Controller (Washington)
Controller, Vice President Location: Washington, DC Area Industry: Nonprofit About Opportunity The Robert Joseph Group, a Washington, DC-based accounting and finance resource firm, is seeking an experienced Controller, Vice President on behalf of a nonprofit client in the Washington, DC area. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Director of Finance, the Controller will provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization’s accounting functions, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting and regulatory compliance. This individual will oversee a large accounting team, strengthen internal controls and financial processes, and support organizational decision-making through effective financial reporting and analysis. The ideal candidate will bring extensive nonprofit accounting experience, strong technical accounting expertise, demonstrated people-management capabilities, and the ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams. Key Responsibilities Accounting Operations and Financial Reporting Direct, manage, and coordinate the organization’s accounting operations, ensuring accurate, complete, and timely financial records and reporting. Oversee the accumulation, reconciliation, and consolidation of financial data to support accurate reporting at the organizational, combined, and consolidated levels, as applicable. Deliver timely and reliable financial information to support the evaluation of financial performance against strategic objectives, budgets, and forecasts. Oversee general ledger activities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and financial reporting processes. Identify opportunities to enhance accounting procedures, reporting practices, and financial systems to improve efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness. Team Leadership and Development Lead, develop, and mentor a large accounting team, fostering collaboration, accountability, knowledge-sharing, and continuous improvement. Establish clear expectations and support individual and departmental performance through effective coaching, communication, and professional development. Promote consistent, efficient, and effective accounting practices aligned with the organization’s strategic and operational goals. Facilitate employee training on financial policies, procedures, processes, and accounting best practices. Audit, Compliance, and Internal Controls Lead the annual financial statement audit and serve as a primary liaison with external auditors. Ensure compliance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), applicable tax requirements, and relevant federal and state laws and regulations. Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of effective internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures to safeguard organizational assets and promote accurate financial reporting. Work closely with the Regulatory Compliance Accountant to oversee the timely and accurate completion of required regulatory and tax filings, including IRS Forms 990, 1099, W-9, W-8, and 1042, charitable solicitation registrations, sales tax filings, and other applicable federal and state reporting requirements. Nonprofit Accounting and Affiliated Entity Oversight Collaborate with finance leadership to evaluate the existing shared services model, review cost-allocation methodologies, and assess their alignment with functional expense reporting in the organization’s financial statements and tax returns. Review agreements between affiliated entities and recommend updates as needed. Partner with the development team and the Controller of an affiliated organization to ensure the appropriate accounting and recording of donor transactions, including annual campaign contributions and endowment gifts. Strengthen and improve quarterly donor reporting, endowment distribution reporting, and related financial reporting practices. Support the organization’s annual, Board-approved accounting and finance department goals. Systems, Process Improvement, and Other Responsibilities Assist in evaluating and implementing financial reporting tools and technology to improve departmental efficiency, reporting capabilities, and internal processes. Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, strengthen operational effectiveness, and promote consistent accounting practices. Undertake additional projects and responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required. Minimum of 10 years of progressive professional accounting experience, including substantial experience within the nonprofit sector. Minimum of 5 years of people-management experience, preferably leading a sizeable accounting team. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred. Public accounting experience preferred. Strong knowledge of accounting principles, U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance. Demonstrated experience with nonprofit accounting and reporting, including donor contributions, restricted gifts, endowments, and functional expense allocation. Working knowledge of nonprofit tax and regulatory reporting requirements, including Form 990 and applicable federal and state filings. Proven ability to lead accounting operations, manage complex reporting requirements, and oversee multiple areas of responsibility simultaneously. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and achieve objectives with minimal day-to-day direction from the Senior Vice President, Director of Finance. Exceptional organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet critical deadlines. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a commitment to accuracy and continuous improvement. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and a service-oriented approach. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with employees at all levels, senior leadership, external auditors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive financial information with discretion and professionalism. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics, Workday Adaptive Planning, Salesforce, Anybill, and Concur preferred.
