RESPONSIBILITIESIndependently review complex, high-volume, high-risk, or escalated merchant applicationsAnalyze merchant creditworthiness, financial stability, business models, processing history, ownership structures, and operational riskInterpret consumer and business credit reports, financial statements, tax returns, bank statements, processing statements, corporate records, websites, and supporting documentationEvaluate card-not-present, e-commerce, recurring billing, future delivery, high-ticket, and other elevated-risk business modelsApprove, pend, decline, or recommend conditions for applications within assigned authority levelsProvide clear and well-supported underwriting rationale for complex decisionsReview escalated applications and assist with exception requestsIdentify potential fraud, bust-out risk, credit risk, prohibited activity, and inconsistencies across application materialsPartner with Risk, Compliance, Sales, Operations, and sponsor bank contacts to resolve application concernsServe as a resource for Underwriter team members by answering questions and providing guidanceSupport training, application calibration, and quality-review activitiesReview underwriting decisions for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to company and sponsor bank requirementsIdentify trends, recurring application issues, and opportunities to improve underwriting proceduresAssist with developing and updating underwriting procedures, reference materials, and decisioning guidelinesSupport department coverage, queue management, and priority application reviews when neededPerform additional duties as assignedQUALIFICATIONSAdvanced knowledge of merchant services underwriting, credit analysis, and payment-processing riskStrong understanding of merchant business models, transaction risk, chargebacks, fraud exposure, and sponsor bank requirementsAbility to interpret complex financial statements, tax returns, bank statements, processing histories, and corporate structuresStrong judgment and ability to make defensible decisions when information is incomplete or risk factors conflictAbility to recognize higher-risk industries, prohibited activities, unusual ownership structures, and potential misrepresentationExcellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skillsExcellent written communication and ability to document detailed underwriting rationaleAbility to provide constructive guidance and explain complex underwriting decisionsStrong organization and time-management skills in a high-volume environmentAbility to work independently and manage competing prioritiesStrong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, CRM platforms, and third-party underwriting toolsEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE3+ years of merchant services underwriting experience requiredExperience independently reviewing complex or elevated-risk merchant applications requiredExperience with financial analysis, reserves, exceptions, conditional approvals, and underwriting escalations preferredExperience mentoring or training junior underwriters preferredExperience using TSYS systems preferredSALARY: This role includes biannual profit-sharing bonuses as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, dental, retirement planning, and/or other benefits. Base salary range: $65,000 - $68,500 Salary including quarterly profit-sharing bonus and comprehensive benefits program range (annualized): $85,725- $89,925WHY WORK HERE?Awarded Top Workplace of Orange County by the OC RegisterFlex PTO!New state of the art, open-concept facility with stand-up desks, balance boards, stationary bikes and more!