Controller (Mortgage Company)

Universal Lending Corporation was founded nearly 40 years ago on the principle that our customers deserve individual and specialized attention throughout the mortgage process. We offer an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative culture where people from all backgrounds can thrive.   At Universal Lending Corporation you can work with other passionate, purposeful, and customer-centric people all sharing the same goal of helping people achieve their dreams.  Universal Lending Corporation offers an aggressive compensation package based on experience and skill, including a comprehensive benefits package inclusive of Medical, Dental, and Vision.  

Title: Controller

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Location: Irvine, CA or Denver, CO

Company: Universal Lending Corporation

Position Summary
 The Controller will be responsible for overseeing the financial management of a fast-growing mortgage company's accounting and reporting functions. This role will play a key part in maintaining financial integrity, supporting business decisions, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing the day-to-day accounting operations. The ideal candidate will have experience in the mortgage or financial services industry and possess a strong understanding of financial reporting standards, mortgage regulations, and operational management. The position reports to the President of Universal Lending Corporation with a dotted line to the Corporate Controller at New Home Co.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting:
  • Prepare and oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP.
  • Ensure timely and accurate reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Provide financial analysis and insights to senior management to support business decisions.
• Accounting Operations:
  • Manage all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and bank reconciliations.
  • Oversee the monthly closing process, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
  • Manage cash flow, treasury functions, and ensure appropriate controls are in place.
  • Monitor origination and hedging financial activity to ensure proper accounting treatment.
  • Coordinate with Corporate accounting on ad hoc requests and reporting.
• Budgeting & Forecasting:
  • Lead the preparation of the annual budget and quarterly forecasts by maintaining an accurate pro forma and projections for the business.
  • Work closely with the Corporate finance team and Mortgage leadership to develop long-term strategic plans.
• Compliance & Regulatory Reporting:
  • Ensure financial compliance with warehouse lenders and agency regulations and covenants.
  • Prepare regulatory reports and manage audits, both internal and external.
  • Maintain a strong internal control environment to mitigate risk and ensure the integrity of financial information.
• Team Leadership:
  • Supervise and mentor accounting staff, fostering professional growth and development.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including loan origination, and IT to ensure accurate financial data.
• Process Improvement & System Management:
  • Drive continuous improvement in accounting processes, systems, and policies.
  • Implement best practices and technology solutions to improve efficiency and reporting accuracy.

Managerial Responsibility

• This position supervises other employees. 

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required. CPA preferred.
• Experience:
  • 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a managerial role within the mortgage or financial services industry.
  • Must have a deep understanding of the mortgage industry, including the nuances of loan origination, and secondary market transactions.
  • Experience with regulatory reporting in the mortgage industry and a solid understanding of compliance requirements.
  • Experience with annual third-party mortgage and public audit procedures
  • Residential homebuilder or affiliated mortgage company experience a plus
• Skills:
  • Proficient in accounting software; Encompass and LoanVision experience preferred.  
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP and mortgage industry-specific accounting standards.
  • Advanced Excel skills; experience with PowerBI or other financial reporting tools is a plus.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced start-up environment.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.

Base Salary: The expected base salary range for this position is between $160,000 to $200,000 per year, depending on experience and skillset. Base Salary is paid bi-weekly, every other Friday. Additionally, this position is eligible for an annual bonus based on divisional and individual performance.

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Similarly, the work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. New Home Co. retains the discretion to add or change job duties at any time. 

Physical Requirements

Requires the ability to bend, lift 1-15 pounds, reach, see, stand, sit, walk, hear, type and talk. The primary work location is an office setting with low to moderate noise level. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.  Universal Lending Corporation retains the discretion to add or change job duties at any time. 

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