Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Manager

Position Title:

Controller, Finance
Grade Level: Level 7

Reports to:

Chief Financial Officer

About NED

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) seeks to advance democracy and freedom. NED seeks to empower its partners to inform, organize, and mobilize constituencies for political reforms as a means to build and sustain democracy.

At NED, you will join a team of committed individuals who are mission- and values-driven. We are looking for individuals who will deliver their talents in support of our work.

Our values include:

• Respect
• Empathy
• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Excellence

Position Summary

The Controller is a senior leader on NED's finance team, responsible for the strategic oversight of accounting operations, procurement activities, and financial analytics.

The role supervises a high-performing team covering General Accounting, Accounts Payable, and Procurement, ensuring robust compliance, strong controls, and alignment of expenditures with grant and program budgets.

This position drives process improvement and data-driven decision-making, upholding GAAP and federal requirements, and supporting efficient, transparent, and audit-ready operations. The Controller serves as a trusted partner to program and grants teams, promoting a collaborative and solutions-oriented culture.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC.

Primary Responsibilities

Financial Reporting, Audit, and Tax

• Ensure organization-wide compliance with GAAP, 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), federal, and other donor regulations, as well as NED's internal policies.
• Oversee and review all financial accounting, project/program/grant accounting, and procurement-related transactions; ensure expenditures are properly aligned and compliant.
• Supervise controls for vendor, procurement, and employee disbursements.
• Work closely with the Director of Grant Accounting to ensure accurate and timely reporting for all government, corporate, and foundation grants.

Procurement Oversight

• Lead the procurement function, ensuring competitive, transparent, and compliant purchasing in support of NED's mission and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain procurement policies and procedures, and monitor adherence.
• Analyze procurement spend and vendor performance to optimize value, efficiency, and risk management.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to executive leadership for strategic sourcing and cost savings.

Analytics & Decision Support

• Develop and deliver regular, data-driven financial and procurement reports to inform organizational strategy.
• Leverages modern analytical tools-including AI-driven forecasting and business intelligence platforms-to enhance decision-making and financial planning.
• Advise the CFO and other senior leaders with scenario modeling, forecasting, and ad hoc analysis.

Strategic Initiatives & Special Projects

• Lead and contribute to process improvement, automation, and system integration projects.

• Partner with IT and operations on ERP and procurement system enhancements.
• Proactively identifies and leads strategic initiatives in accounting, procurement, and financial systems modernization to support organizational growth.

Team leadership, Training and development

• Mentor, supervise, and develop a diverse team; establish clear priorities to ensure efficiency, especially during peak periods
• Build a high-performing, customer service-oriented team culture.
• Lead staff training on finance, accounting, and procurement policies and systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; CPA required.
• 11+ years of progressive experience in GAAP accounting/auditing, including 3+ years supervising multiple staff.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in mission-driven nonprofit (>$25M revenue), with hands-on knowledge of federal grants, OMB cost principles, audit, and procurement compliance.
• Demonstrated analytical skills-experience with financial modeling, dashboard/report building, and advanced Excel.
• Hands-on experience with large financial systems; procurement system experience a plus.
• Deep knowledge of nonprofit accounting, procurement, and reporting practices.
• Proven ability to communicate complex financial and procurement data clearly to all levels,…