RMS Underwriter

Westamerica is among the largest commercial banks headquartered in California. We are looking for outstanding people to join our winning team. We reached our current strength because our employees, customers, and shareholders believe in the same fundamental goals:
Delivering a wide variety of financial services with a superior customer service guarantee.

Weekly

Working Hours:

40

Underwriter I is responsible for reviewing and evaluating low-risk FSP account applications to ensure they meet internal risk standards, industry regulations, and card brand rules. This role supports decisioning new accounts by analyzing applicant’s information, financial documentation, processing history, and risk indicators.

• Reviews applications for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with company policies, card brand rules, and underwriting guidelines
• Assesses merchant risk by evaluating models, process volumes, financial stability, chargeback exposure, and historical processing behavior
• Analyzes supporting documents such as bank statements, financial reports, compliance details, etc. to verify legitimacy and risk alignment
• Identifies potential fraud or high-risk indicators and escalates application as necessary
• Determines application outcome such as approval, denial, etc.
• Answers inquiries from FSP and ISOs to clarify account conditions and procedures
• Keeps informed of current practices in underwriting and current program guidelines and development, card brand rules, applicable regulations, and industry best practices
• Meets productivity and turnaround time SLAs while maintaining high accuracy standards
• “Shadow Underwrites” FSPs for low risk/low volume applications to ensure underwriting process and guidelines are managed to expected quality assurance level
• Follows up on missing items from various sales channels and/or merchants
• Handles exceptions and escalates cases as necessary
• Provides outbound customer service with sales partners to resolve pending items
• Maintains awareness of federal and state regulations applicable to designated areas of responsibility, stays current with compliance training, adheres to bank’s compliance practices, and supports implementation of necessary changes to policies, procedures, and controls to ensure ongoing adherence

• Provides backup to Underwriter II as needed
• Other duties as assigned

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment, preferably but not required in banking or financial services industry
• Effectively manage assigned underwriting through completion, and elevate issues proactively to leadership
• Ability to effectively analyze spreadsheets, reports, and other sources of financial data
• Working knowledge and experience using computer and Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to continuously adhere to multiple compliance regulations and card brand rules
• Natural inquisitive mindset with an infinity to learn
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills are required
• Excellent multi-tasking and time management skills
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team
• Regular on-site attendance required during regular business hours

• Sitting for extended periods of time while using computer
• Frequent hand, wrist, and finger movements for tasks such as keyboarding, data entry, and mouse use
• Continuous close visual work is required for tasks such as data analysis, computer use, and reading
• Frequent communication in-person and via phone, talking and hearing for such interactions
• Occasional movement within the office is necessary to access files or office machinery
• Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling (up to 20 lbs)
• Occasional stooping and reaching
• Occasional standing and walking

• Continuously prioritizing multiple demands and meeting deadlines while maintaining a high level of compliance
• Continuously applying analytical skills
• Ability to make sound decisions and determine when to elevate issues to leadership
• Reminds external customers of approaching deadlines and requirements

• Work in a climate-controlled building
• Office environment typically has a moderate noise level
• Work area has standard office ventilation and air quality

• Computer, Phone, Common Office Equipment

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