Underwriter (Finance)

Wintrust is a financial holding company with approximately $62 billion in assets whose common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Guided by its “Different Approach, Better Results” philosophy, Wintrust offers the sophisticated resources of a large bank while providing a community banking experience to each customer. Wintrust operates more than 200 retail banking locations through 16 community bank subsidiaries in the greater Chicago, southern Wisconsin, west Michigan, northwest Indiana, and southwest Florida market areas. In addition, Wintrust operates various non-bank business units, providing residential mortgage origination, wealth management, commercial and life insurance premium financing, short-term accounts receivable financing/outsourced administrative services to the temporary staffing services industry, and qualified intermediary services for tax-deferred exchanges. Our unique business model is a competitive strength and value driver, powered by our talented colleagues who put our customers first and achieve better results for our clients.

Wintrust is recruiting for an underwriter to join our Middle Market Commercial Real Estate (“CRE”) Banking team in Lake Forest.  This position is responsible for preparing credit proposals and formulating and recommending lending approval/denial decisions on commercial real estate loan requests. Requests will include purchase and refinance opportunities as well as development loans for multiple asset classes of CRE including industrial, medical office, multi-family, mixed use and retail. This position interacts with CRE lenders to provide assistance regarding underwriting and portfolio management activities.  

Why join us?

• An award-winning culture!  We are rated a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune (past 9 years) and Employee Recommended award by the Globe & Mail (past 6 years)

• Competitive pay and annual discretionary bonus eligible

• Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life, a 401k plan with a generous company match and tuition reimbursement to name a few

• Family-friendly work hours

• With 175+ community bank locations, we offer opportunities to grow and develop in your career

• Promote from within culture

What you'll do:

• Evaluates commercial real estate loan requests for investors/sponsors using a thorough knowledge of industry fundamentals in addition to internal bank tolerances / procedures.
• Demonstrates effective time management by balancing multiple priorities within individual workload.
• Communicates with and effectively interacts with all levels of management, including lending personnel, loan operations staff and related departments.
• Analyzes the financial condition of existing and prospective bank customers.  Accurately reviews financial statements, tax returns and other financial information submitted by applicants and is capable of evaluating a borrower's ability to repay.  Recognizes trends impacting risk of repayment, the Bank's collateral position and the ability of the borrower/sponsor to satisfactorily execute a project.  Recommends risk rating adjustments supported by changes in the borrower's financial condition, collateral or other factors impacting risk.
• Analyzes markets and asset classes and has a thorough knowledge of the risks associated with the same.  Assesses the risks inherent in each market/asset class and suggests appropriate financing structures accordingly.
• Analyzes and validates ongoing customer financial reporting for tracking to underwriting metrics.  Reports on delinquent reporting and assesses risk rating accuracy.
• Maintains tickler system for accurate tracking and reporting of borrower required reporting including financial statements, tax returns, covenants, etc. Ensures that information received is properly maintained in the Bank's system of record.
• Makes sound credit decisions based on accurate analysis of information provided with loan requests.
• Exhibits thorough knowledge of fair lending issues, rules and various regulations that directly impact the CRE lending area (e.g.  FIRREA, Regulation B, FACT Act, HMDA, CRA, etc.)
• Seeks alternative means of financing or counter offers for all borrowers, if appropriate, when it is determined that the original request cannot be accommodated.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.  Preferably in a business-related field such as accounting or finance.
• Minimum of 2-5 years' experience underwriting CRE loan requests.  Formal credit training is a plus. Experience with Private Equity/fund sponsors, development/construction transactions is an additional plus.
• Sound understanding of CRE credit analysis techniques including cash flow and evaluation of collateral and ability to make timely decisions in a fast paced, time sensitive environment.

Benefits:

Medical Insurance • Dental • Vision • Life insurance • Accidental death and dismemberment • Short-term and long-term Disability Insurance • Parental Leave • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Traditional and Roth 401(k) with company match • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) • Employee Stock Purchase Plan at 5% discount • Critical Illness Insurance • Accident Insurance • Transportation and Commuting Benefits • Banking Benefits • Pet Insurance

Compensation:

The estimated salary range for this role is $65,000 to $100,000 annually, along with eligibility to earn an annual bonus. Actual salaries may vary based on several factors, such as a candidate's qualifications, skills, and experience.

#LI-Onsite

From our first day in business, Wintrust has been proud to serve a variety of unique communities and people from all walks of life. To be Chicago's Bank® and Wisconsin's Bank®, we need to reflect that diversity both in all the communities we serve, the people we employ, the organizations we work with, and our banking and lending practices. Wintrust Financial Corporation, including community banking and financial services subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, or status as a covered veteran or any other characteristic protected by law.