Controller

Climate Imperative Foundation•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Controller leads the organization’s day-to-day accounting and finance operations, ensuring strong internal controls, accurate reporting, and compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and grantor requirements. The Controller oversees accounting, financial reporting, audit execution, and grants financial management, while translating strategic financial priorities into disciplined operational execution. This role manages and develops the Finance team and serves as a key partner to the CFO in supporting sound financial decision-making and organizational accountability.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related experience; CPA required
8–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at nonprofit or grant-making organizations
Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, and restricted fund accounting
Experience managing audits and complex financial reporting
Demonstrated ability to work with and present to finance committees
Demonstrated experience managing and developing teams, including setting expectations, providing feedback, and supporting professional growth
Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to balance accuracy and efficiency
Strong communication skills and ability to partner effectively across teams
High organizational and quantitative skills
Demonstrated ability to prioritize and be flexible in a fast-paced, constantly evolving, and collaborative environment
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel, with experience using Salesforce strongly preferred
Technical proficiency in NetSuite
Previous experience with 501c3 tax filings including public charities and private foundations

Responsibilities

Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and month-end and year-end close
Ensure timely, accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
Maintain and continuously improve internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures
Manage cash flow, banking activity, and balance sheet reconciliations in partnership with the CFO
Responsible for preparing quarterly financial dockets, including financial and narrative reports
Oversee financial tracking and reporting for existing and prospective grants and restricted funds, ensuring accuracy and compliance with donor requirements
Partner with program, grants, and development teams to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting related to grantmaking
Support funder financial reports, grant audits, and compliance reviews
Ensure appropriate allocation of expenses across programs and funding sources
Lead the annual audit process and serve as primary liaison to external auditors, in coordination with the CFO
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including preparation of IRS filings (e.g., Form 990)
Identify financial and compliance risks and work with the CFO to implement mitigation strategies
Support annual budgeting and periodic reforecasting in partnership with senior leadership
Provide variance analysis and financial insights to inform decision-making
Support financial planning and modeling initiatives led by the CFO
Translate strategic financial priorities into operational execution
Provide detailed analysis to inform leadership decision-making
Directly manage, coach, and develop the Finance team
Set clear expectations, priorities, and performance standards for the accounting team
Ensure appropriate delegation while maintaining accountability for accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
Build a collaborative, service-oriented finance function that supports the broader organization