Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Controller to
lead and oversee the organization#39;s accounting, payroll, and accounts payable
functions. This individual will play a critical leadership role in ensuring the
accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting, maintaining strong
internal controls, and driving continuous improvements across accounting
operations.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in mortgage
servicing and financial services, including a strong understanding of
mortgage servicing rights (MSRs), complex accounting structures, financial
reporting, and regulatory requirements. This role requires a proven accounting
leader who has operated within a large, sophisticated financial services
environment and has successfully managed teams, multiple legal entities, and
complex financial operations.
The Senior Controller will oversee the month-end and
year-end close processes, serve as the primary liaison with external auditors,
and partner with executive leadership to support financial planning, risk
management, and strategic business initiatives. This individual will also be
responsible for identifying opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen
controls, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the accounting function.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide
strategic and operational leadership for the accounting, payroll, and
accounts payable functions across multiple business entities.
- Oversee
timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes, financial
statements, and internal management reporting.
- Serve
as the primary finance contact for external auditors and coordinate
multiple financial, operational, and regulatory audits.
- Ensure
compliance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP),
applicable regulatory requirements, and internal accounting policies.
- Oversee
mortgage servicing rights (MSR) accounting and valuation processes,
partnering with third-party valuation firms to ensure appropriate
financial reporting and compliance.
- Document
and communicate management#39;s position on existing and emerging accounting
standards and their impact on the organization.
- Manage
cash flow activities, balance sheet reconciliations, intercompany
transactions, and bank account reconciliations.
- Establish
and maintain effective internal controls, including controls designed to
mitigate financial, operational, and fraud risks.
- Oversee
disbursement reviews, payroll operations, debt reporting, lender covenant
compliance, and related financial activities.
- Support
budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and cash flow management
initiatives.
- Review
contracts and business arrangements to determine appropriate asset
ownership, accounting treatment, and financial recognition.
- Lead
initiatives to improve accounting processes, strengthen controls, increase
efficiencies, and enhance financial reporting capabilities.
- Develop,
maintain, and document accounting policies, procedures, and best
practices.
- Partner
with executive leadership and cross-functional departments to address
financial matters, assess business risks, and support organizational
objectives.
- Recruit,
develop, mentor, and lead a high-performing accounting team, fostering
accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications amp; Experience
- Bachelor#39;s
degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
- CPA
required or equivalent professional accounting certification.
- 15+
years of progressive accounting experience, with significant experience in
complex financial services environments.
- 10+
years of senior-level accounting leadership experience within mortgage
servicing, including prior Controller or equivalent leadership
responsibilities.
- Demonstrated
experience overseeing accounting operations for large, complex
organizations with multiple legal entities and sophisticated financial
structures.
- Extensive
knowledge of mortgage servicing accounting, mortgage servicing rights
(MSR) valuation, and related financial reporting requirements.
- Strong
understanding of U.S. GAAP, investor reporting requirements, and
applicable standards related to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae.
- Proven
experience managing external financial audits, regulatory examinations,
internal controls, and compliance initiatives.
- Experience
with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and mortgage servicing systems,
including SAP, Oracle, or comparable platforms.
- Strong
understanding of cash flow management, debt reporting, lender covenants,
cost structures, and financial resource planning.
- Advanced
proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, along with accounting
and financial reporting systems.
- Demonstrated
experience leading, developing, and managing accounting teams, including
talent selection, coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
Leadership Competencies amp; Professional Attributes
- Strong
executive presence with the ability to establish credibility and influence
stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Exceptional
financial analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the
ability to translate complex financial information into actionable
business insights.
- Excellent
written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present
financial results and recommendations to executive leadership.
- Proven
ability to lead organizational change, implement process improvements, and
manage competing priorities.
- Highly
organized with exceptional attention to detail and a strong commitment to
accuracy, quality, and compliance.
- Strong
interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships
across multiple business functions.
- Collaborative
and consultative leadership style, with the ability to influence and drive
results across matrixed teams.
- Strong
business acumen, sound judgment, and the ability to balance strategic
priorities with hands-on operational execution.
- Self-directed
and proactive, with the ability to identify risks, anticipate challenges,
and recommend effective solutions.
- Ability
to operate effectively in a fast-paced, complex, and evolving business
environment while meeting tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated
integrity, professionalism, and discretion when handling confidential
financial and business information.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be an accomplished accounting
executive with deep mortgage servicing expertise and a proven track record of
leading accounting functions within a large, complex financial services
organization. They should bring the technical knowledge, leadership
capabilities, and operational discipline necessary to oversee sophisticated
accounting operations while driving process improvements, strengthening
financial controls, and supporting continued business growth.