Stephanie Clayton

Analytical and risk-focused professional with 15+ years of experience across mortgage underwriting, financial analysis, regulatory compliance, quality control, operations, and process improvement. Experienced in evaluating complex financial documentation, assessing risk, identifying data and quality issues, applying federal and investor guidelines, and making sound business decisions. Proven leadership experience improving workflows, training teams, managing competing priorities, and supporting operational and financial objectives.

Strong fit for senior analyst, risk, compliance, quality assurance, audit, and business process roles requiring high attention to detail, independent judgment, documentation analysis, and limited phone interaction.

Post Closing QC Auditor at Guaranteed Rate (2026-02 – Present)

• Audit closed mortgage loan files monthly to ensure absolute compliance with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, and USDA underwriting guidelines.
• Analyze complex borrower files, re-verifying employment, asset statements, credit reports, and tax returns to validate debt-to-income (DTI) and loan-to-value (LTV) ratios.
• Review closing documentation, including Closing Disclosures (CD) and Loan Estimates (LE), to ensure strict adherence to TRID timing and tolerance rules.
• Evaluate appraisal reports to confirm property eligibility, valuation accuracy, and compliance with USPAP and investor collateral standards.
• Identify, categorize, and document loan file defects, calculating net defect rates and reporting findings directly to senior risk management.
• Collaborate with processing, underwriting, and closing teams to resolve post-closing documentation missing links, curing defects prior to investor delivery.
• Utilize specialized QC auditing software and Loan Origination Systems (LOS) to manage high-volume pipeline data with a high degree of accuracy.

FHA Underwriter at United Wholesale Mortgage (2024-10 – 2026-02)

• Reviewed and analyzed borrower financial histories, income, assets, credit, and supporting documentation to assess creditworthiness and overall loan risk.
• Performed risk assessments and evaluate documentation for accuracy, completeness, inconsistencies, and potential underwriting concerns.
• Applied FHA requirements, investor guidelines, and applicable state and federal lending policies to support accurate, compliant underwriting decisions.
• Analyzed financial statements and supporting documentation to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and determine appropriate loan outcomes.
• Maintained current knowledge of changing investor guidelines, underwriting requirements, and regulatory expectations.
• Managed multiple priorities and provide timely written and verbal status communication to mortgage loan officers and broker owners.

Processing Team Lead at Caliber Home Loans (2019-05 – 2022-08)

• Evaluated workflow procedures, identified process inconsistencies, and revised processing techniques to improve deliverables, productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Led process improvement initiatives and optimized workflows for Conventional, FHA, and VA loan products.
• Directed daily workflow and procedures for a loan processing team while supporting quality, compliance, and business objectives.
• Trained, onboarded, coached, and supported employees through structured learning, best-practice sharing, and performance guidance.
• Managed competing priorities, stakeholder expectations, and available resources through strategic planning and operational coordination.
• Ensured team adherence to regulatory compliance requirements and established processing procedures.

Loan Processor at Mr. Cooper (Nationstar Mortgage) (2017-07 – 2019-05)

• Performed detailed analysis of borrower credit, employment, income, and assets against applicable loan program requirements.
• Validated application completeness and accuracy and identified potential underwriting issues before submission.
• Reviewed loan files for compliance with RESPA, TIL, HMDA, Regulation B, and related mortgage requirements; prepared required disclosures.
• Validated vendor orders, invoices, and supporting documentation for completeness and file accuracy.
• Coordinated with closing, secondary marketing, loan servicing, and investors to resolve outstanding suspense conditions.
• Trained and assisted with supervision of new loan processors and processing personnel.

Front-End Underwriter at Franklin American Mortgage Company (2015-03 – 2017-07)

• Reviewed moderately complex mortgage applications for completeness and maintained data integrity within loan origination systems.
• Analyzed financial documentation to verify application accuracy and support sound underwriting decisions.
• Calculated qualifying income using tax returns and other income documentation.
• Made underwriting decisions based on borrower creditworthiness, layered risk, program requirements, and overall financial profile.
• Identified quality concerns, red flags, and risk factors associated with borrower and property/collateral profiles.
• Communicated underwriting decisions and requirements while maintaining effective internal and external business relationships.

Underwriter – Officer at Bank of America (2011-09 – 2015-03)

• Reviewed mortgage applications and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, and data integrity.
• Analyzed financial documentation and calculated income to support underwriting decisions.
• Evaluated borrower creditworthiness, layered risk, program requirements, and collateral considerations.
• Issued approvals, suspensions, counteroffers, or denials based on established underwriting standards.
• Identified quality concerns and red flags and validated associated borrower and property/collateral risk.
• Maintained effective communication and working relationships with internal and external partners.

Bachelor of Business Administration – Northwood University