Location: New York, NY
Work arrangement: Onsite
Work type: Full-time
Compensation: $165000 – $190000/yr
Location: Fully Remote — New York, NY
The Specialty Finance Senior Underwriter plays a critical role in evaluating and underwriting senior secured cash flow and leveraged loan transactions supporting middle market companies, with a focus on M&A activity sponsored by private equity firms. The role is also responsible for detailed credit analysis of sponsor-backed transactions, including new deal underwriting, amendments, and ongoing portfolio management. The role involves rigorous cash flow modeling, assessing leverage and repayment capacity, structuring appropriate covenant frameworks, and preparing well-articulated credit approval packages. Underwriting is performed in accordance with the bank's Credit Policy and regulatory standards, using systems such as Sageworks.
All applicants must attach a recent resume. The bank does not provide relocation assistance or visa sponsorship (now or in the future).
Responsibilities:
Independently underwrite new money transactions, acquisition financings, and recapitalizations for sponsor-backed and mid-corporate borrowers. Perform detailed cash flow modeling (including debt service coverage, leverage ratios, and sensitivity scenarios) to evaluate creditworthiness and repayment capacity. Conduct thorough financial analysis including historical and projected income statements, balance sheets, and statements of cash flow. Evaluate industry, management, competitive positioning, and business models of prospective borrowers to assess transaction risks. Collaborate closely with Relationship Managers and Origination teams to structure deals that balance risk and return, including term sheets and covenant packages. Establish and monitor appropriate financial covenants, reporting requirements, and borrowing conditions. Present credit approval memos to senior credit officers and/or credit committees with clear articulation of risks, mitigants, and rationale for approval. Support the documentation and closing process by coordinating with legal counsel to ensure terms are accurately reflected and protective of the bank. Monitor and manage an assigned portfolio of active credits, including quarterly reviews, amendment requests, and ongoing risk assessments. Identify and proactively escalate emerging credit concerns and recommend appropriate action plans. Maintain close contact with clients, sponsors, and intermediaries during underwriting and throughout the life of the credit. Assess collateral value and structure (where applicable) and determine appropriate advance rates and protections. Ensure compliance with internal credit policies, regulatory guidelines, and approval frameworks.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field. Minimum 7 years' relevant experience in credit underwriting or portfolio management, ideally within a middle market or sponsor finance group. Deep understanding of leveraged finance principles, capital structures, and M&A dynamics. Proficient in advanced financial modeling, including cash flow modeling and scenario stress testing. Strong analytical and credit judgment skills with ability to assess complex financial situations and sponsor strategies. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present effectively to credit committees and senior leadership. Demonstrated knowledge of legal documentation for cash flow lending transactions, including credit agreements, intercreditor agreements, and security instruments. High attention to detail, ability to manage multiple priorities, and operate in a deadline driven environment. Proficiency with credit underwriting software such as Abrigo/Sageworks preferred.
Compensation: $165000 – $190000/yr