OPT Underwriting Assistant Jobs
Underwriting Assistant jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in finance, economics, risk management, or actuarial science. Most roles are office-based at insurance carriers and brokerages, which simplifies STEM OPT extension eligibility tracking and employer verification requirements.
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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 Assistant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Underwriting Assistant
Target insurance carriers over independent agencies
Large carriers like regional and national insurers have dedicated HR processes for OPT verification. Smaller independent agencies often lack experience with work authorization, which slows down onboarding and increases the risk of a rescinded offer.
Clarify your OPT end date early
Bring up your OPT authorization in the second or third conversation, not after an offer. Hiring managers need time to consult HR. Waiting until the offer stage creates unnecessary pressure and occasionally causes offers to fall through.
Highlight STEM extension eligibility if applicable
Finance, actuarial science, and risk management degrees commonly qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Mentioning this upfront gives employers a longer planning window and significantly reduces hesitation about hiring an OPT student.
Frame your analytics skills as a direct match
Underwriting teams rely heavily on data analysis, Excel modeling, and risk quantification. Leading with specific technical skills, such as loss ratio analysis or actuarial table interpretation, positions you as a productive hire from day one.
Ask specifically about H-1B sponsorship history
During interviews, ask whether the company has sponsored H-1B visas for underwriting or finance roles before. A company with prior sponsorship history is far more likely to support your transition after OPT expires than one with no record of it.
Get your EAD card details ready before applying
Have your EAD category code, authorized period, and DSO contact information ready before submitting applications. Employers who are unfamiliar with OPT often ask for documentation quickly, and being prepared signals professionalism and reduces friction.
Underwriting Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Underwriting Assistants?
Yes. Underwriting Assistant roles qualify for F-1 OPT authorization when the position is directly related to your degree field. Finance, economics, mathematics, and actuarial science degrees are the most common qualifiers. You must be working within your OPT authorization period and your job duties must align with your declared major. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, you may also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Do Underwriting Assistant jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as actuarial science, applied mathematics, statistics, or computer science, and the underwriting role uses those skills, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The extension is tied to your major's CIP code. Check with your DSO to confirm whether your specific degree qualifies before assuming eligibility.
How do I find Underwriting Assistant employers who are comfortable hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this search. It surfaces Underwriting Assistant roles at employers with documented OPT and visa sponsorship history, so you're not cold-applying to companies that will stall or rescind offers once they learn your work authorization status. Filtering by sponsorship history before applying saves significant time and reduces offer-stage surprises.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I'm laid off from an Underwriting Assistant job?
You enter a 60-day unemployment grace period. During this time, you must either find a new qualifying position, change your visa status, or leave the country. The 60 days are cumulative across your entire OPT period, not reset with each job. Track your unemployment days carefully. If you're approaching the limit, contact your DSO immediately to review your options before the grace period expires.
Will an employer need to file anything with USCIS to hire me on OPT?
No. OPT is pre-approved work authorization. Your employer does not file anything with USCIS to bring you on. You provide your EAD card as proof of work authorization during the I-9 process, and that's it. For STEM OPT extensions, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan, but standard OPT requires no government filings from the employer's side.