Retail Underwriting Specialist

Why Work at Bank First

At Bank First, we're not just a bank-we're a community. Consistently ranked among the top-performing banks in the U.S. and Wisconsin, and recognized by American Banker as one of the "Best Banks to Work For". We combine professional excellence with a culture that truly values people. When you join Bank First, you're joining a team that invests in your growth, supports your well-being, and celebrates your contributions.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Imagine a workplace where:

• Your career growth is supported through training, mentoring, and advancement opportunities
• Flexibility allows you to balance work and life without compromise
• Your contributions directly impact guests and communities you care about
• You're part of a culture built on respect, collaboration, and empowerment

At Bank First, you don't just fill a role-you make a difference. Every interaction matters, and every team member helps shape the experience our guests love.

About the Role: Retail Underwriter

The Retail Underwriter is responsible for evaluating, reviewing, and approving retail loan applications to ensure compliance with internal policies and investor guidelines. This role requires a strong understanding of credit risk assessment, regulatory requirements, and documentation standards. The underwriter will collaborate with loan officers, processors, and other internal stakeholders to deliver accurate and timely lending decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure consistent application of fair lending practices in all underwriting decisions.
• Review and approve in-house policy monitoring cases, exceptions, loan modifications, and pre-qualification/pre-approval requests.
• Validate in-house rates using the risk rating sheet; obtain necessary approvals for deviations and maintain tracking documentation.
• Process Fannie Mae rate and loan commitments; set and publish daily interest rates.
• Calculate borrower income and assess creditworthiness per investor and internal guidelines.
• Evaluate retail appraisals and address discrepancies with the appraisal reviewer.
• Underwrite retail mortgage and consumer loans for both portfolio and secondary markets.
• Monitor loan pipeline and software alerts daily to ensure timely processing.
• Review loan files for completeness and compliance with Fannie Mae and internal policies.
• Run and reconcile final Desktop Underwriter (DU) and Early Check reports; ensure data integrity.
• Identify and communicate closing conditions to Loan Officers for all retail loans.
• Review active Fannie Mae loans for timely PMI cancellation.
• Support pre-close and post-close QC audits; review and resolve audit findings.
• Maintain Fannie Mae Quality Assurance submissions and documentation.
• Assist with condo loan applications and manage project eligibility through the Fannie Mae portal.
• Respond to Loan Officer inquiries by referencing internal policies or consulting Fannie Mae directly.
• Stay current on Fannie Mae announcements; communicate product or guideline changes to Loan Officers.
• Submit PMI requests, ensure accurate data entry, and retrieve insurance certificates.
• Perform additional as assigned.

#INDBF

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related field preferred; equivalent work experience may be considered.
• 2+ years of experience in consumer or retail loan underwriting.
• Strong knowledge of credit analysis, lending regulations, and underwriting procedures.
• Proficiency in loan origination and underwriting systems.
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

About Bank First

Headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Bank First serves communities across Wisconsin and the Illinois Stateline region. Our growth is built on relationship-based banking-getting to know our guests personally and helping them create lasting value.

Our Culture & Vision

We foster curiosity, creativity, and responsiveness while embracing individual differences. Employees are empowered with tools to succeed and supported in their careers. Our vision is to remain the top-performing, independent provider of financial services, delivering personalized solutions and value to guests and communities alike.

Our Values

Relationship Based | Community Focused | Innovative Solutions | Value Driven

Join Bank First and build a career where your contributions matter, your growth is supported, and your work makes a difference every single day.