Commercial Loan Underwriter III at Fresno First Bank – Fresno, California

Who We Are:

FFB, a dynamic and acclaimed single-branch bank born in the heart of Fresno, CA in 2005, is on a mission to redefine the banking experience. Our commitment to delivering top-notch banking services has propelled us to the forefront of the industry, earning us accolades and recognition. At FFB, we recognize the uniqueness of each individual who walks through our doors, and our dedicated team strives to craft personalized banking solutions that cater to their distinct needs.

What sets FFB apart is not just our Fresno roots but the diverse talents that make up our team, hailing from every corner of the country. We firmly believe that our people are our greatest strength, and we're constantly on the lookout for ambitious and passionate individuals who align with FFB's vision, regardless of their location.

If you're ready to be part of a winning team and contribute to our ongoing success story, we invite you to apply and join the FFB family!

Recent Achievements Speak Louder Than Words:

• 2024 & 2025 - American Banker - #1 Top Performing Publicly Traded Bank with under $2b in assets
• Ranked #1 on American Banker’s Top 20 Publicly Traded Banks under $2 Billion in assets for 2024 (noted in Q2 & Q3 2025 reports).
• Ranked by S&P Global as a top 35 best performing U.S. community bank (under $3B in assets) based on 2024 results.
• Named among the OTCQX Best 50 Companies for 2024.

What You Should Expect While Working at FFB:

• Company ownership through our Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• A friendly, close-Knit work culture that encourages growth
• Opportunities to Participate in Community Networking Events
• Benefits Package

o Medical/Dental/Vision

o Life Insurance

o Paid Vacation

o 401(k) Retirement Plan

o Training & Development

o Tuition Reimbursement

o Employee Assistance Program

o Internal Job Posting & Referral Program

Ideal Candidate:

FFB prides itself on its core values of Teamwork, Relationship, Authenticity, and Commitment (TRAC). We expect that our team members will reflect these values in the workplace in various ways:

• Teamwork – We collaborate, hold each other accountable, and win together.
• Relationship – We are trustworthy, transparent, and respectful.
• Authentic – We are humble, vulnerable, and we speak up.
• Commitment – We are owners...Be hungry, responsive, and have a sense of urgency.

About the Position:

The Commercial Loan Underwriter III is responsible for underwriting medium to large new and existing credit relationships in compliance with the Bank’s underwriting standards and all applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. The position assists loan officers in managing new and existing customer relationships by providing advanced credit analysis and underwriting support.

Essential Duties

• Manages and develops medium to large-sized credit relationships, both new and existing.
• Requests financial data from borrowers based on the borrower’s financial reporting covenants and other data as may be needed to fully understand a borrower’s financial condition.
• Analyzes Borrower’s financial data and prepare summary reports on Borrower’s financial condition and compliance with loan covenants.
• Compiles data from credit reports, conducts industry analysis, and generates peer comparisons.
• Collaborates with RM and customers to discuss their financial data to develop a thorough understanding of the creditworthiness of the Borrower and Guarantor and be able to explain significant changes over time, compare industry standards, discuss performance to covenants, etc.
• Consistently underwrites safe and sound commercial loans in an expedient manner that are compliant with the Bank’s underwriting standards and all applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Assess and evaluates the risk of financing requests within the framework of the Bank’s credit culture and current economic and industry trends. Presents facts and offers opinions/recommendations on applicant’s credit worthiness.
• Prepares summary and/or credit approval report documenting underwriting results and provides supporting information for credit decision recommendations.
• Makes recommendations to loan and relationship officers on potential customer needs for other banking products.
• Reinforces the application of superior customer service through his or her own example along with appropriate follow-through with involved customers and employees.
• Develops and maintains an advanced knowledge of financial industry, economy, market conditions, rates, vendors, and competition; remains informed of trends and developments in local market and changes to regulations governing commercial loans; and assimilates new government regulations and applies this knowledge to improve and maintain quality and consistent underwriting.
• Responds to inquiries or refers inquiries to the appropriate department or person and exhibits the necessary follow-through with customers and/or staff involved.
• Consistently exercises sound decision-making on inquiries, approvals, and requests within policy and approval limits, using these opportunities to support employee development.
• Processes, solves, and answers complex customer transactions, problems, or inquiries.
• Provides on-the-job training and mentorship to junior underwriters and loan support staff.
• Assists in developing training and sharing best practices related to credit analysis, risk mitigation, and underwriting systems.
• Collaborates with credit leadership to identify training needs and help implement continuous learning initiatives.
• Acts as a subject matter expert and strategic resource to underwriting and lending teams, providing guidance on high-level credit decisions and emerging risk trends.
• Acts as team lead in the absence of the Manager, overseeing daily operations, managing workflows, and serving as the primary point of contact for escalations.
• Embodies the TRAC Values and Critical Behaviors (Teamwork, Relationship, Authenticity, Commitment) as core principles, using them to guide daily interactions and decision-making.
• Completes administrative tasks with a sense of urgency, including required Bank Compliance Training. Responds to internal and external inquiries via email, phone, or messaging platforms in a timely and professional manner. Positively represents the Bank through ethical conduct and community involvement.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to EEO policies. Fosters a respectful, inclusive workplace by valuing cultural differences, preventing harassment of any kind, and supporting a diverse workforce.
• Ensures adherence to all Bank policies, procedures, and processes, along with applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, ensuring confidentiality and data privacy while carrying out AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism) responsibilities specific to the role.
• Performs duties in an office or home office environment, involving tasks such as writing, typing, speaking, lifting moderate weights, and operating office equipment. The position requires physical activities like sitting, walking, and reaching. Reasonable accommodation can be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Travels up to 10%, including but not limited to attending company meetings, training sessions, and corporate events, with travel typically being regional or local based on business needs.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Finance, Accounting or related) preferred. Advanced degree or relevant certifications strongly preferred.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in commercial underwriting in a financial institution required.
• Proficient analytical and problem-solving skills; capable of interpreting complex data and providing meaningful insights.
• Experience, knowledge and training in financial statement and tax return analysis typically resulting from a combination of education in accounting, financial and/or credit analysis or related areas.
• Experience with a Loan Operating System required, Abrigo preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) required.
• Advanced knowledge of commercial loan origination, underwriting, documentation, and processing.
• Advanced knowledge of commercial loan structuring, loan covenants, financial ratio analysis, and key risks mitigation.
• Advanced knowledge of how to analyze and interpret Financial Statement and UCA Cash Flow.
• Advanced experience, knowledge and training in accounting, financial statement spreading, and cash flow and tax return analysis typically resulting from a combination of education in accounting, financial and/or credit analysis or related areas.
• Advanced knowledge of related state and federal lending and compliance laws, rules and regulations, and other Bank lending policies.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret appraisals, environmental reports, general business periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures.
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions, interpret documents, understand procedures, write reports and correspondence, and speak clearly to customers, vendors and employees.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities with attention to detail.
• Strong teamwork and relationship skills to lead collaborative efforts, foster alignment, and drive results across teams.
• Ability to take initiative and impact change within the Bank through consensus building and conflict resolution.
• Willingness to take on special projects and perform other duties as assigned, beyond core responsibilities, to support team and organizational needs.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development to stay current with industry standards and best practices.
• Ability to maintain authenticity and integrity in all professional interactions, ensuring trust and credibility with stakeholders.
• Capable of managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities and procedures.
• Current driver’s license and a vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage if required to drive while performing assigned duties and responsibilities.