Controller - Non Profit

Job Title:

Director of Finance / Controller, CPA Required

Location: Washington DC (2 days in office per week)

Salary Range: $140-160k

The organization is seeking a hands-on, strategic Director of Finance / Controller to oversee all accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis functions for a growing nonprofit organization. This role will manage a $12 million annual operating budget.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can independently research issues, explain the story behind the numbers, and partner with leadership to support informed decision‑making. This position reports directly to senior leadership and works closely with the organization’s external CPA firm.

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations and month-end/year-end close processes
• Serve as primary liaison with the external CPA firm for audit and year-end reporting
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and applicable regulations
• Monitor and manage cash flow, reserves, and long-term financial sustainability

• Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing reforecasting
• Develop, maintain, and present clear financial models and projections
• Perform variance analysis and identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Translate financial data into actionable insights for leadership

• Analyze key financial metrics and explain drivers behind variances
• Develop dashboards and reporting that highlight organizational performance
• Support leadership with scenario analysis and strategic planning

• Track and report on diversified revenue streams, including:
• ~90% individual and foundation donations (including community foundations)
• ~10% government funding
• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of restricted and unrestricted funds

• Provide hands‑on support to current administrative staff assisting with finance tasks
• Play a key role in hiring and onboarding a future Staff Accountant
• Improve processes, controls, and documentation as the organization grows

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA preferred
• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including nonprofit experience
• Proven experience creating and managing organizational budgets
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to explain “why” behind the numbers
• Highly self‑directed, resourceful, and comfortable working independently
• Experience working with external auditors/CPAs

• Strong Excel skills required; comfort learning new systems
• Opportunity to build and scale the finance function