Controller in Richmond, Virginia

Controller Position at Cap Center

Be the Controller who builds the function. We are looking for a hands-on, technically deep Controller who wants to build, not maintain - to own the books for a multi-line financial services business, design the controls and audit posture, lead a team being built around them, and partner with the CFO on the most consequential financial decisions. This is the foundational accounting hire for the next chapter of a 29-year-old company that earned every client it has and is investing to grow.

Founded in Richmond, Virginia in 1997, Cap Center is a technology-driven mortgage lender and real estate company. We originate purchase and refinance mortgages, sell loans into the secondary market, and operate an integrated platform spanning mortgage origination, servicing, real estate brokerage, and insurance - most famously through our Zero Closing Cost mortgage. Our success has been built on doing business the right way.

The Controller owns Cap Center's accounting function end-to-end - the close, the general ledger, US GAAP financial reporting, technical accounting, the external audit, the internal control environment, and the team that delivers it all. You sign off on the books. You are the accounting voice with auditors, regulators, warehouse lenders, and internal business partners. You report to the CFO and partner directly with him on the build-out of Cap Center's accounting and finance function.

• Books, Close and Financial Reporting Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close - calendar, reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, intercompany, and tie-out. Produce timely, accurate US GAAP financial statements on a predictable cadence. Own statutory and regulatory reporting tied to the books: warehouse lender financials, agency reporting, state licensing support, and covenant inputs.
• Technical Accounting and External Audit Own technical accounting positions across mortgage banking GAAP - loan sales (ASC 860), gain on sale, warehouse line activity, MSR creation and amortization, derivative mark-to-market (ASC 815), fair-value accounting (ASC 820), loan-level fee capitalization (ASC 310-20). Lead the external audit relationship including walkthroughs, sample support, accounting position defense, disclosure review, and remediation. Research, write, and defend technical accounting memos for material judgments.
• Internal Controls and Systems Design and maintain the internal control environment over financial reporting - segregation of duties, journal entry review, reconciliation review, approval thresholds, exception handling. Own the accounting system stack (GL, AP, banking, expense management); partner with Technology on integrations, automation, and reporting. Document processes and controls to support operational continuity and audit readiness.
• Multi-Line Accounting and Treasury Partnership Own accounting for activity across service lines - commissions, settlement and escrow activity, intercompany allocations, and consolidation across affiliated entities. Partner with the CFO on treasury controls (wire approvals, custodial reconciliations, segregation of duties). Partner with mortgage operations, secondary marketing, real estate, and insurance leaders to keep financial reporting tied to operational reality.
• Team Leadership and Continuous Improvement Build, manage, coach, and develop the accounting team in partnership with the CFO. Set high standards for accuracy, accountability, and clean execution. Drive initiatives that improve financial accuracy, reduce manual effort, strengthen controls, and increase operational efficiency - the closing process should get faster, cleaner, and more defensible quarter over quarter.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting. Active CPA required
• 10+ years of progressive experience, including ownership of a full close cycle and external audit
• Mortgage banking, specialty finance, or other regulated financial services experience strongly preferred
• Deep US GAAP technical accounting skills - ability to research, write, and defend accounting positions
• Demonstrated experience leading an external audit as the named owner from the company side
• Hands-on close experience - comfortable doing the work, not just supervising it
• Clear communicator - able to brief auditors, tax advisors, and operational partners with precision
• Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency (Net Suite, Sage, or comparable mid-market ERP)
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information discreetly and act with professionalism

Preferred:
Public accounting (Big 4 or regional firm) background; experience scaling an accounting function during a build-out or restructure; familiarity with Encompass LOS and warehouse lender reporting; MBA or advanced tax/accounting credential.

The compensation range for this position is $175,000 - $225,000. Individual compensation will be determined based on job-related business considerations, including relevant…