CRE Underwriter

UW Credit Union is hiring a CRE (Commercial Real Estate) Underwriter, internally known as a Senior Credit Analyst, to join our newly launched Multifamily Lending department.

As a CRE Underwriter, you will evaluate borrower and guarantor financials to support informed lending decisions. Collaborating closely with Loan Officers, you will assess financial data, identify missing information, and craft clear, detailed loan presentations that outline cash flow, potential credit risks, and an independent recommendation to approve or decline the loan. This position is ideal for an experienced CRE Underwriter with a strong analytical mindset, the ability to translate complex financials into meaningful insights, and the confidence to work independently on high-value, time-sensitive loan requests.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone eager to make an impact on a newly developing team while working on larger, more complex borrowing relationships. The ideal candidate has advanced knowledge of loan structuring and financial analysis, strong written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to create procedural documents and training materials for future hires. If you're looking for a critical role where you can help shape a department and potentially grow into a leadership position in the future, apply now!

Why Work for UW Credit Union?

Join one of Wisconsin's premier financial institutions, a 2023 Top Workplaces USA and multi-year recipient of Madison Magazine's Best Places to Work, Wisconsin State Journal's Top Workplaces, and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Top Workplaces to receive:

21.5+ days annual paid time off
• 2 weeks paid caregiver leave
• 2.5 weeks paid new child parental leave
• 2 days paid volunteer time
• 11 paid holidays (includes your birthday!)
• 401k company match of up to 5%, plus approximately 4% discretionary match
• Variable bonus reward
• Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision plans, including domestic partner eligibility
• Discounted bus pass
• Employee Assistance Program
• Base Salary: $75,000 - $90,000; mid-point is $86,200
• And more!

What You'll Do

• Conduct independent financial analysis of subject properties, owners, and guarantors to assess strengths, weaknesses, and risk ratings in alignment with the Multifamily lending loan policy guidelines.
• Prepare thorough and concise loan presentations for new loan requests, periodic reviews, and credit memos, ensuring clear documentation of findings and recommendations.
• Analyze business financial statements and develop cash flow models to support commercial loan decisions, providing meaningful context to financial data for approving authorities.
• Identify credit and operational risks, propose mitigating factors when needed, and ensure appropriate loan structures are clearly outlined in loan presentations.
• Engage directly with borrowers and guarantors to obtain necessary financial documentation, address underwriting questions, and participate in meetings alongside Multifamily lending Loan Officers and administrators.
• Manage complex, technical, and time-sensitive loan files with minimal oversight, ensuring deadlines are met while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and thoroughness.
• Conduct property-specific research, pre-qualification assessments, and preliminary financial analysis to support lending decisions, ensuring alignment with Multifamily lending Loan Policy.
• Perform site visits and analyze real estate market data using commercial real estate databases to assess property conditions and industry trends.
• Support loan portfolio monitoring and reporting by generating monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, preparing credit committee materials, and documenting meeting minutes.
• Collaborate with internal teams to assist with special projects, financial statement collection, and preparation for audits and regulatory exams.
• Mentor and support future junior CRE Underwriters by reviewing work, answering technical questions, and providing training as the department grows.
• Engage in team collaboration by actively participating in meetings, department initiatives, and borrower interactions alongside Loan Officers and Administrators.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• 4+ years of experience as a CRE Underwriter, Credit Analyst, Financial Analyst, Portfolio Manager and/or Commercial Real Estate Analyst
• Strong math, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently assess financial statements and loan structures.
• Advanced knowledge of commercial lending principles, loan structuring, and industry standards, including loan documents, appraisals, and title policies.
• Experience as a Underwriter in a commercial credit department, including completion of a formal credit training program (such as RMA).
• Prior experience with the Sageworks Abrigo commercial loan platform is preferred but not necessary.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines, particularly for time-sensitive loan files and annual reviews.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, concise loan presentations and interact effectively with borrowers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and confidentiality, ensuring accuracy in financial analysis and compliance with lending policies.
• Demonstrated informal leadership and mentorship experience, with a willingness to train junior CRE Underwriters and contribute to team development.
• Hybrid Work Environment: ability to work 3 days a week in the office.

UW Credit Union is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Minorities, Protected Veterans, Women, and individuals with Disabilities. We strive to cultivate an inclusive workplace that is home to a diverse workforce where employees at all levels model knowledge of, belief in and a commitment to cultural competence.