Merchant Services Underwriter

Who We Are: 

FFB, a dynamic and acclaimed single-branch bank born in the heart of Fresno, CA in 2005, is on a mission to redefine the banking experience. Our commitment to delivering top-notch banking services has propelled us to the forefront of the industry, earning us accolades and recognition. At FFB, we recognize the uniqueness of each individual who walks through our doors, and our dedicated team strives to craft personalized banking solutions that cater to their distinct needs.

What sets FFB apart is not just our Fresno roots but the diverse talents that make up our team, hailing from every corner of the country. We firmly believe that our people are our greatest strength, and we're constantly on the lookout for ambitious and passionate individuals who align with FFB's vision, regardless of their location.

If you're ready to be part of a winning team and contribute to our ongoing success story, we invite you to apply and join the FFB family!

Recent Achievements Speak Louder Than Words:

• 2024 - American Banker - #1 Top Performing Publicly Traded Bank with under $2b in assets  
• 2023 - American Banker - "Top 5" Community Bank in the Country #4 
• 2023 - OTCQX - Best 50 Companies #3 
• 2023 - 5-star Rating Bauer Financial 

What You Should Expect While Working at FFB:

• Company ownership through our Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• A friendly, close-Knit work culture that encourages growth 
• Opportunities to Participate in Community Networking Events 
• Benefits Package

o Medical/Dental/Vision

o Life Insurance

o Paid Vacation

o 401(k) Retirement Plan

o Training & Development

o Tuition Reimbursement

o Employee Assistance Program

o Internal Job Posting & Referral Program

Ideal Candidate: 

FFB prides itself on its core values of Teamwork, Relationship, Authenticity, and Commitment (TRAC). We expect that our team members will reflect these values in the workplace in various ways: 

• Teamwork – We collaborate, hold each other accountable, and win together. 
• Relationship – We are trustworthy, transparent, and respectful. 
• Authentic – We are humble, vulnerable, and we speak up. 
• Commitment – We are owners...Be hungry, responsive, and have a sense of urgency.

About the Position:

The Merchant Services Underwriter will review and analyze merchant applications to qualify their credit worthiness. You will follow all appropriate credit policies and guidelines to mitigate overall financial and reputational risk exposures. 

Essential Duties: 

• Required to make a comprehensive assessment of a merchant’s creditworthiness, including credit reports, TIN/OFAC checks, identity theft, bank account, and address verifications.
• Understands and analyzes Consumer Credit Reports.
• Ability to effectively identify fraudulent merchant application submissions through thorough analysis and use of internal and external underwriting tools. 
• Understand the credit/risk scales and all policies in depth.
• Interacts with both internal and external sales agents and merchants to resolve all pending items needed to decide on an application.
• Conducts other related duties assigned.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes working environment free of harassment of any type; builds a diverse workforce and supports affirmative action. 
• Assures compliance with all Bank policies, procedures and processes, and all applicable state and federal banking laws, rules, and regulations, and adheres to Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) responsibilities that are specific to the position.
• Follows policies and procedures; complete administrative tasks correctly and on time, including mandatory Bank Compliance Training; supports the Bank’s goals and values; benefits the bank through outside activities.
• Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspire the trust of others; work ethically and with integrity; uphold organizational values; accept responsibility for own actions.

• Bachelor’s degree or comparable professional experience.
• Minimum 2-4 years of merchant services underwriting experience.
• Experience with TSYS, IRIS CRM preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast pace dynamic environment.
• Ability to read and analyze Financial Statements.
• Ability to review and analyze both Business Bank Statements and Merchant Processing Statements with chargeback and refund exposure.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Demonstrate proficiency to independently underwrite concurrence applications, within approval authority, consistent with underwriting policies.
• Ability to take initiative and effect change through consensus building, negotiation, and conflict resolution.