Nonprofit Controller

Calibre CPA Group•Bethesda, MD

23h

About The Position

The Senior Nonprofit Controller is a senior accounting leader responsible for overseeing the organization’s accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting, treasury management, and regulatory compliance. The role ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information while strengthening accounting processes, improving operational efficiency, and supporting strategic decision-making. The Controller leads the full accounting cycle, including general ledger management, month-end and year-end close, financial statement preparation, audit coordination, tax compliance, revenue recognition, and fund accounting. Working with executive leadership, department heads, external auditors, and other stakeholders, the Controller translates complex financial information into actionable insights that support organizational goals. The role also leads and develops accounting personnel, oversees financial systems and process improvements, and supports the organization’s long-term financial health.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including substantial experience in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role.
Demonstrated experience overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, audits, and regulatory compliance.
Experience working within a nonprofit organization or providing accounting and financial management services to nonprofit clients required.
Experience managing accounting teams and collaborating with executive leadership, department heads, external auditors, and other financial stakeholders.
Proficiency with accounting and financial management systems or comparable ERP platforms.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and reconciliation tools.
Strong understanding of GAAP, internal controls, audit requirements, and financial reporting best practices.
Ability to analyze complex financial data, identify discrepancies, and develop practical recommendations to improve performance and efficiency.
Strong leadership and team development skills, including motivating staff and establishing accountability and continuous improvement.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to explain complex financial concepts to nonfinancial stakeholders and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and perform effectively in a dynamic environment.
High ethical standards, sound judgment, and commitment to financial accuracy, transparency, and responsible stewardship.
Proactive approach to process improvement, technology adoption, and operational efficiency.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of nonprofit GAAP, fund accounting, restricted revenue, endowment accounting, and IRS Form 990 reporting.
Experience implementing or optimizing accounting systems, budgeting platforms, accounts payable automation, and financial close management solutions.
Experience managing accounting operations for a nonprofit with a complex funding structure, multiple revenue streams, or significant annual operating budget.
Experience overseeing endowment accounting, restricted funds, consolidated financial statements, or affiliated entities.
Demonstrated success implementing financial systems and automating accounting processes.
Experience managing relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, financial institutions, and outsourced accounting providers.
Experience serving as a financial advisor to executive leadership or nonprofit boards.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, treasury, payroll accounting, and financial reconciliations.
Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes and prepare and review financial statements in accordance with GAAP and applicable nonprofit accounting standards.
Oversee revenue recognition, restricted-fund accounting, endowment accounting, and other specialized accounting activities as applicable.
Maintain accurate accounting records, documentation, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
Evaluate financial results, identify trends and variances, and communicate findings and recommendations to leadership.
Oversee consolidated financial reporting and accounting activities involving affiliated entities, subsidiaries, or shared-service operations, as applicable.
Partner with executive leadership and department heads to develop annual budgets, forecasts, and financial projections.
Monitor actual financial performance against budgets, investigate variances, and recommend corrective actions when appropriate.
Oversee cash-flow forecasting, treasury operations, banking relationships, and liquidity management.
Provide financial analysis and reporting to support resource allocation, operational planning, and strategic initiatives.
Monitor investment and endowment activity and ensure transactions are appropriately recorded.
Support leadership in evaluating financial risks, opportunities, and long-term sustainability.
Develop, implement, and maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures to safeguard organizational assets.
Lead the annual external audit, coordinate schedules, prepare supporting documentation, and respond to auditor requests.
Oversee preparation and filing of IRS Form 990 and other required federal, state, and local tax and regulatory filings.
Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, grant and donor restrictions, and nonprofit reporting requirements.
Identify control gaps and opportunities to strengthen procedures, reduce risk, and improve financial reporting reliability.
Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and other professional service providers on technical accounting and compliance matters.
Research and implement new accounting standards, ensuring appropriate application and timely adoption.
Evaluate accounting systems, financial reporting tools, and workflows for opportunities to improve and automate processes.
Lead or support implementation, configuration, and optimization of accounting, budgeting, accounts payable, expense management, and financial close systems.
Improve close procedures, reconciliations, reporting structures, and documentation standards.
Develop standardized accounting policies, procedures, and workflows to promote consistency, accountability, and scalability.
Partner with technology and operational teams to improve financial data integration and accuracy across systems.
Support financial systems modernization, including ERP transitions, data migration, implementation planning, and user training.
Lead, mentor, and develop accounting personnel, setting clear expectations and promoting accountability, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
Oversee outsourced accounting resources and external service providers, as applicable.
Collaborate with department leaders to improve financial processes, budget management, and operational decision-making.
Partner with fundraising and development teams on gift and pledge documentation, revenue tracking, restricted-fund reporting, and financial stewardship.
Work with retail, program, and operational teams to strengthen revenue reconciliation, inventory accounting, accounts payable procedures, and reporting accuracy, as applicable.
Communicate financial information clearly to stakeholders with varying levels of financial expertise.
Support executive leadership with special projects, financial analyses, and strategic initiatives as needed.