Controller

Overview

This role is for a Controller who will serve as the senior accounting leader responsible for financial integrity, timely close and reporting, audit readiness, and strong internal controls across the organization and its related entities. The position leads headquarters accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting coordination, treasury and cash activities, and financial reporting. It ensures compliance with applicable accounting standards and donor requirements, including federal cost principles, while continuously strengthening processes, systems, and controls.

The organization operates a consolidated structure with multiple related entities, including international subsidiaries and for-profit/earned-income entities. The Controller plays a key role in subsidiary oversight, consolidation support, and consistent application of accounting policies across the enterprise.

This position can be based in one of the US headquarters offices located in Bethesda, MD or San Diego, CA, or remotely within the United States or a country where the organization is registered.

Responsibilities

Accounting Operations, Close, and Financial Reporting

• Direct the monthly and annual close processes, including review and approval of journal entries, reconciliations, and subledger integrity to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee maintenance of the system of accounts, accounting records, and key finance master data such as chart of accounts structure and reporting dimensions.
• Produce and/or oversee preparation of internal and external financial reports, including board-ready reporting packages.
• Ensure consistent application and timely updates of accounting policies and procedures across headquarters and field/related entities.

Audit Leadership and External Reporting

• Lead interactions with external auditors, including preparation of client schedules, financial statement support, and coordination of responses to findings or recommendations.
• Coordinate and support headquarters-related internal and external audits; collaborate with field finance teams and other departments to resolve audit issues and implement corrective actions.
• Support consolidated audit readiness by coordinating subsidiary reporting, eliminations support, and documentation standards across related entities.

Indirect Cost, Cost Allocation, and Donor/Federal Compliance

• Oversee indirect cost monitoring and support development and maintenance of cost allocation practices to ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Lead or coordinate the annual indirect rate submission process (e.g., NICRA) and respond to reviewer inquiries.
• Provide technical guidance on the financial impact of federal rules and donor regulations, including Uniform Guidance and cost principles, and support adoption of best practices.

Treasury, Cash Management, and Banking Oversight

• Partner with finance leadership to manage corporate-wide financial position and financial risk, including liquidity monitoring and key cash decisions.
• Serve as a key finance contact for banking relationships, payment workflows, and cash controls; ensure appropriate oversight of disbursements and related approvals.
• Execute or approve select treasury actions consistent with the organization's authorization framework.

Internal Controls, Risk Management, and Business Process Improvement

• Maintain and strengthen the system of internal controls; collaborate cross-functionally with HR, IT, Procurement, Grants/Contracts, and Compliance to ensure controls operate effectively.
• Research best practices related to organizational risk (financial, compliance, operational) and implement control and process improvements.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency through process redesign, standardization, automation, and documentation.

Systems & Data: Financial Platforms, Reporting, and Governance

• Act as a key partner in maintaining a functional enterprise resource management environment and improving the quality and usability of financial reporting outputs.
• Participate in system reviews, upgrades, and implementations; collaborate with IT and finance systems stakeholders to improve data integrity, reporting, and controls.

Leadership, People Management, and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead, coach, and develop accounting staff; set priorities, manage workloads, and ensure high-quality deliverables under shifting deadlines.
• Ensure staff adherence to standards of conduct, policies, procedures, and schedules; contribute to performance management and talent decisions in alignment with HR processes.
• Collaborate with key departments including Contracts/Grants, Procurement, Compliance, HR, IT, Operations, and Finance to resolve issues and support enterprise decision-making.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 12-15 years of related professional experience.
• Current CPA certification is required.
• Senior-level experience leading accounting operations including close, reporting, audit coordination, and internal controls, preferably within an international NGO or multi-entity environment.
• Experience in the profit sector is required.
• Proven track record of constructively challenging and enhancing internal processes with demonstrated results.
• Advanced knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and financial reporting; ability to interpret and apply compliance requirements in practice.
• Knowledge of donor and U.S. Government requirements including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200); ability to support compliant cost allocation and reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders including auditors, headquarters and field teams, and leadership.
• Deep understanding of fund accounting principles, multi-currency operations, and financial management for diversified revenue streams including grants, contracts, and sub-awards.
• Demonstrated success in strategic financial planning and risk management including cost control, resource optimization, and scenario-based forecasting.
• Demonstrated success in strengthening financial systems, processes, and internal controls with a focus on efficiency, transparency, and scalability.
• Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and financial software systems such as NetSuite, Oracle, QuickBooks Online, Solomon, and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for advanced analytics and reporting.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex financial information into actionable insights for executive decision-making.

Compensation and Benefits

Details regarding compensation and benefits will be provided during the recruitment process.

Location

This position can be based in Bethesda, MD; San Diego, CA; remotely within the United States; or in a country where the organization is registered.