Trainee Credit Underwriter - Graduate
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time (Monday-Friday 8.45am to 5.15pm).
Salary: £27k to £30k per annum, dependent on experience
Location: Office based, Tonbridge, Kent
Department: Credit Risk / Underwriting
Reports To: Head Of Credit
What we need
This graduate-level, office-based role is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to begin their career in the asset finance sector. You will receive comprehensive, structured training from our experienced risk team, gaining hands-on experience in assessing business credit, understanding financial information, and valuing assets.
This role is ideal for ambitious graduates who are eager to develop technical skills and build a long-term career within credit risk and underwriting.
Key Responsibilities
· Develop financial analysis skills: Learn to read and interpret corporate balance sheets, profit & loss accounts, and bank statements
· Assess credit risk: Support the evaluation of businesses to determine their suitability for finance
· Evaluate hard assets: Build an understanding of how assets retain value over the finance term
· Run credit searches: Use commercial credit bureaus under supervision to gather key business insights
· Support deal structuring: Assist in preparing hire purchase and finance lease agreements
· Collaborate internally: Work closely with colleagues across credit, sales teams, and broker channels
· Continuous learning: Actively engage with training and development to build technical underwriting knowledge
Who we need
· Graduate Mindset: A recent graduate (or equivalent) with a strong interest in finance, business, or economics
· Career Motivation: A clear desire to build a long-term career in business finance or credit risk
· Numeracy: Strong numerical and analytical ability, comfortable working with data and percentages
· Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy when reviewing documentation and financial information
· Eagerness to Learn: Demonstrates curiosity and a proactive approach to developing new skills
· Communication: Clear and professional verbal and written communication
· Work Ethic: Positive attitude with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
Desired Skills
· Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and support risk-based decision making
· Problem Solving: Able to think logically and work through challenges with practical solutions
· Commercial Awareness: Understanding of how businesses operate, with an interest in finance and lending
· Organisation & Time Management: Ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and handle multiple tasks
· IT & Systems Skills: Confident in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and comfortable learning new systems
· Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build relationships with colleagues, brokers, and stakeholders
· Adaptability & Resilience: Willingness to learn, take feedback, and perform in a dynamic environment
· Integrity & Professionalism: Handles sensitive information responsibly and demonstrates sound judgement
· Proactive Approach: Takes initiative, asks questions, and seeks opportunities to improve understanding
Experience & Training
· Experience Required: No prior experience required – full training and ongoing development provided
· Graduate Development: Structured training programme with clear progression opportunities within credit risk and underwriting
· Ideal Backgrounds: Suitable for graduates in finance, business, economics, maths, or related disciplines, as well as those with strong analytical skills from other degree subjects
Who we are
Compass Business Finance is an independent company specialising in the provision of asset-based finance to UK Industry. Established in 2005, Compass continue to see year-on-year growth through their innovative and relational approach to the market. In addition to their own loan book, Compass have broking lines with several other funders and work with the British Business Bank to deliver Government funding schemes where accreditation has been awarded.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Compass Business Finance is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of background, including but not limited to age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Additional Information
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Any personal data provided during the recruitment process will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
Pay: £27,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Tonbridge TN9: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
