Bilingual National Underwriter

WHO WE ARE

HomeEquity Bank is a Schedule 1 Canadian chartered bank and the leading national provider of reverse mortgages, with a growing portfolio. As the only bank solely dedicated to serving homeowners 55 and up, we’re passionate about helping Canadian homeowners live retirement on their terms. We live that commitment every day, with a range of reverse mortgage solutions that include our flagship CHIP Reverse Mortgage™ product.

Our Values, Our Passion

At HomeEquity Bank, our values drive and inspire our actions with our customers, our partners and each other.

Customer-Focused. Passionate Advocates 

Courage to Act. Do the Right Thing 

One Team. One Vision 

Think Long-Term. Ever-Evolving 

Be Exceptional. Inspire Greatness

POSITION SUMMARY:

The role evaluates residential mortgage applications following the Bank’s credit policies and guidelines, and makes decisions to approve or decline mortgage loan applications. It liaises with various internal (sales, loan documentation and funding teams) and external partners (mortgage brokers and appraisers) during the mortgage evaluation, loan fulfillment and funding processes. The role is expected to make credit decisions that ensure mortgage loans are secure and that HomeEquity Bank’s high quality standards are adhered to.

MAJOR ELEMENTS OF THE ROLE

Key accountabilities of this position include:

• Partner with mortgage brokers (MB) and business development managers (BDM) to ensure we onboard the right files that meet our bank risk appetite and explaining files that do not.

• Evaluate mortgage applications, verify supporting documentation, review and ensure accuracy of information in the Bank’s loan system, and provide decisions on the applications
• Escalate complex applications or those that are outside of established authority limits to management for review and approval   
• Use due diligence to ensure a thorough evaluation and evidence-based decision that complies with the Bank’s policies, risk & compliance guidelines
• Ensure all communications with internal and external partners are documented with clear notes/conditions/decisions
• Maintain a positive and collaborative relationship with internal and external partners.
• Escalate any suspicious transactions to Management, the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and/or the Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officer (CAMLO)
• Ensure timely communication and problem resolution: proactively keep all stakeholders (e.g. BDM/MB partners) informed on file status, and identify and address issues early
• Maintain current product, policy and process knowledge in order to set expectations.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Qualifications and Technical Expertise:

• University Degree or Community College Diploma
• Progressive underwriting experience in personal lending (ideally residential mortgages) at a Canadian financial institution
• Good understanding of the residential real estate market, real estate market trends, and industry lending practices.
• Excellent computer skills – Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Attributes:

• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills, and attention to detail for credit evaluation and decisions
• Customer-centric focus / provides outstanding customer service  
• Superior listening skills – ensure time is taken to fully understand the customer need.
• Ability to manage and resolve conflict
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; in both English and French  to write application reviews and discuss decisions to management and internal sales partners
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Results oriented and has superior organizational and time management skills to manage multiple client files and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated understanding of the current financial services and economic environment

Working Conditions Unique to Job:

•  Hybrid office environment  

WHY WORK AT HOMEEQUITY BANK?

Great Environment

HomeEquity Bank offers a hybrid working environment supported with a culture of flexibility – an approach that is unique to each person, and that enables both business and individual needs to be met in a mutually beneficial way.

We pride ourselves in recognizing and celebrating performance, community service, teamwork, and diversity among our employees.
 

A Dynamic Culture – With People at the Centre  

We believe our people make all the difference; our tireless commitment to inclusivity, professional development, and employee experience has been recognized through awards including the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers 2024, Waterstone Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures 2022-2023, the Globe and Mail's Report on Business: Canada's Top Growing Companies 2022 (third year since 2019), Canadian's Mortgage Professional (CMP) Top Mortgage Employer 2023 for the third year in a row and Achievers Top 50 Most Engaged Workplaces 2023. 
 

Growth and Opportunities
We provide challenging and rewarding careers in a wide variety of fields. We continuously develop and train our employees through professional growth opportunities and on-the-job training. We also encourage our employees to develop professionally and personally though a series of career developing programs including our Educational Assistance Program, designed to reimburse costs related to professional learning and development.  
 

Celebrating Great Work and People

We believe in an environment that celebrates success, knowledge, leadership, and work that is inspired by our core values. For these reasons, we have created several programs that make it easy for our employees to say ‘great job’ to their colleagues and leaders.

From our Appreciate! Program to the High Five Award Program and President’s Award Program, we recognize professional achievement with a variety of rewards including points towards gift cards, merchandise, and travel experiences, as well as group RRSP/DPSP contributions and more.

Our Community Leadership Program recognizes employees who make a positive impact in their communities through volunteer work with a grant for their charity of choice. Additionally, we provide employees with one paid day off each year to volunteer at their favourite local charity.

The Perks

HomeEquity Bank offers a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Extended health and dental benefits
• Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Employer-Matched Group Retirement Savings Plan
• Employee Share Investment Plan
• Well-being initiatives including: a wellness account; virtual self-care programs and extended mental health benefits
• Employee corporate discount for GoodLife Fitness 

Stay in the Know

Find out what we’re up to online, and learn more about what makes HomeEquity Bank a great place to work:

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