Sr. Controller

Housing Up•Washington, DC

23h•$160,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr. Controller serves as the organization’s senior accounting and financial compliance leader and is responsible for ensuring the integrity of all financial operations, accounting functions, financial reporting, audit management, and regulatory compliance activities. Working closely with executive leadership and an external fractional CFO/finance consultant, the Controller leads the organization’s day-to-day finance operations while supporting strategic financial management, budgeting efforts, and long-term fiscal sustainability. This is a hands-on accounting leadership role that requires active involvement in daily accounting operations, financial review, compliance oversight, account reconciliations, audit preparation, and monthly close processes. The Controller oversees accounting operations within a complex nonprofit environment that includes government grants, property management accounting, multiple funding streams, affiliated entities, and annual Single Audit requirements. Additionally, the Controller supervises the finance team, which currently consists of a Staff Accountant and a Grants Manager responsible for government invoicing and reimbursement activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required.
Minimum 7–10 years of progressive accounting experience required.
Significant nonprofit accounting experience required.
Experience managing federal and state grants/contracts and reimbursement funding.
Experience leading annual audits and Single Audits.
Experience supervising accounting staff.
Experience with multi-entity accounting and consolidated financial reporting.
Experience using QuickBooks Desktop required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with property management accounting and/or affordable housing operations preferred.
MIP experience also preferred.
CPA preferred.
Experienced in nonprofit accounting and compliance.
Comfortable operating in a complex, mission-driven environment.
Capable of managing audits and government funding requirements.
Able to balance strong technical accounting skills while collaborating and communicating effectively across the organization.

Responsibilities

Lead all day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, cash management, fixed assets, and month-end/year-end close.
Maintain alignment of multi-entity accounting and consolidation.
Ensure timely and accurate monthly financial statements and supporting schedules.
Maintain accounting records in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
Review or create journal entries, reconciliations, and account analyses.
Oversee maintenance and optimization of accounting processes and internal controls.
Manage and maintain the organization’s QuickBooks Desktop accounting environment.
Prepare monthly financial reporting packages for executive leadership and the Board/Finance Committee.
Support organizational leadership with data for financial modeling and analysis.
Partner with the fractional CFO/finance consultant on strategic financial planning and budgeting activities.
Oversee financial compliance for approximately 10 active government grants and contracts.
Supervise grants accounting, reimbursement requests, and grant-related reporting processes.
Work closely with the Grants Manager to ensure timely and accurate government invoices and reimbursement submissions.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local grant regulations and funding requirements.
Maintain cost allocation methodologies and supporting documentation.
Assist with grant budgeting and financial reporting for funders and program leadership.
Lead the annual financial statement audit and federal Single Audit process.
Serve as primary liaison with external auditors and regulatory agencies.
Coordinate preparation of audit schedules, workpapers, and supporting documentation.
Support preparation of IRS Form 990 and other required filings.
Ensure compliance with nonprofit financial reporting requirements and regulatory standards.
Develop and maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures.
Oversee accounting related to property management operations and affiliated entities.
Support consolidated financial reporting and intercompany reconciliations.
Monitor restricted funds, reserves, and program-specific financial requirements.
Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of housing-related financial activity.
Support development and monitoring of annual organizational and program budgets.
Assist leadership with data for forecasting and cash flow planning.
Monitor financial performance against budget and provide variance analysis.
Collaborate with department leaders to support sound fiscal management practices.
Supervise and mentor accounting staff.
Establish priorities, workflows, and monthly close timelines.
Promote accountability, professional development, and continuous improvement within the finance team.
Foster a collaborative and service-oriented finance function.
Other duties as required.