Loans Underwriter

Underwriter (Loans)

Location: Based in our Dalston office with flexibility to WFH

Reporting to: Underwriting Team Leader

Contract: Permanent, full-time (you may be required to work up to 2 Saturdays per month)

Salary: £25,700 per annum

About Fair Finance

Fair Finance is a social business with a mission to revolutionise finance and make it more inclusive, starting with the people others have left behind.

For nearly 20 years we have worked with hundreds of thousands of customers to help them access affordable credit, manage their finances, avoid eviction or start businesses. Our work has influenced Government policy, credit legislation and shown how Purpose and Profit can work together to change the financial system for the better.

We are currently taking the business through a technology transformation as we scale up our services to serve a million people across the country and we are looking for amazing people who want to be part of that journey.

About the role

We are looking for a Loans Underwriter who wants to work in a fast-paced environment in the non-profit sector and make a difference to our clients. The successful candidate will join a team of skilled underwriters from whom they’ll be able to learn. This is a challenging role which requires good organisational skills and the ability to analyse large amounts of data.

The Underwriter will be responsible for making lending decisions directly and autonomously, assessing personal loan applications coming from our clients. Their primary goal will be to ensure that we lend responsibly and affordably to our clients.

The role will give you the opportunity to work in a social business that puts clients before profits and is focused on making a difference for individuals who lack access to fair financial services.

About you

This role is ideal for someone looking to start a career in loans underwriting. Training will be provided.

You will need to have high attention to detail as well as demonstrating accountability, diligence and integrity at all times. You will also have a high level of computer literacy and the ability to work across several systems.

Whilst no previous experience is necessary, we are also keen to receive applications from candidates who have some experience in underwriting, loan administration or client management.

Key Responsibilities:

Lending decisions / underwriting

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• Review financial information and documents and assess them against our policies and procedures.
  
• As necessary, discuss with clients to better understand their financial situation and ensure that we are lending fairly and responsibly.
  
• Make recommendations or direct lending decisions, depending on training and experience.
  
• Work towards achieving our business targets, both in terms of quantity but also quality and compliance.
  

Loan administration and client support

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• Provide clients with prompt and clear information about their application and support them to complete their application.
  

Responsible lending and compliance

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• Ensure that all loan decisions are compliant and meet our responsible lending criteria.
  
• Keep up to date with changing policies and procedures.
  

Any other duties as required by the Company that are commensurate with the position.

Skills and Experience:

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• A desire to work in the non-profit sector and make a difference for our clients.
  
• A desire to work in a fast-paced environment and bring your energy and passion to our team.
  
• The ability to analyse complex information.
  
• High attention to detail.
  
• Demonstrate accountability, diligence and integrity at all times.
  
• A high level of computer literacy and the ability to work across several systems.
  

This job description may be amended from time to time to reflect the changing needs of the business.

Why work for Fair Finance?

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• Fair Finance is a social business with ambitious plans.
  
• Over the last eighteen years Fair Finance has helped over a hundred thousand people escape the clutches of high-cost money lenders, start businesses or avoid eviction.
  
• Our work has helped influence Government policy and legislation.
  
• We have demonstrated how purpose and profit can work together to change the financial system for the better.
  
• We believe in employing, growing and building around exceptional people who share our values.
  
• We have created an environment where you can genuinely put clients before profits and make a difference to our clients’ lives.
  
• We will provide you with a supportive workplace surrounded by peers who want you to do well, with responsibility to make a real difference in the organisation and the opportunity to thrive and make the role your own.
  
• We are a diverse organisation full of people who understand the balance between achieving business objectives and our social mission.
  
• Our Head Office is in a shared workspace in Dalston, housing more than 300 creative businesses, social enterprises and charities.
  
• Hybrid working and work practice flexibility is offered.
  

Employee Benefits

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• Annual holiday entitlement of 20 days in addition to UK public holidays.
  
• An additional paid day off for your birthday.
  
• Staff receive an additional 'WFH allowance' to allow even greater location flexibility.
  
• Private Health Insurance.
  
• Perkbox access for a wide range of discounts.
  
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
  
• Staff Loan Scheme (currently interest free).
  
• 3% matching contribution towards a stakeholder pension.
  

The closing date for applications is Sunday 27th October 2024 (11:59pm), and first interviews will be held via Teams w/c 28th October 2024.