Commercial Real Estate Underwriter, III

Position Summary :

The Commercial Credit Underwriter, III is accountable for underwriting and monitoring a portfolio of complex, large commercial real estate (CRE) loans ranging in size from $1,000,000 to $25,000,000.

Assigned portfolio may also include Owner Occupied and / or small investor Commercial Real Estate loans. Will partner with Relationship Managers to propose and negotiate lending solutions on new opportunities and underwrite credit risk.

Responsible for determining the credit worthiness of borrowers and / or sponsors and recommending credit decisions. Monitors assigned portfolio credit relationships for covenant compliance, collateral monitoring, and credit deterioration, as applicable.

Keeps apprised of industry related issues to analyze and determine their impact on specific industries, clients, or Alerus CRE portfolios.

Performs all duties in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Responsibilities :

Job Function 1 : Propose Lending Solutions and Underwrite Credit Risk - 60%

• Supports the loan decision-making process by providing quality, in-depth credit analysis for complex commercial real estate (CRE).
• Develops comprehensive understanding of customer financial needs and project feasibility. Recommends a plan of action while working collaboratively with RMs for loan structure, monitoring, and servicing of loan relationship.
• Performs financial analysis including forecasting and sensitivity analysis to assist in determining borrower capacity to repay debt.
• Writes professional credit narratives and performs advanced risk assessments of products, policy, structure, terms, and customer / sponsor financial strength with minimal guidance / feedback.
• Independently grades all credits in accordance with Bank’s credit classification system.
• Strong financial and accounting background. Experienced with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Attend Loan Committee and support Relationship Managers in addressing questions on submitted requests.

Job Function 2 : Portfolio Monitoring and Management - 35%

• Work with Relationship Managers and Commercial Banking Associates to obtain relationship monitoring information necessary to perform quarterly trend analysis, annual reviews / renewals, and / or monitor covenant compliance.
• Complete quarterly / annual reviews and renewals within required timeframes.
• Responsible for ongoing proactive identification and monitoring of risk ratings for borrowers.
• Maintain comprehensive industry knowledge.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures. Completes required bank training courses on time.
• Maintains relationships with clients in conjunction with Relationship Managers and may make joint customer calls with RM to assess client needs, business, and management team.

Job Function 3 : Alerus / Department Support and Teamwork - 5%

• Participate in team meetings by sharing knowledge, providing insight, contributions, and feedback.
• Be a resource for other Alerus team members.
• Participate in sales, pipeline, and production meetings as requested.
• Serve on specific project teams and perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements :

Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education, including upper-level courses in finance and accounting.
• Minimum of five years of experience in a previous commercial underwriter position.
• Minimum of three plus years of experience working with large, complex commercial real estate loans.
• In-depth knowledge of advanced loan documentation, banking laws, and regulations preferred, but not required.

Personal Characteristics :

• Advanced problem-solving ability.
• Advanced professional customer service skills.
• Exemplary written and oral communication skills.
• Compelling negotiation and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Self-starter with established ability to work effectively with minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Self-assured.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Team player.

Physical Demands - Must be met with or without a reasonable accommodation :

• Spend extended periods of time sitting at a desk and using office equipment.
• Extended time is spent reviewing documents, both actual paper or electronic records.
• Ability to operate a personal computer / laptop for approximately eight hours per day.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

• Periodically, may also do light lifting of supplies and materials which weigh approximately 20 lbs.
• Will spend most of time in an indoor environment.

Alerus Financial is an Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.