Position SummaryThe Senior SBA& USDA Underwriter is responsible for the independent underwriting,structuring, analysis, and recommendation of complex government guaranteedcommercial loan requests in accordance with SBA SOP requirements, USDAguidelines, bank credit policy, and prudent commercial lending practices.
This positionplays a critical role in maintaining credit quality, regulatory compliance,portfolio performance, and operational efficiency within a high-performingGovernment Guaranteed Lending ("GGL") platform. The ideal candidate possessesadvanced technical expertise in SBA 7(a), SBA Express, USDA B&I, andrelated government guaranteed lending programs, while also demonstrating strongbusiness judgment, communication skills, and the ability to operate in afast-paced, production-oriented environment consistent with one of the nation'stop SBA lenders.
The SeniorUnderwriter serves as a key resource to lenders, credit administration,closing, servicing, and executive management while helping drive growth,consistency, and credit culture throughout the organization.
The idealcandidate combines elite-level government guaranteed lending expertise withstrong business acumen, sound credit judgment, operational discipline, and acollaborative leadership style. This individual thrives in a high-performancelending environment focused on growth, compliance, credit quality, andexceptional client service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Otherduties may be assigned.)
CreditUnderwriting & Analysis - Independently underwrite complex SBA 7(a), SBA Express, USDA B&I, and related government guaranteed loan requests.
- Analyze borrower financial statements, tax returns, projections, global cash flow, debt service capacity, collateral coverage, liquidity, guarantor support, and repayment ability.
- Assess business risk, industry trends, management strength, succession considerations, and operational viability.
- Structure transactions in accordance with SBA SOP, USDA program requirements, bank credit policy, and safe and sound banking practices.
- Perform detailed collateral analysis including real estate, business assets, special purpose collateral, and construction lending scenarios.
- Evaluate equity injection requirements, source and seasoning of funds, and eligibility of contributed assets.
- Analyze franchise eligibility, affiliation, size standards, ownership structures, and organizational documentation.
- Review environmental, appraisal, insurance, and legal requirements associated with government guaranteed lending.
- Prepare comprehensive written credit memorandums and recommendation packages for approval authorities and loan committees.
- Present and defend loan recommendations to senior management and credit committees when necessary.
GovernmentGuaranteed Program Compliance - Maintain expert-level knowledge of current SBA SOPs, USDA regulations, policy notices, procedural updates, and program changes.
- Ensure all loans meet SBA and USDA eligibility, underwriting, documentation, and compliance requirements.
- Assist in maintaining the bank's Preferred Lender Program ("PLP") standards and USDA lending authority requirements.
- Identify and mitigate potential guaranty repair or denial risks during underwriting.
- Work closely with internal audit, quality control, compliance, and loan operations teams to ensure adherence to regulatory standards.
- Assist with responses to SBA, USDA, internal audit, and regulatory examination findings as needed.
Leadership& Collaboration - Serve as a technical resource and mentor to junior underwriters, analysts, lenders, and support staff.
- Promote consistency in underwriting standards and credit culture across the organization.
- Partner closely with business development officers, closers, portfolio managers, and loan operations staff to ensure efficient loan flow and exceptional customer experience.
- Assist in developing underwriting procedures, templates, workflows, and departmental best practices.
- Participate in training initiatives related to SBA and USDA lending programs.
QualificationsEducation& Experience
- Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 7-10 years of commercial credit underwriting experience required.
- Minimum 5 years of direct SBA underwriting experience required.
- USDA B&I underwriting experience strongly preferred.
- Experience within a high-volume SBA lending platform preferred.
- Prior experience with PLP lending strongly preferred.
Technical Knowledge RequirementsAdvancedknowledge of:
• SBA SOP 50 10 andrelated procedural notices
• SBA 7(a), Express,CAPLines, and construction lending
• USDA Business &Industry (B&I) lending
• Commercial cash flowanalysis and global cash flow
• CRE and businessacquisition underwriting
• Construction lendinganalysis
• Environmental andappraisal requirements
• SBA eligibility andaffiliation rules
• Collateral valuationmethodologies
• Loan structuring andrisk assessment
• Regulatory andcompliance expectations
Skills& Competencies - Exceptional analytical and credit underwriting skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple transactions under tight deadlines.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
- High level of professionalism, accountability, and integrity.
PreferredSystems Experience - SBA E-Tran
- CAFS
- Abrigo / Sageworks / Moody's
- Microsoft Excel and Word
PerformanceExpectations - Maintain high levels of underwriting accuracy and compliance.
- Deliver timely credit decisions consistent with service-level expectations.
- Support portfolio growth while maintaining strong credit quality.
- Contribute to the bank's strategic growth within SBA and USDA lending platforms.
- Uphold the institution's credit culture and reputation as a top-tier government guaranteed lender.
FIRST COMMUNITY BANK (SC) is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status