Credit Analyst (Due Diligence Analyst)

Celebrating 40 years in business this year, Rewards Network has helped restaurants increase their revenue, traffic, and customer engagement through our innovative financial, marketing services, and premier dining rewards programs. We connect diners to fantastic restaurant experiences by offering unique card-linked offers.  Our offers leverage advanced technology and powerful data analytics, providing value to our restaurants, diners, and strategic partners' loyalty programs. 

Our Culture  

At Rewards Network, you will find a passionate and diverse group of professionals that enjoy working collaboratively, solving problems, and taking ownership of not only their own careers and success, but the success and continued growth of the organization. We take pride in partnering with the world's most powerful loyalty programs to bring full price paying customers and better ways to access working capital options to local restaurants. We offer a challenging and rewarding environment where you can maximize your potential. 

Job Overview

 As a member of the Due Diligence team, the Due Diligence Analyst/Underwriter is responsible for the risk assessment and underwriting of Rewards Network’s financial services products. This role performs detailed due diligence reviews, leveraging expertise in analyzing financial data and assessing creditworthiness to make informed underwriting decisions. By collaborating closely with nationwide sales teams and other cross-functional departments, the position ensures financial products meet company guidelines, align with risk parameters, and support the organization’s strategic objectives.

This is a hybrid position and requires in office presence 2-3 days a week in Chicago. 

 What you’ll bring to the table: (Responsibilities)  

• Conduct detailed reviews to evaluate merchants for the cash advance product line in accordance with company guidelines.
• Analyze financial data, including credit reports, business financial statements, bank statements, and credit card statements to inform underwriting decisions.
• Assess risk profiles and determine creditworthiness while calculating appropriate approval amounts for each case.
• Authorize funding approvals within assigned policy limits or provide recommendations for policy exceptions when necessary.
• Review contract packages to verify accuracy, ensure completeness, and confirm legal compliance.
• Collaborate with sales teams and cross-functional internal departments to align risk assessments with business objectives.
• Maintain thorough documentation of due diligence findings and underwriting decisions for compliance and future reference.

Do you have the right mix of ingredients: (Requirements)  

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to think outside the box
• Self-motivated and strong work ethic with the ability to proactively solve problems and make independent decisions
• Proficiency using database and spreadsheet applications while completing data entry accurately and efficiently (Intermediate MS Excel skills required)
• Salesforce experience a plus
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, required to articulate recommendations to various levels of management and negotiate terms with field sales when needed.
• High School Diploma or Equivalency
• At least 2-3 years of directly related job experience
• College Degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or related field preferred
• Experience in merchant cash advance or loan underwriting preferred

What you’ll love about us: 

Comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• This is a full-time, nonexempt position; the base compensation for this opening is expected to be $28-$36 per hour ($60,000-$75,000 annualized), based on candidate experience, skills, and other factors
• Competitive Paid Time Off and company holidays
• Generous dining reimbursement when you dine with our restaurant clients 
• 401(k) plan with a company match
• Two medical plan options- Standard PPO or High Deductible Health Plan (HSA with company match for HDHP participants)
• Partnership with Rx n Go, offering certain prescriptions for free
• Two dental plan options and a vision plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts and a pre-tax commuter benefit program
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance Plans
• Short Term and Long Term disability 
• Company-paid life insurance and AD&D insurance, supplemental employee, spouse, and child life insurance 
• Employee Life Assistance Program
• Hybrid working space in our state of the art office downtown located by the Metra and Ogilvie train stations
• Catered lunches provided on Tuesday's in our Chicago office