Finance Underwriter (any industry)

Location: South Africa

Salary Range: 800-2,200 USD can go up to 3000 USD (depending on years of experience)

Role Description:

The Finance Underwriter is responsible for evaluating and assessing the financial risk of individuals or businesses applying for credit, loans, insurance, or other financial products. This role involves analyzing financial documents, credit histories, and market data to make informed decisions that balance risk with business objectives. The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, a detail-oriented mindset, and experience in financial review, underwriting, or credit analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

Review and analyze financial statements, credit reports, income documentation, and other relevant data to assess risk.
Determine applicant eligibility, creditworthiness, and terms for financial products or services (e.g., loans, insurance policies, leases).
Prepare and present underwriting recommendations with detailed analysis and rationale.
Collaborate with internal teams (sales, credit, legal, risk) to gather required documentation and clarify application details.
Ensure underwriting decisions comply with internal policies, regulatory guidelines, and industry standards.
Monitor portfolio performance and assist in adjusting underwriting guidelines based on risk trends and market conditions.
Maintain detailed records of decisions, communications, and approvals or declines for audit and compliance purposes.
Utilize underwriting and risk assessment tools/software to streamline and document evaluations.
Support the continuous improvement of underwriting workflows, policies, and credit models.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field.
2–5 years of experience in underwriting, financial analysis, or credit risk evaluation.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
Proficiency in financial analysis tools and platforms (e.g., Excel, credit scoring systems, underwriting software).
Solid understanding of financial principles, credit markets, and risk assessment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to interpret complex financial data and make sound decisions quickly.
Familiarity with regulatory requirements (e.g., AML, KYC, FCRA, Basel III) depending on industry.

Preferred Skills:

Experience in a specific financial sector such as insurance, commercial lending, fintech, or real estate underwriting.
Certification in credit or risk analysis (e.g., CFA, CPA, ARM, CRC).
Familiarity with CRM and loan origination or underwriting systems (e.g., Encompass, Salesforce, Moody’s).
Ability to manage high volumes of applications with efficiency and accuracy.

Details:

Independent contractor agreement paid 2x monthly.
Client has a desire for long term commitment.

SU - Finance Underwriter (any industry)