AVP, Loan Operations Manager - Financial Control & Quality Assurance

Assistant Vice President, Loan Operations - Financial Control & Quality Assurance

Loan Operations is a critical control function within the Bank, supporting a rapidly growing lending platform across commercial, consumer, and residential portfolios. The department is currently transitioning from a smaller bank operating model to a more scalable, control-driven infrastructure aligned with the Bank's growth-by-acquisition strategy.

The role is based in Lowell, MA with 3 days in office, 2 days WFH. 1 day a week the AVP will work out of the Middleboro, MA office (where direct reports are based). We do reimburse for mileage.

This AVP role oversees two key teams within Loan Operations:

1. Financial Reporting & Control Team

Responsible for loan-related general ledger reconciliations and financial reporting

Managed by an Assistant Manager with two direct reports

Ensures accounting integrity across loan portfolios

2. Post-Close Quality Assurance Team

Conducts post-close quality reviews of booked loans

Compares executed legal documentation to system input

Managed by an Assistant Manager with two direct reports

Ensures documentation accuracy and regulatory compliance

This position reports to the VP of Loan Operations and plays a critical leadership role during a period of significant transformation, including a core system conversion (Horizon to IBS) and the development of formal SOX and Risk reporting frameworks.

Position Overview

The Assistant Vice President, Loan Operations - Financial Control & QA is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for strengthening financial controls, modernizing operational processes, and building scalable reporting infrastructure.

The Bank is currently undergoing:

A core system conversion from Horizon to IBS

Ongoing growth through acquisition

Development of early-stage SOX and Risk reporting programs

A shift toward more automated, scalable processes

The ideal candidate thrives in fast-moving environments, brings strong financial reporting expertise, and has a proven ability to lead teams through change with diplomacy and influence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop two Assistant Managers and their teams (total team size: 6)
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Provide coaching and mentorship to strengthen technical and analytical capabilities
• Lead change initiatives with a measured, relationship-driven approach
• Financial Reporting & Controls
• Oversee loan-related general ledger reconciliations and financial reporting accuracy
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards (including ASC 310 and related guidance)
• Partner with Finance to enhance loan accounting processes and reporting transparency
• Support development of SOX-related controls and risk reporting frameworks
• Improve reporting structure to support executive decision-making
• Process Improvement & Automation
• Evaluate current manual processes and redesign workflows for efficiency and scalability
• Identify automation opportunities within IBS and related systems
• Implement best practices aligned with larger-bank operating standards
• Develop KPIs and KRIs to measure operational performance and control effectiveness
• Core Conversion & System Integration
• Play a key leadership role in the Horizon to IBS core conversion
• Ensure data integrity, control alignment, and reporting continuity during transition
• Leverage IBS experience (strongly preferred) to drive successful system adoption
• Partner cross-functionally with IT, Finance, and Lending during implementation
• Quality Assurance Oversight
• Oversee post-close quality control processes
• Ensure accurate loan booking by validating system data against executed legal documentation
• Strengthen QC framework to align with regulatory expectations and risk management standards
• Implement feedback loops to Lending and Operations to reduce booking errors
• Regulatory & Risk Management
• Ensure compliance with federal and state banking regulations (RESPA, TILA, SCRA, CRA, GLBA, etc.)
• Monitor and enhance internal controls in preparation for continued asset growth
• Support the Bank's transition toward enhanced governance expectations as it scales

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required (Finance, Accounting, Business or related field preferred)
• Experience
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in banking operations, financial reporting, or loan accounting
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience managing teams
• Strong background in loan operations and loan accounting
• Experience leading teams through change or transformation initiatives
• IBS core system experience strongly preferred
• Experience supporting or building SOX and/or risk reporting programs preferred
• Knowledge & Skills
• Deep understanding of financial reporting and general ledger controls
• Strong knowledge of loan documentation and loan servicing processes
• Proven process improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency gains
• Demonstrated change management capability
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to influence without creating resistance
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-growth environments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Advanced Excel and reporting tool proficiency

This position is ideal for a banking professional who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys building infrastructure, and is passionate about continuous improvement.

At Rockland Trust, we believe that being a great place to bank starts with being a great place to work. When our colleagues are valued and cared for, they're empowered to make a difference for our customers and communities.

As one of The Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for the past fourteen years, we know that finding the right people is just the beginning. Through competitive benefits, enriching development opportunities, and a respectful and collaborative culture, we've built a workplace that enhances our colleagues' lifestyle and inspires them to reach their full potential.

For over 116 years, we have been dedicated to strengthening the neighborhoods we live in and serve. Rockland Trust offers a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services to help individuals and businesses work toward their financial goals with more than 120 branches located throughout Massachusetts, as well as commercial banking, investment management offices, and residential lending centers across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Rockland Trust is the Bank Where Each Relationship Matters. In pursuit of that promise, we foster a respectful and inclusive work environment where everyone is given the chance and resources to succeed.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Additionally, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.