Controller, Accounting, & Financial Operations

First Book•Washington, DC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise working to remove barriers to quality education for children in need. Through partnerships and a national network of educators and community organizations, it distributes books and educational resources and operates e-commerce, research, and program-development initiatives. The Controller, Accounting & Financial Operations is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, timeliness, and scalability of First Book’s accounting and financial reporting functions. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role leads day-to-day accounting operations and the accounting team, and partners with Finance and organizational leadership. The Controller will help shift the function from reporting historical results toward providing forward-looking financial insight and decision support. This hybrid position requires regular in-office presence at First Book’s Washington, DC office on designated days. Relocation assistance is not provided.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license issued by a U.S. state or jurisdiction, in good standing.
At least ten years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including a senior-level finance or accounting position.
Expertise in U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting, including contributions, grants, restricted funds, and revenue recognition.
Experience owning the financial close, leading annual audits, and designing and maintaining internal controls.
Experience developing budgets, forecasts, and financial models, including during organizational growth.
Strong financial analysis skills, including variance, margin, working capital, and cash flow analysis.
Experience implementing or optimizing accounting systems and automating financial processes.
Experience supervising and developing accounting staff.
Ability to communicate financial results and recommendations clearly to non-financial stakeholders, executive leadership, and the Board.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and proficiency with Word and PowerPoint.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and maintain valid work authorization throughout employment; First Book does not sponsor employment-based visas.
Provide truthful, accurate, and complete information regarding work authorization status; report any change in status immediately.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Accounting (MAcc).
Prior Controller experience.
Nonprofit accounting experience.
Experience with inventory accounting or earned-revenue/e-commerce business lines.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, reconciliations, fixed assets, inventory, revenue recognition, and related activities.
Own monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including timelines, reviews, reconciliations, and controls.
Oversee preparation of monthly financial statements, management reports, financial analyses, and Board-level financial reporting.
Ensure reporting complies with U.S. GAAP and applicable nonprofit accounting and reporting requirements.
Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation for consistent and scalable operations.
Ensure appropriate accounting and reporting for programs, revenue streams, grants, contributions, inventory, and significant transactions.
Partner with Finance and program or business leaders to develop budgets, forecasts, financial models, and operating plans.
Manage and improve forecasting for cash flow, revenue, expenses, working capital, and other financial drivers.
Develop financial and operating metrics to help leadership understand performance, identify trends, and make decisions.
Analyze variances to budget and forecast and translate results into actionable management insights.
Evaluate cost structures, pricing, margins, resource allocation, and the financial implications of new programs, partnerships, and revenue opportunities.
Provide timely, accurate, and actionable financial information for strategic and operational decisions.
Design, implement, and strengthen internal controls and financial processes to protect assets and maintain reliable financial information.
Establish appropriate segregation of duties, approval processes, reconciliations, and financial controls.
Monitor compliance with financial, tax, regulatory, and contractual requirements; identify risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
Lead the annual financial statement audit and coordinate with external auditors.
Prepare audit schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to auditor requests; monitor findings and ensure agreed remediation is completed.
Partner with external accounting and tax advisors on annual tax filings and other required financial and regulatory reporting.
Oversee selection, implementation, integration, and maintenance of accounting and financial systems; ensure financial data accuracy, integrity, and appropriate access.
Identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and improve financial processes and develop systems that support organizational growth.
Oversee cash management, banking relationships, cash forecasting, and liquidity planning; maintain controls over cash receipts, disbursements, reconciliations, and accounts.
Monitor working capital and liquidity to support sustainable operations.
Lead, supervise, and develop the accounting team, setting expectations, priorities, performance standards, and development goals.
Manage accounting workflow and resource allocation to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables.
Foster accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and financial stewardship.
Communicate financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders and serve as a trusted financial resource across the organization.
Perform other duties as assigned.