At a Glance
- Tasks: Take ownership of credit decisions and assess risk for SME funding.
- Company: Join a fast-growing company reshaping SME finance with a human touch.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work, 25 days holiday, and gym membership.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions that help businesses thrive in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong credit judgement and ability to analyse financial documents.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: London, UK
At mcl, we help small and medium-sized businesses access the capital they need to grow – quickly, clearly, and with care. Since 2018, we’ve supported over 2,000 SMEs across the UK, and we’re not slowing down. We believe finance should work better for the people building our economy. That means fewer hurdles, faster answers, and support that feels human, not transactional. We back ambition with real funding, smart tools, and a team that gets what running a business really takes.
Our model puts people over paperwork. We work with brokers and with business owners to deliver funding that fits – without the faff. As we grow, we’re expanding our reach, recently launching mcl UAE and tools like LendPair, helping even more businesses find the right path to finance.
Our mission
To reshape SME finance and level the playing field – funding that’s fast, fair, and fits for the businesses of the future.
Our G.E.M.S values
- G – Growth: Not just business growth – personal growth, team growth, process growth. We level up.
- E – Enthusiasm: No fake hype. Just energy, urgency, and actually giving a toss.
- M – Maintaining Accountability: Own your actions and interactions. If it’s off, say it. If it’s broken, fix it.
- S – Seeing Strategically: Eyes on the big picture. Help us make smarter long-term moves.
THE ROLE
We’re looking for a sharp, decisive Senior Underwriter to take ownership of credit decisions across our deal flow. You’ll assess risk, structure approvals, and work closely with sales, ops, and credit to move good deals fast — and stop bad ones faster. This is a high-impact role where commercial instinct, precision, and pace are essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of credit assessment across incoming deal flow, reviewing financials, bank statements, credit reports, and supporting documents to determine risk and suitability.
- Structure lending decisions including facility size, pricing, term, and security in line with the company’s risk appetite.
- Make clear, decisive credit recommendations and approvals while maintaining strong commercial judgement.
- Work closely with sales and broker teams to evaluate opportunities quickly and keep strong deals progressing through the pipeline.
- Identify risk flags early and decline or restructure deals that fall outside acceptable parameters.
- Maintain consistent underwriting standards while balancing speed, accuracy, and commercial outcomes.
- Provide clear feedback to sales teams and partners on declined or adjusted deals to improve future submissions.
- Monitor portfolio performance trends and contribute insights to improve credit policy and underwriting frameworks.
- Support the development of underwriting tools, data analysis, and processes that improve decision quality and turnaround time.
What we’re looking for
- Strong credit judgement with the confidence to make clear, decisive underwriting calls.
- Highly organised — nothing gets missed, nothing gets dropped.
- Able to work quickly and accurately in a fast-paced, high-volume deal environment.
- Commercial mindset — understands how to structure deals that work for both the business and the borrower.
- Clear, direct communicator who can explain credit decisions confidently to sales, brokers, and internal teams.
- Comfortable analysing financials, bank statements, and supporting documents to assess real business performance.
- Bonus: Experience in unsecured, short term SME underwriting.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary and path for progression.
- Flexible and supportive working environment.
- Office snacks & team socials.
- 25 days holiday.
- A role with real ownership and space to grow.
- Company gym membership.
- Life insurance.
Think you’re a fit? Let’s talk.
Underwriting employer: mcl finance
Contact Detail:
mcl finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Underwriting
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance and underwriting sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your credit assessment skills. Be ready to discuss how you’d handle specific scenarios related to risk evaluation and deal structuring. Show them you’ve got the commercial mindset they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values. At StudySmarter, we believe in finding the right fit, so look for organisations that prioritise growth, enthusiasm, and accountability – just like mcl!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for their team. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Underwriting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for the role shine through. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about reshaping SME finance and can convey that energy in their words.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate straightforward communication. Make sure your application is easy to read and gets straight to the point. Highlight your relevant experience and skills without unnecessary fluff.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to align your experience with our G.E.M.S values and the specific responsibilities of the Senior Underwriter role. Show us how you fit into our mission.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at mcl finance
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Underwriter, you'll need to be comfortable with financials, bank statements, and credit reports. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you assess risk and structure deals. Prepare examples from your past experience where your credit judgement made a significant impact.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Mindset
This role requires a strong commercial instinct. Think about how you've balanced speed and accuracy in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific instances where you structured deals that benefited both the business and the borrower, demonstrating your understanding of the bigger picture.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to explain your credit decisions confidently to various teams. Practice articulating your thought process behind underwriting calls. Use clear, direct language and be ready to provide constructive feedback on declined or adjusted deals, showing that you can maintain accountability.
✨Embrace the G.E.M.S Values
Familiarise yourself with mcl's G.E.M.S values: Growth, Enthusiasm, Maintaining Accountability, and Seeing Strategically. Think of ways you've embodied these values in your work. During the interview, weave these principles into your responses to show you're aligned with their mission and culture.