Vice President, Senior Underwriter

About the role

Lendesca is seeking an experienced VP, Senior Underwriter responsible for evaluating, structuring, and completing loan underwriting packages to support sound credit decisions. This role involves analyzing borrower financials, assessing creditworthiness, and preparing comprehensive underwriting documentation in accordance with SBA guidelines and internal credit policies. The VP, Senior Underwriter will work closely with borrowers, the sales team, lending partners, referral sources, and internal stakeholders to gather information, assess risk, and determine the viability of loan applications. This role also collaborates with the closing team to facilitate a smooth transition from approval to funding.

What you'll do

• Review loan applications and supporting documentation to ensure completeness, eligibility, and compliance with SBA requirements and internal credit standards
• Develop clear and comprehensive credit memoranda that articulate transaction structure, financial analysis, and key risk considerations
• Evaluate and structure complex transactions, including those involving construction or leasehold improvements, by reviewing project budgets, contracts, plans, and overall feasibility
• Coordinate and review third-party reports, including appraisals, environmental assessments, and business valuations, ensuring alignment with underwriting assumptions and regulatory expectations
• Communicate credit decisions, including approvals and declines, in a timely and professional manner
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date reporting within internal systems, ensuring visibility into deal status, pipeline activity, and key milestones
• Identify gaps or deficiencies in submissions and work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to resolve issues and advance transactions
• Assist in obtaining SBA authorization and approvals, ensuring all program requirements are satisfied
• Support transactions through closing by confirming all required approvals are in place and facilitating any necessary modifications or updates
• Partner closely with servicing teams to ensure continuity from underwriting through the life of the loan
• Support ongoing portfolio management efforts, including periodic financial analysis, borrower requests, modifications, and workout scenarios
• Maintain a strong and current understanding of SBA and other government-guaranteed loan programs, applying evolving guidance to credit decisions

What you'll bring

• 5+ years of experience in SBA underwriting or complex commercial credit environments, with a strong preference for SBA lending experience
• Deep understanding of SBA loan programs and underwriting principles, with the ability to structure transactions that balance risk and opportunity
• Strong analytical capabilities, with the ability to evaluate financial statements, contracts, and supporting documentation to assess creditworthiness
• Experience working across the credit lifecycle, including underwriting, approval, closing support, and portfolio management
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy, organization, and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to clearly articulate credit decisions and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Professional presence and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships
• Proficiency with core business tools and systems, including Microsoft Office and lending or loan processing platforms
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience