At a Glance
- Tasks: Make lending decisions and support clients in a fast-paced, impactful environment.
- Company: Join Fair Finance, a social business transforming financial services for the better.
- Benefits: Enjoy a birthday day off, WFH allowance, private health insurance, and more.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in regulated financial services and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Based in our Dalston office with flexibility to WFH
Reporting to: Underwriting Team Leader
Contract: Permanent, full-time (you may be required to work up to 2 Saturdays per month)
About Fair Finance
Fair Finance is a social business with ambitious plans to revolutionise financial services to give everyone a fair chance. Our vision is to scale our alternative to the high-cost lending market and help reduce financial exclusion across the UK. Over the last twenty years Fair Finance has helped over a hundred thousand people escape the clutches of high-cost money lenders, start businesses or avoid eviction. Our work has helped influence Government policy and legislation, as well as demonstrate how purpose and profit can work together to change the financial system for the better.
About the role
We are looking for a Loan Underwriter with experience of working in a regulated financial services organisation. The successful candidate will want to work in a fast-paced environment in the non-profit sector and make a difference to our clients. The Underwriter will be responsible for making lending decisions directly and autonomously, assessing personal loan applications coming from our clients. Their primary goal will be to ensure that we lend responsibly and affordably to our clients. The successful candidate will join a team of skilled underwriters from whom they’ll be able to learn. This is a challenging role which requires good organisational skills and the ability to analyse large amounts of data. The role will give you the opportunity to work in a social business that puts clients before profits and is focused on making a difference for individuals who lack access to fair financial services.
About you
You will be eager to work for a changemaking organisation to help those who are excluded by traditional lenders. You will bring your experience working in a regulated financial services organisation and ability to analyse complex information to contribute to the underwriting team. You will be at an advantage when applying for this position if you have experience in underwriting, loan administration or client management. You will have high attention to detail as well as demonstrating accountability, diligence and integrity at all times. You will also have a high level of computer literacy and the ability to work across several systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Lending decisions / underwriting: Review financial information and documents and assess them against our policies and procedures. As necessary, discuss with clients to better understand their financial situation and ensure that we are lending fairly and responsibly. Make recommendations or direct lending decisions, depending on training and experience. Work towards achieving our business targets, both in terms of quantity but also quality and compliance.
- Loan administration and client support: Provide clients with prompt and clear information about their application and support them to complete their application.
- Responsible lending and compliance: Ensure that all loan decisions are compliant and meet our responsible lending criteria. Keep up to date with changing policies and procedures. Any other duties as required by the Company that are commensurate with the position.
Skills and Experience
- A desire to work in the non-profit sector and make a difference for our clients.
- A desire to work in a fast-paced environment and bring your energy and passion to our team.
- Experience of working in a regulated financial services organisation, ideally in an underwriting role, loan administration or client management.
- The ability to analyse complex information.
- High attention to detail.
- Demonstrate accountability, diligence and integrity at all times.
- A high level of computer literacy and the ability to work across several systems.
This job description may be amended from time to time to reflect the changing needs of the business.
Employee Benefits
- An additional paid day off for your birthday.
- Staff receive an additional 'WFH allowance' to allow even greater location flexibility.
- Private Health Insurance.
- Perkbox access for a wide range of discounts.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- 3% matching contribution towards a stakeholder pension.
Loan Underwriter in London employer: Fair Finance Group
Fair Finance is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming financial services for the betterment of society. Based in Dalston, our team thrives in a supportive work culture that prioritises client welfare over profit, offering employees meaningful opportunities to contribute to social change. With benefits like flexible working arrangements, private health insurance, and a commitment to professional growth, we empower our staff to make a real difference in the lives of those facing financial exclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Loan Underwriter in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Fair Finance Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Loan Underwriter in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Fair Finance Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Fair Finance Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fair Finance Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Fair Finance Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Fair Finance Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Fair Finance Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.