Senior Controller – Mortgage Servicing

We are seeking an experienced Senior Controller to lead accounting operations for a large, complex mortgage and financial services organization.

This is a high-impact senior finance leadership position with responsibility for enterprise accounting, financial reporting, month-end close, internal controls, audits, cash management, and accounting operations.

Mortgage servicing experience is REQUIRED. We are specifically seeking candidates with significant experience in mortgage servicing or a comparable large-scale financial services environment. Candidates whose backgrounds are primarily with small banks, community banks, or small mortgage companies will not be prioritized.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and oversee enterprise accounting functions, including accounting, payroll, accounts payable, and financial reporting.

• Direct timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes.

• Ensure accurate preparation and review of financial statements and management reporting.

• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, bank reconciliations, intercompany accounts, cash flow, and disbursements.

• Establish and maintain strong internal accounting controls and procedures.

• Identify and mitigate financial, operational, and fraud risks.

• Serve as the primary finance liaison with external auditors and coordinate multiple financial and regulatory audits.

• Work with third-party valuation firms on Mortgage Servicing Rights (MSR) valuations and related accounting requirements.

• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, investor reporting requirements, and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Research and document accounting positions related to current and emerging accounting standards.

• Support budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and analysis.

• Oversee debt reporting, lender covenant compliance, and related financial requirements.

• Review contracts and agreements to determine appropriate asset ownership and financial recognition.

• Lead process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability throughout the accounting organization.

• Develop, document, and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.

• Partner with executive leadership and operational teams to provide financial insight and support business decisions.

• Lead, develop, coach, and mentor the accounting team, including hiring, performance management, and succession planning.

• Lead cross-functional and matrixed projects as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

• CPA or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred.

• 15+ years of progressive accounting experience.

• 10+ years of senior-level accounting experience within mortgage servicing or a comparable financial services environment.

• Controller-level leadership experience.

• Proven experience managing and developing accounting teams.

• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit requirements.

• Strong understanding of Mortgage Servicing Rights (MSR) accounting and valuation.

• Experience with investor reporting requirements, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and/or Ginnie Mae.

• Experience working with external auditors, regulatory requirements, and financial controls.

• Strong understanding of cash flow management, balance sheet accounting, intercompany activity, and financial planning.

• Experience with enterprise accounting/ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.

• Experience with mortgage servicing platforms.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information to executive leadership.

LEADERSHIP PROFILE

The successful candidate will be a strategic, hands-on accounting leader who can operate effectively in a complex, multi-entity organization.

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate strong business and financial acumen.

• Establish credibility quickly with executive leadership and business partners.

• Successfully lead through change and process transformation.

• Build strong, collaborative teams and develop talent.

• Demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, and professionalism.

• Be highly organized and detail-oriented.

• Balance strategic priorities with hands-on execution.

• Take ownership and proactively identify issues and opportunities.

• Effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrate strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion.

IDEAL BACKGROUND

The strongest candidates will come from large mortgage servicing organizations, mortgage banking platforms, specialty finance companies, or other complex financial services organizations where they have managed significant accounting operations and multi-entity financial reporting.

Mortgage servicing experience is a key requirement for this position. Candidates with primarily small-bank or small-mortgage-company experience will not be prioritized.

COMPENSATION

$171,000 – $225,000 base salary + annual bonus eligibility

This position is based in ROSEMONT, ILL