Position Summary:
The Business Banking Underwriter, I is accountable for underwriting and monitoring a portfolio of business banking level commercial and industrial (C&I) loans ranging in size from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. The portfolio may also include Owner Occupied and/or small investor Commercial Real Estate loans. Will partner with Relationship Managers to propose and negotiate lending solutions on new opportunities and underwrite credit risk. Responsible for determining the credit worthiness of borrowers and/or sponsors and recommending credit decisions. Monitors portfolio credit relationships for covenant compliance, collateral monitoring, and credit deterioration, as applicable.

Essential Responsibilities:
Job Function 1: Propose Lending Solutions and Underwrite Credit Risk - 60%

• Supports the loan decision-making process by providing quality, in-depth credit analysis for business banking level commercial and industrial (C&I) as well as owner occupied and/or small commercial real estate loans.
• Develops solid understanding of customer financial needs and project feasibility. Works collaboratively with RM and/or Credit Officer to develop a plan of action for loan structure, monitoring, and servicing of loan relationship.
• Performs financial analysis including forecasting and sensitivity analysis to assist in determining borrower capacity to repay debt.
• Writes competent credit narratives and performs risk assessments of products, policy, structure, terms, and customer/sponsor financial strength with moderate guidance/feedback.
• Independently grades all credits in accordance with Bank's credit classification system.
• Satisfactory financial and accounting background. Familiar with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Participate in the approval process and support Relationship Managers in addressing questions on submitted requests.

Job Function 2: Portfolio Monitoring and Management - 35%

• Work with Relationship Managers and Commercial Banking Associates to obtain relationship monitoring information necessary to perform trend analysis, annual reviews, and/or monitor covenant compliance.
• Complete quarterly/annual reviews and renewals within required timeframes.
• Responsible for ongoing proactive identification and monitoring of risk ratings for borrowers.
• Develop and retain necessary industry knowledge.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures. Completes required bank training courses on time.
• May make joint customer calls with RM to assess client needs, business, and management team.

Job Function 3: Alerus/Department Support and Teamwork - 5%

• Participate in team meetings by asking questions, sharing knowledge, providing insight, contributions, and feedback.
• Be a resource for other Alerus team members.
• Participate in sales, pipeline, and production meetings as requested.
• Serve on specific project teams and perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:
Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education, including upper-level courses in finance and accounting.
• Minimum of one to three years of experience in a previous commercial underwriter position.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with business banking commercial and industrial and small commercial real estate loans.
• In-depth knowledge of straightforward to medium complexity loan documentation, banking laws, and regulations preferred, but not required.

Personal Characteristics:

• Satisfactory problem-solving ability.
• Developing professional customer service skills.
• Developing strong written and oral communication skills.
• Basic negotiation and strong interpersonal relationship skills.
• Self-starter with established ability to work effectively with minimal-moderate day-to-day supervision.
• Self-assured.
• Developing to solid analytical skills.
• Team player.

Physical Demands - Must be met with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Spend extended periods of time sitting at a desk and using office equipment.
• Extended time is spent reviewing documents, both actual paper or electronic records.
• Ability to operate a personal computer/laptop for approximately eight hours per day.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
• Periodically, may also do light lifting of supplies and materials which weigh approximately 20 lbs.
• Will spend most of time in an indoor environment.

Alerus Financial is an Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.