Sr. Manager, Escrow Accounting

SummaryAs Senior Manager, Escrow Accounting for Mainstay National Title (MNT), you will oversee all escrow accounting operations supporting both bulk/securitization and single property transactions, including the following: 1) escrow trust accounting and reconciliation, 2) financial controls and compliance, and 3) escrow accounting systems management. You will be responsible for operationalizing the strategy for MNT's escrow accounting function by recommending strategies and executing operational plans to deliver a best-in-class accounting and compliance experience tailored to the specialized needs of MNT customers. This is a "hands on" management role that requires balancing short-term needs and long-term goals as well as broader business goals, assessing and making trade-offs where needed. You will work closely with senior leadership, other operations leaders, customers, and internal/external stakeholders to support revenue growth, profitability, competitive positioning, and customer satisfaction. This role will report directly to the Head of Operations for MNT.Role ResponsibilitiesMANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIESThis role manages third party escrow accounting engagements and select individual contributors.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesOperations and PerformanceCollaborates with senior leadership, and all relevant stakeholders to provide inputs to the operational strategy for the escrow accounting functions of MNT, ensuring alignment with MNT's short-term and long-term objectivesOverall accountability for escrow accounting operations to support MNT transactions and customers while building a highly inclusive culture ensuring team members thrive and organizational outcomes are metOversees the accurate and timely processing of trust account reconciliations and underwriter remittance across all MNT transactionsSets performance goals and drives business alignmentRecommends objectives and key results (OKRs) for MNT escrow accounting, including initiatives to achieve objectivesAccountable for operational processes, process improvement, quality, customer satisfaction, service level agreements, and productivity, including developing functional area metrics and levers the team can pull to improve key metricsEffectively leverages data to ask and answer questions, identify potential issues, drive outcomes, and determine resourcing, prioritization, and staffing while being able to identify and challenge data that appears inconsistent or otherwise inaccurateEnsures operational adherence to company, underwriter, federal, state, and local business requirements governing escrow accounting, trust fund handling, and financial reporting, enforcing compliance and taking action when necessaryManages relationships with banking partners, underwriters, and external auditors to ensure MNT maintains strong financial controls and regulatory standingCollaborates and builds strong relationships with various stakeholders to understand internal needs and gaps to deliver value to clientsProactively monitors funding pipelines and routinely evaluates disbursement workflows to mitigate financial risk and ensure transactional accuracyCapacity, People and Relationship ManagementClearly articulates objectives and develops/retains a productive and highly engaged teamPromotes a work culture aligned with MNT's operating principlesEffectively partners with teams both inside MNT and Mainstay Labs Able to roll out changes with minimal disruption to operationsCollaborates with various stakeholders to understand volume projections and align staffing and capacity accordinglyOversees workload and productivity across escrow accounting partnersSupports the company's overall performance management and development programsParticipates in broader company initiatives as requiredCost Optimization ChampionChampions key savings initiatives, including banking fee management, wire cost reduction, automation opportunities, and labor optimizationIdentifies high-value ROI opportunities within escrow accounting operationsPartners with finance and leadership to develop and monitor departmental budget performanceCommunicationsBuilds and ensures effective communications internally, inter-company, and externallyServes as a subject matter expert and key point of escalation for complex escrow accounting matters across the organizationSkills NeededSUCCESS CRITERIAEscrow Accounting Knowledge – Uses deep knowledge of escrow trust accounting, disbursement operations, and financial controls to run an effective organization and mitigate financial and regulatory risk to the company.Analytical and Problem Solving Skills – Possesses strong analytical skills to use data in analyzing business issues, identifying financial discrepancies, and recommending process improvements.Interpersonal Skills/Cultivating and Managing Relationships – Develops and maintains relationships with stakeholders and potential partners inside and outside the organization (e.g., peers, cross-functional partners, customers, banking partners, external vendors, and auditors).Project Management – Planning, organizing, expanding, and managing bandwidth and resources to bring about the successful completion of organizational objectives, including system implementations and process improvement initiatives.Ambiguity – Copes effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment; shifts gears comfortably; can decide and act without having the total picture; looks for ways to focus on solutions rather than problems.Accountability – Holds self and others accountable for measurable, high-quality results; determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates; accepts responsibility for mistakes; complies with and enforces established control systems and rules.QualificationsKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesDeep understanding of escrow trust accounting principles, disbursement operations, and financial controls within the title and real estate industryStrong working knowledge of escrow accounting platforms, banking systems, and wire transfer processesFamiliarity with state-specific escrow trust fund regulations and compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictionsNimble business mind with a focus on developing creative solutions and the ability to quickly shift priorities in a rapidly changing marketAble to work with others in a collaborative mannerStrong judgment, analytical, and decision-making skillsEducation and ExperienceRequired5+ years in an escrow accounting or title accounting management role in a high-volume environment with a focus on both 1x1 and bulk/institutional businessProven experience managing multi-state escrow trust accounts Demonstrated track record of building and maintaining financial controls and ensuring regulatory complianceHigh impact communicator – able to communicate in a focused and compelling way that captures and holds others' attention and stimulates others' thinking and actionsExperience with internal and external regulatory auditsBonus points if you have (optional)Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or similar fieldExperience with REIT, single-family rental, or institutional real estate transactionsFamiliarity with escrow accounting software platforms, specifically Resware and Rynoh, and process automation tools