Financial Controls Lead

Real is a fast-growing national real estate brokerage powered by technology. Real is currently operating in all U.S. states, Canada, and the District of Columbia. Founded in 2014, Real is a trailblazer in the Residential Real Estate industry, as we lead the disruption with our cutting-edge technology platform. We are on a mission to revolutionize the home-buying and selling process, making agents' lives better while creating lucrative financial opportunities for them.

For more information, visit https://www.onereal.com/

Location: Remote - US. Candidates MUST be based in the US to be considered.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Financial Controls Lead to join our finance team at Real. The Financial Controls Lead plays a key role in ensuring the effectiveness and compliance of internal financial compliance controls and supporting the company’s adherence to SOX regulations. This position serves as a critical liaison between the Finance and Internal Audit teams, coordinating audit processes, addressing control-related issues, and driving the design and implementation of internal controls over financial reporting. The role requires a deep understanding of SOX compliance, internal controls, and financial reporting standards, along with strong communication skills to manage cross-functional relationships and provide support for risk management initiatives.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Internal Audit Coordination:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact between the Finance and Internal Audit teams during SOX testing, operational audits, and other reviews.

  • Facilitate the collection, organization, and preparation of documentation and evidence required for audits.

  • Address audit findings and work with process owners to design and implement corrective action plans.

  • Ensure timely and accurate responses to audit inquiries and provide necessary documentation to support audit conclusions.

• Internal Controls Management:

  • Partner with process owners to design, document, and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR).

  • Evaluate the design and operational effectiveness of internal controls, recommending improvements where necessary to enhance control effectiveness.

  • Collaborate with process owners to implement new controls to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with corporate policies and regulatory requirements.

  • Ensure timely updates to control narratives and related documentation, collaborating with process owners to confirm controls have passed testing during month-end closings.

• SOX Compliance Support: 

  • Coordinate with Internal Audit to ensure timely and accurate completion of SOX testing and reporting.

  • Maintain comprehensive records of SOX controls, test results, and related documentation for internal and external audit reviews.

  • Educate and update Finance teams on SOX compliance requirements and assist with maintaining compliance throughout the year.

  • Support the ongoing monitoring of SOX controls, ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.

• Risk Management and Reporting: 

  • Assist in conducting risk assessments and evaluating the effectiveness of controls in collaboration with Finance and IA teams.

  • Prepare regular reports for Finance leadership that provide updates on audit status, control effectiveness, and risk management efforts.

  • Ensure that control deficiencies are escalated, addressed, and resolved in a timely manner.

• Collaboration and Training: 

  • Conduct training sessions for Finance and other relevant stakeholders to enhance awareness and understanding of internal controls and audit processes.

  • Build strong relationships with Internal Audit and other business partners to foster collaborative problem-solving and continuous process improvements.

  • Serve as an advisor to Finance leadership on matters related to internal controls, risk management, and audit readiness.

• Intercompany Allocations:

  • Perform intercompany allocation processes, ensuring accurate and timely allocation of costs and revenues across entities.

  • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to implement efficient intercompany processes and maintain proper documentation.

• Month-End Close Support:

  • Assist with month-end close activities, including reconciliation