Controller

Spectrum Search is partnered with a well-backed US financial technology company seeking an experienced Financial Controller to establish and lead its accounting function. This is a senior, hands-on opportunity combining specialist lending accounting expertise, financial controls and automation, with a clear pathway into broader finance leadership.

About the opportunity

The company is developing modern financial infrastructure for the lending sector, using technology to simplify complex financial operations.

Working directly with the Chief Financial Officer, the Financial Controller will take ownership of accounting operations, establish scalable financial processes and strengthen reporting and governance.

The opportunity suits an accounting professional who combines deep mortgage lending or structured credit experience with the ability to build systems, introduce automation and develop an accounting team as the business expands.

The role

The Financial Controller will oversee the full accounting lifecycle, from loan-level transactions and general ledger management through to financial reporting, audit preparation and internal controls.

A significant focus will be improving operational efficiency through modern accounting technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and automated workflows.

The successful candidate will initially operate in a hands-on capacity, with responsibility for developing the accounting function and supporting its future growth.

Key responsibilities

• Own accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger accounting, accruals and monthly financial close processes.
• Manage mortgage loan accounting from origination through settlement, including funding reconciliations, warehouse lending facilities, gain-on-sale accounting and investor settlements.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies aligned with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Execute and document internal financial controls, including requirements supporting SOC 1 Type II reporting.
• Lead accounting systems implementation and process improvements, including migration from QuickBooks to modern general ledger technology.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual accounting processes using AI and integrated financial systems.
• Oversee audit readiness, financial reconciliations and supporting documentation.
• Produce accurate financial reporting for senior leadership, board stakeholders and lending partners.
• Build scalable accounting processes and support the future recruitment and leadership of an accounting team.

Essential requirements

• Substantial accounting or controllership experience, including at least three years of hands-on mortgage lending accounting expertise.
• Strong operational knowledge of mortgage origination, securitisation, mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) or structured credit accounting.
• Proven experience managing full-cycle accounting operations, monthly close processes and GAAP compliance.
• Practical knowledge of relevant accounting standards, including ASC 310, 320, 860, 820, 825, 815 and current expected credit losses (CECL), where applicable.
• Experience independently leading a financial close, external audit or accounting systems implementation.
• Ability to design, execute and document robust financial controls.
• Strong technical aptitude and an interest in applying AI and automation to finance operations.
• Confidence working directly with senior financial leadership and establishing accounting processes in a developing organisation.

Nice-to-haves

• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licence.
• Previous experience within a Big Four accounting firm.
• Accounting leadership experience within mortgage lending, financial technology or specialist credit businesses.
• Hands-on experience implementing AI-driven accounting automation.
• Familiarity with loan origination systems (LOS), warehouse funding systems, QuickBooks or modern general ledger platforms.

Location and remote setup

This is a full-time, permanent position based in the United States.

The preferred arrangement is hybrid, with three days per week in an office in New York City, Palo Alto or Denver.

Remote working may be considered for exceptional candidates with directly relevant experience.

Applicants must already hold valid US work authorisation. Visa sponsorship is not available.