’s fastest growing company - and the fastest-growing financial technology (Fintech) firm ever. Our purpose is to help established SMEs, one of the last major underserved opportunities in Fintech.
Established SMEs are the backbone of local communities - representing over a third of our economy - yet have been largely neglected both by traditional high street banks and modern fintech providers.
Role Description
The purpose of the role is to underwrite larger and more complex borrowing requests received through all channels of the bank, in line with the Bank’s approved Credit Policy and appetite for commercial mortgages.
Candidates should have significant experienced gained from a bank, building society or other financial institution dealing in loan sizes from £500K to £5M. The candidate will also have experience in dealing with applications from SME customers generally and from customers with complex asset and income structures. This role will be focussed on the larger deals within the above range.
Candidates will be expected to hold a lending mandate and overview recommendations for approvals, exceptions and escalated cases for appeals within their authority.
The role will also encompass line management of underwriters with varying experience and ability to coach individuals is preferred.
Principal Accountabilities
Assess and underwrite larger credit loan applications within personal discretion, in line with all regulatory requirements, the Bank’s policy and appetite and underwriting policies using appropriate credit data and analytical tools.
Produce clear, accurate and concise written documentation, making clear recommendations to the Head of Underwriting or Credit Committee for loan application requests falling outside of personal discretion or outside of credit policy, escalating cases where necessary to the appropriate Delegated Lending Authorities.
Undertake regular checks and monitor agreed controls to ensure the Bank’s risk and customer information requirements are met at all times; escalating immediately any areas of concern.
Complete monthly assurance dip testing on cases agreed by direct reports giving feedback/direction as appropriate.
Liaise effectively with RMs, brokers or applicants and valuers in requests for additional relevant information to support the credit decisioning process.
Deliver an excellent service to customers, their brokers and Relationship Managers, building and maintaining strong relationships in line with the Bank’s values and defined customer experience standards.
Ensure compliance with all mandatory policies and adherence to credit procedures to maintain internal credit controls.
Fully understand and comply with operational procedures, requirements and SLA’s.
Help develop appropriate MI and KPI indicators and reporting, maintaining suitable MI to enable a detailed understanding of Mortgage processing pipeline
Establish and actively manage a personal development plan.
Actively search for areas of improvement for the Bank and your team and take ownership for delivery of these, setting a good example by displaying appropriate values and behaviours.
Personal Attributes & Experience
Accomplished in underwriting, with significant experience in the SME sector, with an understanding of the competitor landscape and the dynamics and trends of the SME market.
Excellent credit/financial analysis skills including the analysis of financial accounts, budgets and cashflow forecasting.
Detailed understanding of the loan underwriting process and the risks involved and be able to assess applications within a personal discretion and make recommendations and take commercial decisions.
Experience of escalating and presenting at Credit Committee level and Arrears Management.
Strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to build strong and lasting relationships with internal stakeholders such as the distribution team, operations team and senior management, plus 3rd party suppliers such as Intermediaries, Valuers and Solicitors.
Understand and comply with all regulatory requirements, plus internal policies / procedures, guidelines, risks and controls and service levels.
Good understanding of TCF, AML, KYC and Conduct risk.
Expected to work to business needs and be flexible where needed to work towards SLAs.
Good understanding of the banks technology platforms, data sources and definitions to support ongoing development and expert advise to stakeholders when needed.
Working at Allica Bank
At Allica Bank we want to ensure our employees have the right tools and environment in which to succeed in their role and in support of our customers.
Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, so our benefits are designed with you in mind:
Full onboarding support and continued development opportunities
Options for flexible working
Regular social activities
Pension contributions
Discretionary bonus scheme
Private health cover
Life assurance
Family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave
Don’t tick every box?
Don’t worry if you don’t have all the skills or requirements listed on the job description. If you think you’ll be a good fit, we’d still love to hear from you!
Flexible working
We know the ‘9-to-5’ isn’t right for everyone. That’s why Allica Bank is fully committed to flexible and hybrid working. Please let us know what is best for you and, if we can, we will do our best to accommodate.
Diversity
We’re a diverse bunch here at Allica, with all kinds of experiences, backgrounds and lifestyles. Our openness and differences make us stronger, and we want everybody to feel comfortable bringing as much of themselves to work with them as they like.