Bankcard Operations Representative - Underwriter I

Westamerica is among the largest commercial banks headquartered in California. We are looking for outstanding people to join on our winning team. We reached our current strength because our employees, customers, and shareholders believe in the same fundamental goals: Delivering a wide variety of financial services with a superior customer service guarantee.

Weekly Working Hours: 40

Underwriter I is responsible for reviewing and evaluating low-risk FSP account applications to ensure 

they meet internal risk standards, industry regulations, and card brand rules. This role supports 

decisioning new accounts by analyzing applicant’s information, financial documentations, processing 

history, and risk indicators. 

Essential Functions: 

Underwrites new low-risk FSP account applications: 

• Reviews applications for completeness accuracy, and compliance with company policies, card brand rules, and underwriting guidelines 
• Assess merchant risk by evaluating models, process volumes, financial stability, chargeback exposure, and historical processing behavior 
• Analyze supporting documents such as bank statements, financial reports, compliance details, etc. to verify legitimacy and risk alignment 
• Identify potential fraud or high-risk indicators and escalate application as necessary 
• Determine application outcome such as approval, denial, etc. 
• Answers inquiries from FSP and ISOs to clarify account conditions and procedures 
• Keeps informed of current practices in underwriting and current program guidelines and development, card brand rules, applicable regulations, and industry best practices 
• Meet productivity and turnaround time SLAs while maintaining high accuracy standards 
• “Shadow Underwrites” FSPs for low risk/low volume applications to ensure underwriting process and guidelines are managed to expected quality assurance level 
• Follows up on missing items from various sales channels and/or merchants 
• Handles exceptions and escalates cases as necessary 
• Provides outbound customer service with sales partners to resolve pending items 
• Compliance Specific: Maintain awareness of federal and state regulations applicable to designated areas of responsibility, stay current with compliance training, adhere to bank’s compliance practices, support implementation of necessary changes to policies, procedures, and controls to ensure ongoing adherence.

Marginal Functions: 

• Provides backup to Underwriter II as needed 
• Other duties as assigned 

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment, preferably but not required in banking or financial services industry 
• Effectively manage assigned underwriting through completion, and escalate issues proactively to leadership 
• Ability to effectively analyze spreadsheets, reports, and other sources of financial data 
• Working knowledge and experience using computer and Microsoft Office applications 
• Ability to continuously adhere to multiple compliance regulations and card brand rules 
• Natural inquisitive mindset with an infinity to learn 
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills are required 
• Excellent multi-tasking and time management skills 
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team 
• Regular on-site attendance required during regular business hours 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Sitting for extended periods of time while using computer 
• Frequent hand, wrist, and finger movements for tasks such as keyboarding, data entry, and mouse use 
• Continuous close visual work is required for tasks such as data analysis, computer use, and reading 
• Frequent communication in-person and via phone, talking and hearing for such interactions 
• Occasional movement within the office is necessary to access files or office machinery 
• Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling (up to 20 lbs) 
• Occasional stooping and reaching 
• Occasional standing and walking 

MENTAL DEMANDS: 

• Continuously prioritizing multiple demands and meet deadlines while maintaining high level of compliance 
• Continuously applying analytical skills 
• Ability to make sound decision and determine when to escalate issues to leadership 
• Remind external customers of approaching deadlines and requirements 

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: 

• Work in a climate-controlled building 
• Office environment typically has a moderate noise level 
• Work area has standard office ventilation and air quality 

EQUIPMENT USED TO PERFORM FUNCTIONS:

• Computer, Phone, Common Office Equipment

EOE

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