Credit Approver

Salary: $80,000 - $109,700/YR
* Actual offer will be based on experience, location, education, and/or skills*

Applications should be submitted for consideration no later than 11/30/2026.

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You are a credit professional with experience in commercial, consumer, and/or residential mortgage underwriting who enjoys balancing risk management with relationship-based banking. You have strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to evaluate complex credit situations while maintaining consistency with policy and regulatory expectations. You thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy supporting the development of others through coaching, feedback, and knowledge sharing.

The Associate Credit Approver is responsible for the independent approval of consumer, commercial, and residential mortgage credit requests within delegated lending authority while supporting sound portfolio risk management across the organization. This role performs one-up reviews of lower-level credit decisions, validates risk ratings and underwriting quality, ensures all approved loans satisfy pre-closing credit conditions and policy requirements, supports analyst development, and helps maintain strong credit quality and adherence to policy.

• Approve consumer, commercial, and residential mortgage loan requests within assigned authority limits. Collaborate with PC associates to ensure efficient movement between approval and documentation.
• Perform one-up reviews of credit decisions made by lower delegated authorities.
• Conduct post-approval, pre-closing reviews to verify satisfaction of conditions and policy requirements.
• Play an active role in onboarding, coaching, and training for Credit Analysts.
• Assist with development and maintenance of credit policy and underwriting standards.
• Partner with lending teams and Credit Administration to resolve underwriting issues and support complex transactions.

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or related field required.
• 5-7 years Commercial, Consumer, and/or Mortgage Credit Underwriting and Analysis required.
• 0-3 years Credit Approval or Delegated Lending Authority Experience preferred.
• 0-3 years Training, Mentoring, or Leadership Responsibilities within Credit Functions preferred.
• Strong knowledge of commercial, consumer, and residential mortgage lending principles.
• Thorough understanding of financial statement analysis, cash flow analysis, global cash flow, collateral analysis, and credit structuring.
• Ability to independently assess credit risk and make sound lending decisions within delegated authority.
• Knowledge of regulatory guidance, banking compliance requirements, and risk management practices.
• Proficiency with loan origination systems, financial spreading software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Formal Commercial Credit Training (e.g., RMA, Moody's, or equivalent) preferred.

• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Paid parking and transportation benefits.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including:
  • Health savings accounts (HSA)
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous paid time off and bank holidays.
• Access to training and professional development programs.
• Sponsorship and support for obtaining professional certifications.
• A culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared success.

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At First Western Trust, we're more than just a financial institution - we're a team of forward-thinkers committed to excellence, innovation, and impact.

We celebrate each other's successes, welcome new ideas, and take personal ownership in everything we do. A genuine desire to positively impact our clients, communities, and one another drives our work. We meet challenges with a growth mindset, act with urgency and accountability, and constantly strive to raise the bar for ourselves and our clients.

Leadership at First Western means setting an example and fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and respect. Whether you're just beginning your journey or bringing years of experience, you'll find a welcoming community where your contributions are valued and your potential is boundless.

• Demand and reward excellence.
• Take action and responsibility.
• Collaborate, communicate openly, and…