Controller - Credit & Lending

Smith Arnold Partners; Westport (CT); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith Arnold Partners in Westport, CT is seeking a high-impact Senior Accountant/Controller to own the entire accounting function. You will partner with leadership to drive financial strategy for a growing credit platform.

The role offers a hybrid work model with access to NYC and requires leadership in general ledger, month-end close, and policy development. Strong background in treasury, internal controls, and private REIT/lending experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience with leadership exposure.
• Strong expertise in financial reporting, treasury, and internal controls.
• Experience in lending, credit, financial services, or real estate sectors.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger, month-end close, and financial statement preparation.
• Ensure GAAP-compliant reporting with accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Manage and optimize QuickBooks and related financial systems.

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

Treasury

Internal controls

Analytical thinking

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

QuickBooks

Job description

We are a growing firm in the lending and credit investment space, focused on institutional-quality credit strategies and private REIT lending. Backed by leadership with Big 4 audit experience and deep financial services expertise, the firm combines disciplined underwriting with innovative capital solutions. With offices in Connecticut, Florida and NYC. We offer a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where finance professionals can take ownership and directly influence business growth and strategy.

What Employees Are Saying

• Tight-knit, high-caliber team where you get exposure to leadership and real decision-making.
• Entrepreneurial environment—you can build processes and make a meaningful impact.
• Strong mix of finance sophistication and flexibility—great place to grow your career.

Location: Westport, CT (Hybrid | NYC Office Access)

Salary: $140,000 – $180,000 base +30% bonus target

Why Work Here

• High-Impact Role: Own the entire accounting function and partner directly with leadership in a growing credit platform.
• Broad Exposure: Work across lending, private REIT structures, treasury, and investment-related financials.
• Flexible & Entrepreneurial: Hybrid/remote environment with access to NYC and collaboration with a dynamic leadership team.

Oversee general ledger, month-end close, and financial statement preparation

Ensure GAAP-compliant reporting with accuracy and timeliness

Maintain and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls

Manage and optimize QuickBooks and related financial systems

Treasury & Cash Management

Lead cash management, liquidity planning, and forecasting

Execute and oversee wire activity and banking operations

Maintain relationships with lenders and financial institutions

Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and payment processes

Coordinate with legal and operational partners on financial matters

Ensure compliance and proper documentation across all transactions

Supervise a lean team (1 staff, 1 senior accountant, and offshore support)

Provide mentorship, structure workflows, and drive performance

Build scalable processes to support company growth

Strategic & Cross-Functional Support

Partner with leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning

Support lending and credit operations with insights and reporting

Identify and implement process and system improvements

Qualifications Required

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

7+ years of progressive accounting experience with leadership exposure

Strong expertise in financial reporting, treasury, and internal controls

Experience in lending, credit, financial services, or real estate sectors

Proficiency in QuickBooks

Preferred

Public accounting background (Big 4/Big 8 strongly preferred)

Experience with private REITs, lending platforms, or credit investments

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

Hands-on, detail-oriented leadership style

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Ability to operate both strategically and tactically

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

High integrity and commitment to financial accuracy