UNDERWRITING MANAGER at Wesley Group

Major PurposeAs an Underwriting Manager, you play a critical role in protecting the integrity of our loan portfolio. You'll be responsible for thoroughly reviewing and clearing conditions on all loan files before they advance to the Closing Department, ensuring every file meets company policies, internal guidelines, and all applicable regulatory standards. Your sharp eye for detail and deep understanding of risk mitigation will help identify potential issues early - keeping our portfolio strong, our processes compliant, and our closings on track.

Responsibilities & DutiesVerify loan accuracy from the start - review initial loan decisions to ensure correct rates and terms are properly disclosed to borrowers.

Maintain regulatory compliance by reviewing all conditions against company guidelines as well as applicable state and federal regulations.

Ensure file completeness by thoroughly reviewing all conditions - including assets and liabilities - prior to closing.

Evaluate borrower income by analyzing income calculations using all provided documentation, including those for self-employed borrowers.

Dig into the financial details - analyze bank statements to identify potential cash flow concerns or undisclosed debts, and confirm that any funds used for a down payment meet company policy standards.

Protect escrow integrity by verifying that all escrows, escrow deposits, and fee schedules are accurate and provide adequate funding for all escrow accounts associated with the loan.

Prepare files for a seamless closing by finalizing loan files and confirming they meet all federal and state regulatory requirements before handing off to the Closing Department.

Drive pipeline accountability - review pipelines no less than bi-weekly with Lead Processors to address errors, flag loans needing attention, and confirm closings are being scheduled appropriately.

Foster team knowledge and alignment by attending and helping facilitate meetings focused on learning, communication, and ensuring company policies and guidelines are understood and followed.

Stay flexible - take on additional duties related to portfolio risk management and loan applications as assigned.

QualificationsFoundational QualificationsMinimum of 3 years of experience processing Prime and Prime Plus consumer loans - you've seen enough files to know what a clean one looks like and where problems tend to hide.

Technologically proficient with strong, efficient computer skills, including solid experience with Microsoft Office (especially Excel) as a daily working tool.

Highly organized with sharp attention to detail - you don't let things slip through the cracks, even when the pace picks up.

Proven ability to multitask and perform under pressure, balancing competing workloads and shifting priorities without sacrificing accuracy or quality.

Strong written and verbal communication skills paired with professional phone etiquette - you represent the team well in every interaction.

Working knowledge of all applicable state and federal regulations, including but not limited to TILA, RESPA, HMDA, Ability to Repay (ATR), and ECOA - and the ability to apply that knowledge consistently across every file you touch.

Core ExperienceA builder, not just a follower - you bring proven experience developing, refining, and evolving underwriting guidelines, not simply executing someone else's playbook.

2-3+ years in a leadership role such as Underwriting Manager, Credit Manager, or a similar position where you owned decision-making authority and team oversight.

Hands-on experience across key lending functions, including:

Installment and personal loan underwriting

Risk-based pricing models and APR tier structures

Decision engines and loan origination systems (LOS) - even if you're building toward one rather than inheriting one

Policy back-testing, performance tracking, and credit cutoff environments (e.g., 680+ scoring models)

Analytical & Credit ExpertiseDeep fluency in credit bureau data - you know your way around FICO scores, tradelines, inquiries, and utilization ratios, and you can apply that knowledge to make sound, defensible decisions.

Strong command of DTI calculations and income validation, with the ability to navigate complex borrower profiles confidently.

Demonstrated ability to build and refine approval matrices, analyze approval and decline trends, and strike the right balance between risk, volume, and profitability.

Portfolio OversightExperience monitoring portfolio health over time - including tracking default rates, delinquency curves, and vintage analysis to identify emerging trends and inform underwriting adjustments before they become problems.

Generalized QualificationsStrong qualitative and quantitative analysis skills - you're comfortable working with numbers and interpreting data

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information clearly

A client-focused mindset with strong customer service instincts

In-depth understanding of loan products and the lending landscape

Advanced knowledge of federal regulations and industry best practices for lending institutions

Solid project management and organizational skills - you can keep multiple moving pieces on track

Effective time management and the ability to prioritize with confidence

Sound decision-making and critical thinking skills, especially when navigating complex loan scenarios

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