Assistant Controller, Director

Position Title

Assistant Controller, Director

The American Institute of Physics (AIP) is a federation of 10 Member Societies which together have nearly 120,000 members across the globe. Founded in 1931, AIP is a federation that advances the success of our Member Societies and an institute that engages in research and analysis to empower positive change in the physical sciences. Our overarching strategy is to advance the physical sciences with a unifying voice of strength from diversity.

We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team!

AIP is seeking an Assistant Controller to oversee the day‑to‑day functions of the accounting team under the direction of the Controller. This role performs a variety of hands‑on general accounting tasks and ensures all accounting transactions comply with GAAP. Responsibilities include reviewing payroll, payables, receivables, completing account reconciliations, and approving journal entries. The Assistant Controller will play a key role in the annual consolidated financial and retirement plan audits and in preparing Forms 990 and 990‑T.

This position works closely with the Controller and helps drive the priorities across the department.

• Review and approve recurring financial transactions and activities.
• Identify and recommend corrections for errors or inconsistencies in financial entries.
• Document accounting processes and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Prepare audit work papers and support schedules for annual financial audit and employee benefit plan audits.
• Coordinate completion of Forms 990 and 990‑T, including the UBIT calculations.
• Lead the accounting team in adherence to the month‑end close timelines and account reconciliation schedules.
• Work with the Assistant Director of F&A on ERP and planning/budgeting systems’ maintenance, including hierarchies and report development.
• Coordinate with the Controller to ensure accurate and timely processing and recording payroll and general accounting transactions.
• Maintain a strong understanding of all general accounting functions to aid and cross‑train as needed.
• Maintain internal controls related to areas of responsibility.
• Supervise payroll and general accounting staff.
• Participate in the annual budgeting process.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree required;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• CPA preferred.
• 5–8 years of progressive accounting experience in a leadership role, including payroll and general accounting teams in a nonprofit environment.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and Excel skills.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Effective time‑management skills and the ability to prioritize competing tasks.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting.
• Experience with Oracle Fusion ERP and related PBCS system is a plus.

Include a resume and a cover letter. We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the position description. At AIP, we embrace people from a diversity of backgrounds and career experiences.

$ – $

AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in‑person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a flexible, hybrid schedule and reports to our offices in College Park, Maryland and Washington, DC, as needed. Employees are required to reside in the DC Metro regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC. We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more.

Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to community service, institute‑wide social opportunities, and ongoing learning and development, AIP is a rewarding place to work.

At the American Institute of Physics (AIP), we’re dedicated to advancing, promoting, and serving the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity.…