OPT Underwriting Analyst Jobs
Underwriting Analyst roles sit at the intersection of finance and risk assessment, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in finance, economics, statistics, or actuarial science. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT-eligible when tied to quantitative or data-intensive work, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization.
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Responsible for oversight of workflow management for a credit underwriting and loan portfolio management team within an assigned business line and ensuring comprehensive analysis of all new credit requests and servicing actions, as well as adherence to bank credit quality guidelines and other applicable policies. Coordinate workflow with other work groups to ensure smooth operation of the credit department and timely service to sales staff and customers.
- Direct timely and accurate completion of credit authorizations, commitment letters, and other work products.
- Oversee initial reviews of credit requests and make recommendations to Credit Director while ensuring compliance with bank and other applicable policies and procedures.
- Oversee management of loan portfolio to ensure portfolio has consistent, high quality and timely work that complies with all credit policies and procedures.
- Responsible for management of Credit Analysts, Commercial Underwriters, and Loan Portfolio Managers, including hiring, on-going training, performance reviews, coaching/development. May be required to manage and lead Credit Analyst internships for local university students.
- Oversee accurate and uniform written communication to clients, including commitment letters, declinations, and needs letters. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Monitor point of contact for all underwriting/approval processes.
- Coordinate with Credit Administration and Internal Asset Review to respond to audit exceptions. Credit determinations for servicing requests and review of assigned deteriorating files. Prepare Loan Committee presentations. Perform annual credit quality reviews on assigned files.
- Facilitate a complete understanding of bank credit policies and systems through training of direct reports and internal partners.
- Administer assignments and follow up on all types of complex credits, and serve as a point of contact for related questions from direct reports and employees from other departments. Participate in internal credit and pipeline calls as necessary.
- Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
- Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
- Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
- May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
- Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
- Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
- Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
About You:
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field (preferred)
Experience
- 4-7 years of Commercial Underwriting, Loan Portfolio Management or other related experience. (Required)
- 4-7 years of related supervisory/management experience. (Required)
Skills
- Proficient knowledge of underwriting, loan documentation, appraisal, and closing processes.
- Advanced knowledge and experience managing a commercial loan portfolio.
- Proficient knowledge of bank policies and documentation. Knowledge of SBA 504 Credit and Environmental policies, SBA 504 lending and eligibility standards, and SBA 504 documentation, if applicable to assigned position.
- Possess strong leadership, problem solving, analytical, mathematical, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to read and interpret data from credit reports, financial tables and charts, financial ratios, tax returns, and other financial statements and information.
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prepare written reports, correspondence, and financial and background information required.
- Experience managing and developing others and the ability to build and maintain relationships. Demonstrates a commitment to attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent.
- Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, and industry specific software (Word, Excel, CreditLens, and nCino preferred).
Travel Requirements
Occasional
The pay range for this role is $145,000 to $195,000.
The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.
Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).
4370 La Jolla Village Dr Suite 300 San Diego CA 92122
Our Benefits:
We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.
We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.
Our Commitment to Diversity:
Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: careers@columbiabank.com.
To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:
Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.
About the Role:
Responsible for oversight of workflow management for a credit underwriting and loan portfolio management team within an assigned business line and ensuring comprehensive analysis of all new credit requests and servicing actions, as well as adherence to bank credit quality guidelines and other applicable policies. Coordinate workflow with other work groups to ensure smooth operation of the credit department and timely service to sales staff and customers.
- Direct timely and accurate completion of credit authorizations, commitment letters, and other work products.
- Oversee initial reviews of credit requests and make recommendations to Credit Director while ensuring compliance with bank and other applicable policies and procedures.
- Oversee management of loan portfolio to ensure portfolio has consistent, high quality and timely work that complies with all credit policies and procedures.
- Responsible for management of Credit Analysts, Commercial Underwriters, and Loan Portfolio Managers, including hiring, on-going training, performance reviews, coaching/development. May be required to manage and lead Credit Analyst internships for local university students.
- Oversee accurate and uniform written communication to clients, including commitment letters, declinations, and needs letters. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Monitor point of contact for all underwriting/approval processes.
- Coordinate with Credit Administration and Internal Asset Review to respond to audit exceptions. Credit determinations for servicing requests and review of assigned deteriorating files. Prepare Loan Committee presentations. Perform annual credit quality reviews on assigned files.
- Facilitate a complete understanding of bank credit policies and systems through training of direct reports and internal partners.
