Credit Underwriter / Contractor Support Specialist

Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Credit Underwriter to assess creditworthiness and support lending decisions while also facilitating onboarding and account maintenance tasks for the Watercress contractor base. This role involves evaluating financial statements, credit reports, and risk factors to determine loan eligibility, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory guidelines. The position requires collaboration with internal teams and external contractors to streamline the underwriting process, maintain efficiency, and uphold high credit quality standards. This role will also provide technical assistance and general support to those partners through regular phone, email, and chat interaction. This position will be located in West Des Moines, IA.

Available Shifts: 

• Full-Time: Monday – Friday, 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM (or similar)
• Full-Time: Monday – Thursday, 12:30 PM – 9:30 PM (9-hour shifts), and Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Full-Time: Tuesday – Friday, 1:30 PM – 9:30 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Part-Time Evenings: Weekdays, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM (or similar)
• Part-Time Weekends: Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and/or Sundays, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Schedule Perks: Hybrid work schedule available; weekend shifts are fully remote.

Priority Consideration: Applicants with regular weekend availability will receive priority consideration. If these shifts aren't what you're looking for, we are willing to discuss! 

Pay & Incentive: $23.50 per hour and up to 7.5% of your annual salary paid out on a monthly basis (after first 90 days).

Responsibilities

· Coordinate the credit approval process, including but not limited to processing credit applications and initiating inquiries into customer’s bank and trade references.

· Assess the creditworthiness of potential customers, including establishing payment terms and credit limits; handle special credit arrangements and deviations from standard terms of payment.

· Manage the full loan adjudication process by underwriting credit apps according to lending policies and evaluating risk to ensure the quality of the loan portfolio. 

· Evaluate supplementary documents and condition loan accordingly, while documenting rationale behind loan decisions. 

· Identify and log loans for exceptions while ensuring procedures are followed

· Assist with the establishment and implementation of credit policy; recommend policy adjustments as needed.

· Maintain knowledge of lending requirements, internal policies and procedures, and compliance and regulatory requirements.

· Strengthen and build lasting customer relationships with internal and external partners, including contractors via friendly, efficient and high-quality customer service

· Follow security and safeguarding procedures to protect against losses due to fraud and/or money laundering.

· Assist contractors with payment solutions and understanding/utilizing our financial products/services

· Track communication, activity, and action items within the Salesforce CRM and other network systems

· Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) or equivalent, or two to four years related experience within the financial sector, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, & Outlook.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong knowledge of consumer credit and lending practices.

· Full capacity in assessing and evaluating consumer credit reports.

· Acute attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills.

· Excellent judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions

· Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.

· Commitment to excellence and high standards.

Knowledge and Skills

· Knowledge of the credit and financial industry

· Experience and comfortability in a call center environment

· Strong communication skills- both written and verbal

· Superior time management and organizational skills

· Ability to work independently and within a team