Fractional Controller

The AI Policy Network (AIPN) is a bipartisan, independent 501(c)(4) advocacy organization dedicated to advancing secure AI development that serves America's economic prosperity, technological leadership, and national security. We provide policymakers with technically-grounded perspectives on emerging AI capabilities and risks, with particular focus on ensuring advanced AI systems remain reliable, controllable, and aligned with their intended purposes. I. POSITION SUMMARY The AI Policy Network is building federal policy support for the safe development of advanced AI — work that depends on a finance and compliance function that is fast, accurate, and unimpeachable. We are looking for an experienced Fractional Controller to own the day-to-day accounting, compliance, and reporting function across three connected entities: a 501(c)(3), a 501(c)(4), and a connected federal PAC. You will inherit systems nearing full implementation: Sage Intacct, Ramp for expense management and vendor payment, a bookkeeper handling transaction-level work, and an outside accounting firm (GRF CPA & Advisors) handling tax filings and audit support. Your job is to run the function — close the books, manage compliance, build projections, manage the bookkeeper, and serve as the single point of accountability for the financial picture, freeing the COO to focus on fundraising, strategy, and policymaker engagement. II. RESPONSIBILITIES A. Monthly Close & Financial Reporting Own monthly close across AIPI (C3), AIPN (C4), and AIPN-PAC, producing audit-ready financials. Review and approve the bookkeeper's work in Sage Intacct and Ramp, including expense categorization, intercompany allocations, and C3/C4 splits. Produce monthly financial reports for the COO and Executive Director — by entity, department, category, and individual — with clear variance commentary. B. Multi-Entity Compliance & Filings Own AIPN's compliance calendar end-to-end across IRS filings (990s, 1120-POL, 1099s), Delaware (franchise tax, annual reports), state employment tax, and internal governance filings. Coordinate with GRF on tax filings, audit prep, and 990s; with PEM Law on corporate filings; and with Katz Compliance on FEC reporting. Track LDA filing obligations and POLS tax exposure on an ongoing basis. C. Forecasting, Budgeting & Cash Management Build and maintain rolling cash flow forecasts across all three entities, including C3-to-C4 transfers and PAC funding. Develop the annual budget with the COO and department leads; load budgets into Sage and monitor variances. Surface budget risks and runway concerns early; maintain projections that support major donor and foundation conversations. D. Team Management & Process Ownership Manage and mentor AIPN's bookkeeper, including weekly cadence, quality review, and skill development. Own the Ramp expense management system and drive expense policy enforcement across the team. Identify and close process gaps that currently route accounting decisions through the COO. E. Audit, Controls & Risk Lead the annual audit, serving as primary point of contact for auditors. Maintain internal controls and insurance compliance (D&O, workers' comp, general liability) appropriate to a multi-entity organization with a connected PAC. Flag risks and recommend mitigations to the COO and Executive Director. F. CFO-Adjacent Support Prepare board-ready financial materials and support due diligence requests from major donors, foundations, and grant-makers. Provide input on compensation, contractor classification, and operational scaling questions. Flag what requires executive attention; resolve what does not. III. QUALIFICATIONS A. Required 5+ years in a controller, assistant controller, or senior accounting role. Multi-entity nonprofit accounting experience, including 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) structures. Monthly close and audit-ready books for organizations with $2M+ in annual activity. Strong working knowledge of cloud-based accounting and spend management platforms (Sage Intacct and Ramp preferred; comparable systems considered if the candidate can ramp quickly). Experience building cash flow projections and operating budgets; ability to manage and mentor staff or contractors. Strong deadline discipline, high discretion with sensitive information, and judgment to triage competing compliance obligations. CPA or equivalent credential preferred but not required if experience is strong. B. Preferred Connected PAC accounting and FEC reporting experience (Form 3X, monthly filings). Strong PAC compliance candidates may take FEC reporting in-house. Familiarity with LDA compliance and POLS tax implications for C4 organizations. Experience operating in a fractional or multi-client capacity. Familiarity with the AI policy, technology policy, or advocacy ecosystem. IV. WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE WORTH YOUR TIME Systems foundation. Sage Intacct implementation nearing completion. Ramp in place. A bookkeeper handles transactional work. Authority. You will be the senior finance person in the room. The COO retains oversight and final sign-off but will rely on your judgment for the day-to-day function. Scope that fits the candidate. For candidates with deep PAC compliance experience, the role can expand to include FEC reporting currently handled by an outside vendor. Meaningful mission . AIPN is one of a small number of organizations working at the federal level on AI safety policy. The AI Policy Network (AIPN) Role Details Position: Fractional Controller, AIPN / AIPI / AIPN-PAC Location: Remote Time Commitment: Approximately 20-30% (roughly 10-15 hours per week), with flexibility around close, audit, and filing deadlines Engagement: 1099 contractor or fractional engagement through an existing firm; could grow into a full-time W-2 role over time as AIPN scales Compensation: $4,500–$6,500 monthly retainer, based on seniority and engagement structure Reports to: COO & Director of Development (in CFO-equivalent capacity) About AIPN The AI Policy Network is a bipartisan, independent 501(c)(4) focused on secure AI development that serves America's economic prosperity, technological leadership, and national security. AIPN operates alongside the AI Policy Institute (a 501(c)(3) research and education organization) and AIPN-PAC (a connected federal political action committee). #J-18808-Ljbffr