- Administer assignments and follow up on all types of complex credits, and serve as a point of contact for related questions from direct reports and employees from other departments. Participate in internal credit and pipeline calls as necessary.
- Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
- Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
- Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
- May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
- Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
- Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
- Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
About You:
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field (preferred)
Experience
- 4-7 years of Commercial Underwriting, Loan Portfolio Management or other related experience. (Required)
- 4-7 years of related supervisory/management experience. (Required)
Skills
- Proficient knowledge of underwriting, loan documentation, appraisal, and closing processes.
- Advanced knowledge and experience managing a commercial loan portfolio.
- Proficient knowledge of bank policies and documentation. Knowledge of SBA 504 Credit and Environmental policies, SBA 504 lending and eligibility standards, and SBA 504 documentation, if applicable to assigned position.
- Possess strong leadership, problem solving, analytical, mathematical, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to read and interpret data from credit reports, financial tables and charts, financial ratios, tax returns, and other financial statements and information.
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prepare written reports, correspondence, and financial and background information required.
- Experience managing and developing others and the ability to build and maintain relationships. Demonstrates a commitment to attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent.
- Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, and industry specific software (Word, Excel, CreditLens, and nCino preferred).
Travel Requirements
Occasional
The pay range for this role is $145,000 to $195,000.
The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.
Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).
4370 La Jolla Village Dr Suite 300 San Diego CA 92122
Our Benefits:
We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.
We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.
Our Commitment to Diversity:
Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: careers@columbiabank.com.
To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:
Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.
See all 41+ OPT Underwriting Analyst Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Underwriting Analyst
Confirm STEM OPT eligibility with your DSO early
Underwriting Analyst roles often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when the work involves quantitative modeling or data analysis. Verify your degree's CIP code with your Designated School Official before applying to avoid authorization gaps.
Target insurers and financial institutions with established OPT pipelines
Large carriers like Chubb, Travelers, and Liberty Mutual, along with major banks with credit underwriting desks, regularly hire on OPT. Firms with structured analyst programs are more familiar with the authorization process and less likely to screen you out.
Lead with your quantitative skills in applications
Employers prioritize candidates who can model risk using Excel, SQL, or Python. Highlighting these skills upfront signals you can contribute immediately and shifts attention from work authorization concerns to your technical value as a hire.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Hiring timelines in financial services can run six to ten weeks between application and start date. Submitting applications two to three months before your OPT begins ensures you have enough authorized work time remaining when the role starts.
Understand which underwriting tracks align with your degree
Commercial lines, mortgage, and credit underwriting typically require finance or economics degrees. Specialty lines like cyber or life insurance often value actuarial or statistics backgrounds. Matching your degree to the right track improves both your fit and sponsorship odds.
Ask directly about H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage
Many underwriting employers sponsor H-1B visas for analysts who perform well during OPT. Asking after an offer is extended, not during initial screening, lets the employer assess your fit first and keeps the conversation from ending prematurely.
Underwriting Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Underwriting Analyst on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Underwriting Analyst is a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as finance, economics, statistics, or actuarial science. Pre-completion or post-completion OPT authorizes full-time work in your field of study, making this a direct match for most F-1 students finishing those programs.
Does an Underwriting Analyst role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on how the role is classified and your degree's CIP code. Positions with significant quantitative, data, or modeling components often qualify, particularly for graduates with STEM-designated degrees in statistics, actuarial science, financial engineering, or economics. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific degree qualifies and help you file the extension on time.
How do I find Underwriting Analyst jobs that are open to OPT students?
Many employers list OPT authorization as acceptable but don't always make that visible in standard job postings. Migrate Mate filters specifically for roles open to F-1 OPT students, so you can browse Underwriting Analyst positions without wasting applications on employers who won't consider your work authorization status.
Do Underwriting Analyst employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Sponsorship rates vary by employer size and underwriting segment. Large national carriers and major banks with dedicated underwriting departments sponsor H-1B visas for analysts fairly regularly, especially for high performers. Regional insurers and smaller firms sponsor less often. It's worth asking about long-term sponsorship intent before accepting an offer, not as the first question in an interview.
What happens if my OPT expires before I can transition to H-1B?
If you're on STEM OPT and your employer files an H-1B petition by the April 1 deadline, the cap-gap rule automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year, or until USCIS makes a decision on your petition. This prevents a gap in employment. Timing your OPT application and H-1B filing carefully is essential, so plan the sequence with your DSO well in advance.