Manager - First Line Defense; On-site

Position: Manager - First Line Defense (On-site)
## Exceed the expectations of our residential mortgage borrowers & business partners through superior service, simple processes, and effective communications.## We deliver on this mission by empowering our employees by encouraging and recognizing superior performance and innovative solutions, by promoting teamwork and divisional cooperation.

Primary Function The Manager, First Line of Defense role leads risk and business performance testing to ensure compliance with regulatory and investor requirements, with a focus on reconciliations, remittances, and audit remediation. It drives operational excellence through policy testing, automation, and process improvements, while developing team skills and fostering innovation. The position partners across departments to ensure accurate investor reconciliation, manages recurring issues, and provides leadership through coaching, performance management, and associate engagement, applying strong knowledge of GSE servicing guides and pooling agreements.

Direct Reports
* Team Lead First Line of Defense
* Sr First Line of Defense Analyst
* First Line of Defense Analyst Principal Duties
* ** Risk & Control Testing**  + Maintain a comprehensive testing program for risks and controls to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and servicing agreements, primarily as it relates to bank reconciliations.  + Conduct testing of policies and procedures to confirm processes perform as expected and recommend automation or improvements.
* ** Team Development & Innovation**  + Teach reconciliation skills and research methods to team members, fostering continuous performance improvement.  + Encourage innovation through automation and process enhancements.
* ** Business Performance Testing:
Manage
** testing activities across Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, and private investor remittances.
* ** Audit & Remediation Management**  + Lead remediation efforts in response to audit findings or business performance testing results.  + Partner with respective departments to ensure timely and complete resolution.
* ** Operational Excellence**  + Maintain and follow established procedures and controls within monthly processes.  + Research and resolve data issues, proposing solutions for future process enhancements.  + Develop and enhance operational procedures to strengthen efficiency and compliance.
* ** Collaboration & Partnership**  + Partner with Investor Accounting and internal departments to ensure investor records are accurately reflected in reporting and systems of record.  + Coordinate with department management to address recurring process issues and implement sustainable remedies.
* ** Leadership & People Management**  + Perform managerial duties including goal setting, performance monitoring, coaching, and associate engagement.  + Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to evolving business needs and requirements.
* ** Industry Knowledge**  + Possess a strong understanding of GSE servicing guides and the ability to interpret pooling and servicing agreements.
* ** Additional Duties**  + Perform other responsibilities and special projects as assigned by management.

Education and Experience Requirements
* Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance preferred.
* 6-8 years of Mortgage Servicing experience.
* 3+ years Investor Reporting or Reconciliation experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Requirements
* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
* Ability to collaborate with team members to achieve results.
* Advanced MS Excel experience required including pivot tables, Vlookups and other complex formulas.
* Proficient in MS Word and PowerPoint.
* SQL or other database reporting experience preferred.
* Servicing Director knowledge a plus.
* Proven ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, learn quickly, be flexible and think strategically.
* Strong communication skills to interact with Senior Management and other business units.
* Working understanding of operational risks and related controls.
* Understanding of RegAB and USAP Guidelines.
*** While this description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position’s requirements, it in no way implies/states that these are the only job responsibilities. Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and request other duties, as necessary.
***** Additional Information:
** While this description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position’s requirements, it in no way implies/states that these are the only job responsibilities. Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and request other duties, as necessary. All employees are required to have smart phones that meet Company security standards with the ability to install apps such as Okta Verify and Microsoft Authenticator.

Employment will be contingent on this requirement.
** Company Benefits**:

Newrez is a great place to work but we are only as strong as our greatest asset, our employees, so we believe in rewarding them!
*…