Mortgage Underwriter

Friday, December 20, 2024

Date: December 20, 2024

Location: Toronto

Company: RFA Bank of Canada

Job Type: Permanent

About RFA

Founded in 1996, RFA (Realty Financial Advisors) is a leading Canadian-owned real estate firm. Through RFA Bank of Canada and RFA Mortgage Corporation, RFA offers mortgage brokers a complete range of Prime and Alternative mortgage solutions.

RFA Bank of Canada, a division of RFA (Realty Financial Advisors), is a federally regulated Schedule I Bank. Our goal is to be a long-term leader in the residential lending market by offering more than just competitive rates and compensation. At RFA Bank of Canada, we focus on delivering a unique value proposition in the Alternative mortgage space, committed to innovation and exceptional service to meet a diverse range of borrower needs.

The Opportunity

We're looking to fill a Mortgage Underwriter position at RFA Bank of Canada!

The successful candidate will work in a fast-paced, broker-focused environment with their primary responsibility to provide quality credit decisions on Alternative Single-Family Residential mortgages. The Underwriter role is responsible for the management of their portfolio and ensuring SLAs are met in accordance with RFA's standards for residential lending.

Core Responsibilities

As the Mortgage Underwriter, you will:

Customer Results:

1. Make prudent underwriting decisions based on the credit quality standards as defined by the Residential Mortgage Underwriting Policy.
2. Negotiate, approve, recommend, and decline applications within RFA's Residential Underwriting Guidelines, including without limitation:
3. Review of credit information
4. Review of real estate appraisals for consistency with prevailing market conditions
5. Terms and conditions on all mortgage applications
6. Review loan pricing based on risk objectives and thresholds set by RFA Bank.
7. Prepare and issue mortgage commitments within assigned SLAs.
8. Identify and escalate instances of suspected fraud to Senior Management, AML/Compliance, and Quality Assurance.
9. Maintain service levels in an environment of high volumes and the competing demands of customers and employees.
10. Maintain direct contact with mortgage brokers via updates specific to the application from fulfillment through to closing.
11. Provide guidance and mentorship to mortgage fulfillment officers to ensure documentation meets bank requirements.
12. Build and maintain exceptional customer service levels for our broker partners.

Operational Efficiency and Risk Management:

1. Manage work volumes to meet short timelines with a high level of quality.
2. Evaluate real estate and associated risks in a volatile market.
3. Handle difficult interactions and unpopular decisions.
4. Build relationships with mortgage brokers and related business partners.
5. Keep up to date with evolving policies and procedures.
6. Review of loans acquired by the bank post-funding.

What You'll Need to Succeed

1. Previous residential mortgage experience and working knowledge of real estate is an asset.
2. Undergraduate university degree is an asset.
3. Detailed working knowledge of principles of credit analysis and risk management.
4. Working knowledge of PC software in a Windows environment.

What Sets You Apart

1. Demonstrated ability to assess risk in a fluctuating real estate market.
2. Building productive relationships with mortgage brokers, mortgage agents, and related business partners.
3. Demonstrates the ability to make and document decisions that consider all implications and proactive management of risk.
4. Demonstration of solid negotiation and problem-solving skills.
5. Ability to adapt to changing volumes and tight turnaround times.
6. A very strong customer focus is required with an ability to ensure the customer experience is a positive one.
7. An ability to make quick decisions without compromising underwriting quality.

Our Values and What We Offer at RFA

At RFA, we live by our core values. These values guide our daily actions and shape our work culture:

1. Accountability: You take ownership of your work & its consequences. You always consider risk & make informed decisions.
2. Selflessness: You share info & teach others. You're able to put your ego aside & understand that the best idea wins.
3. Inclusivity: You value differing viewpoints & experiences. You understand how this can drive growth & innovation.
4. Innovation: You seek opportunity & embrace change. You see tech as a way to enhance productivity & drive profitability.
5. Courage: You make tough decisions in our best interest. You see opportunity when faced with challenge or adversity.
6. Impact: You value results & your contributions. You rise to the occasion and never settle for sub-par.
7. Performance: You embody a competitive spirit, desire to win, and strive for executional excellence.

Along with a strong work culture, RFA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

1. Vision Care
2. RRSP Match
3. Health & Wellness Spend
4. Vacation & Personal Days
5. Hybrid working environment

Ready to take the next step?

If this opportunity excites you and aligns with your skills and aspirations, we'd love to hear about how you can contribute to our team at RFA.

Accessibility

Accommodation is available upon request for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you are contacted for a job opportunity, please advise us of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.