Controller, Accounting Financial Operations

First Book | Washington, DC (Hybrid)

First Book is a leading nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to removing barriers to quality education for children in need. Through innovative public-private partnerships and a national network of more than 600,000 educators, program leaders, and community organizations, First Book has distributed over 250 million books and educational resources to under-resourced communities. Our work spans e-commerce (First Book Marketplace), research and insights (First Book R&I), and tailored program development (First Book Accelerator), all designed to elevate the voices and needs of educators serving children in low-income communities.

The Controller, Accounting & Financial Operations is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, timeliness, and scalability of First Book’s accounting and financial reporting functions. This role leads the day-to-day accounting operation and serves as a key financial partner to Finance and organizational leadership, ensuring that financial information supports sound operational and strategic decision-making.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller leads the accounting team and will move the function from reporting historical results to providing forward-looking financial insight and decision support.

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, inventory, and revenue recognition.
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, delivering accurate and timely financial statements, management reporting, and Board-level reporting in compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable nonprofit requirements.
• Partner with Finance leadership and business/program leaders to develop budgets, forecasts, financial models, and operating plans; lead variance analysis and translate results into actionable insights for management.
• Develop meaningful financial and operating metrics and evaluate cost structures, pricing, margins, and the financial implications of new programs, partnerships, and revenue opportunities.
• Design, implement, and continuously strengthen internal controls, including segregation of duties, approval processes, and reconciliations.
• Monitor compliance with financial, tax, regulatory, and contractual requirements; identify financial and operational risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Lead the annual financial statement audit and partner with external tax advisors on tax filings and required regulatory reporting.
• Oversee accounting and financial systems, ensuring data integrity and driving automation and scalable processes.
• Oversee cash management, banking relationships, cash forecasting, and liquidity planning.
• Lead, supervise, and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and financial stewardship.
• Serve as a trusted financial resource across the organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in good standing required.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Accounting (MAcc) preferred.

• Minimum of ten years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including a senior-level finance or accounting position, required; prior Controller and/or nonprofit accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting, including contributions, grants, restricted funds, and revenue recognition.
• Proven experience owning the financial close, leading annual audits, and designing and maintaining internal controls.
• Experience developing…