Controller

Controller | Hybrid | Washington, DC Metro Area Build and Lead the Accounting Function for a Rapidly Growing Mission-Driven Organization A rapidly growing, nationally recognized mission-driven organization is seeking an experienced Controller to lead and build its in-house accounting function. This is a newly created leadership position reporting directly to the CFO and offers the opportunity to help shape the future of the finance organization during an exciting period of growth. The organization has experienced significant expansion over the past year and is bringing its accounting function in-house from an outsourced provider. This role is ideal for a hands‑on accounting leader who enjoys building processes, strengthening internal controls, implementing systems, and partnering with executive leadership while remaining involved in day‑to‑day accounting operations. What You'll Do Lead all day‑to‑day accounting operations across multiple legal entities. Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation. Oversee the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, fixed assets, and overall accounting operations. Partner directly with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting, board reporting, and financial analysis. Lead annual audits and coordinate with external auditors on tax filings and regulatory reporting. Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, grant accounting requirements, and internal controls. Manage accounting for grants, donor contributions, restricted funds, and other revenue sources. Design and implement accounting policies, procedures, and scalable internal controls as the accounting function transitions in‑house. Lead the organization's planned ERP migration from QuickBooks Online to a cloud‑based accounting platform (such as Sage Intacct or a similar solution). Identify automation opportunities and drive continuous process improvements across the finance function. Help build and develop the accounting team as the organization continues to grow. Qualifications Active CPA required. Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. 8+ years of progressive accounting experience. Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or Senior Accounting Manager. Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls. Experience leading annual audits and working with external CPA firms. Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills. Ability to thrive in a collaborative, hands‑on environment where ownership and initiative are highly valued. Preferred Experience Public accounting background. Experience within a nonprofit, association, advocacy, or other mission‑driven organization. Grant accounting and Single Audit experience. ERP implementation or migration experience (Sage Intacct or similar cloud‑based systems). Experience transitioning accounting operations from an outsourced provider to an internal finance team. Process improvement, automation, and internal controls implementation experience. Why This Opportunity? Newly created leadership position reporting directly to the CFO. Opportunity to build and shape an accounting department from the ground up. Rapidly growing organization that has more than doubled in size over the past year. High visibility with executive leadership and meaningful influence on organizational strategy. Opportunity to hire and develop an accounting team as the organization continues to scale. Strong mission‑driven culture focused on protecting civil rights, combating antisemitism, and advancing education, advocacy, and legal initiatives. Hybrid work schedule (3 days onsite in the Washington, DC area). #J-18808-Ljbffr