Senior Underwriter

Senior Underwriter

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Abound

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead underwriting decisions and support team growth in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Join a rapidly growing fintech redefining consumer lending in the UK.
  • Benefits: Equity ownership, hybrid work, 25 days holiday, and wellness budget.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth into new product areas.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on affordable lending while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Minimum two years underwriting experience and strong analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

About Abound

We’re redefining consumer lending in the UK, and beyond. Using advanced AI and Open Banking data, we make fair, affordable personal finance available to more people. While traditional lenders rely almost entirely on credit scores, we look at the full financial picture - how much you spend, and what you can afford to repay to build a deeper, more accurate understanding of each customer’s unique financial situation. And we've shown it works at scale. We’ve issued over £1.3bn in loans directly to customers while delivering market-leading credit performance - for every 10 defaults the industry expects, we see only 3. We also reached profitability just 2.5 years after launch. Backed by £2bn+ of funding from top-tier investors including Citi, GSR Ventures, and Deutsche Bank, we’re recognised as one of Europe’s fastest-growing fintechs.

About the Team

We are a successful financial services enterprise that offers personal loans in the UK. Our mission is to increase access to affordable loans by looking beyond credit scores- we consider a person's earnings, spending habits and overall financial health to drive our lending decisions. We launched in March 2021 and have grown exponentially since, with further exciting plans for the future. We pride ourselves on bringing affordable lending to the market whilst making the right decisions based on the individual rather than their credit report. Our determination, approach, and resourcefulness have set us apart from our competitors for the better. We have an open plan office, encouraging lateral communication of different departments to bolster both individual and collective expertise, knowledge, and collaborative support, where you can apply your experience and skills to further develop and improve aspects of the business and yourself.

How we work

  • Shifts: Monday-Friday (shift patterns) TBC
  • One Saturday a month- returned in Overtime or time in lieu.
  • Bank holidays – Two bank holidays per year- returned in Overtime or time in lieu.

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Underwriter to join our team working on our Unsecured Lending product. This role offers a broad range of responsibilities, including team leadership, credit assessment, and supporting the scaling of performance and targets across the function. You will be a highly valued member of the team, combining strong regulatory understanding with solid company and product knowledge to make balanced, commercially aware underwriting decisions. The ideal candidate will thrive in a target-driven environment, take ownership naturally, and act proactively without needing to be asked. We are looking for someone who leads by example, brings energy to the team, and is confident in making decisions in a fast-paced lending environment.

What you'll be doing

  • You will use top-of-the-range, in-house built technology that blends traditional lending methods with Open Banking analysis.
  • Lead from the Front. As part of the Underwriting management team, you will be a pillar for other team members and will cover TL’s in times of absence.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of industry regulations, staying up-to-date with changes in the financial industry that may affect underwriting decisions.
  • Provide guidance to junior underwriters, assist in training and supporting new joiners, quality control and feedback.
  • Successful members of Underwriting could get the opportunity to work on new products outside unsecured lending, including mortgages, foreign lending and Auto.

Who you are

  • Minimum two years’ proven experience as an underwriter, preferably in a senior role.
  • Strong understanding of the importance of targets, how to reach them ourselves and help others.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and evaluation.
  • A developed understanding of fraud/AML, customer vulnerabilities and a keen eye for detail/recognising concerning trends.
  • Healthy IT and mathematical foundational knowledge with excellent written English and communication skills.
  • Ability to make informed decisions under pressure and to be able to pivot in a fast-changing environment.
  • Ability to work independently and take steps to enhance own knowledge when and where required to enrich yourself and the wider team.
  • Exceptional personal organisational skills, time management and a strong work ethic.

What we offer

  • Everyone owns a piece of the company - equity.
  • Hybrid with 3 days a week in the office.
  • 25 days’ holiday a year, plus 8 bank holidays.
  • 2 paid volunteering days per year.
  • One month paid sabbatical after 4 years.
  • Employee loan.
  • Free gym membership.
  • Team wellness budget to be active together - set up a yoga class, a tennis lesson or go bouldering.

Senior Underwriter employer: Abound

At Abound, we are not just redefining consumer lending; we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. With a strong focus on personal growth, we offer extensive opportunities for professional development, including mentorship and the chance to work on innovative products beyond unsecured lending. Our hybrid work model, generous holiday allowance, and unique wellness initiatives reflect our dedication to employee well-being and collaboration, making us an exceptional employer in the fintech sector.

Abound

Contact Details:

Abound Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Underwriter

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially how they redefine consumer lending. Tailor your answers to show how you align with their goals.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the Senior Underwriter role. Highlight your ability to make informed decisions under pressure and your understanding of industry regulations.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Underwriter

Credit Assessment
Regulatory Understanding
Data Analysis
Team Leadership
Decision-Making Under Pressure
Fraud and AML Knowledge
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Underwriter role. Highlight your experience in underwriting, especially any leadership roles or achievements that align with our mission of fair lending.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about redefining consumer lending. Share specific examples of how you've made informed decisions under pressure and how you can contribute to our team.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since we value data analysis, include examples of how you've used data to make underwriting decisions. This will show us that you understand the importance of looking at the full financial picture.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on board with our exciting journey!

How to prepare for a job interview at Abound

Know Your Numbers

As a Senior Underwriter, you'll need to demonstrate your proficiency in data analysis. Brush up on key metrics related to underwriting and be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to make informed decisions in the past. This will show that you understand the importance of targets and can help others reach them too.

Stay Updated on Regulations

Make sure you're well-versed in the latest industry regulations and trends that could impact underwriting decisions. Being able to discuss recent changes and how they affect lending practices will highlight your commitment to staying informed and proactive in your role.

Show Leadership Qualities

Since this role involves team leadership, prepare examples of how you've led teams or mentored junior underwriters. Highlight situations where you took ownership and made decisions that positively impacted your team’s performance. This will demonstrate your ability to lead by example.

Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Skills

In a fast-paced lending environment, being able to pivot and make quick decisions is crucial. Think of specific instances where you successfully navigated challenges or identified opportunities for improvement. Sharing these experiences will showcase your resourcefulness and adaptability.