Controller

Phillips Programs; Annandale (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Growth opportunities

Loan forgiveness eligibility

Job summary

PHILLIPS Programs in Annandale, VA is seeking a Controller to lead accounting operations, close processes, and financial reporting in a nonprofit setting. The role requires ensuring GAAP compliance, managing internal controls, and coordinating annual budgets with leadership.

The ideal candidate will have seven+ years of accounting experience, strong supervisory skills, and a CPA or related certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field required; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience including financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, audits, and month-end/year-end close processes.
• Supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and mentor staff.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial statement preparation, accounting systems, and advanced spreadsheet skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential financial and personnel information.
• CPA or other certification preferred.
• Experience in nonprofit organization including fund accounting, grant compliance, donor restrictions, Form 990 reporting, and Board/Finance Committee reporting preferred.
• Experience with payroll administration, investment oversight, and multi-entity accounting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations and oversee month-end and year-end close activities.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements, reconciliations, schedules, and management reports per GAAP and nonprofit reporting requirements.
• Maintain and improve internal accounting controls, financial systems, and reporting processes.
• Coordinate preparation of annual operating and capital budgets with the Director of Finance and department leaders.
• Monitor budget performance, identify variances, and provide financial analysis for decision-making.
• Maintain accounting records and financial reporting for affiliated entities and special projects.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and cash management activities.
• Oversee investments and approved transactions in line with policy.
• Coordinate and support annual audits and liaise with external auditors.
• Support Form 990 and other tax filings with government entities.
• Oversee payroll administration and related controls with HR.
• Ensure compliance with policies, contractual obligations, grant requirements, donor restrictions and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accounting policies and procedure documentation.
• Prepare quarterly reports and financial analyses for Finance Committee and Board.
• Maintain fixed asset records and depreciation schedules.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Business Office staff.
• Support cross-training and development within the Business Office.
• Partner with leaders to strengthen financial understanding and budget ownership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Internal controls

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

CPA or other certification preferred

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Central Staff - Annandale, VA 22003
• Position Type: Full Time
• Salary Range: $120,000.00 - $135,000.00
• Title: Controller
• Position Type: Full-Time | Exempt
• Location: Annandale, VA

What we do and offer our team:

PHILLIPS Programs is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children, families, and communities through special education, supportive services, and innovative programming. We believe in creating opportunities for individuals to realize their full potential through compassionate, mission-driven work.

We offer competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, opportunities for professional growth and development, and a collaborative work environment that values integrity, stewardship, innovation, and service. In addition, eligible staff may qualify for the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

What the Controller does:

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations and oversee accurate and timely month-end and year-end close activities.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements, reconciliations, schedules, and management reports in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit reporting requirements.
• Maintain and continuously improve internal accounting controls, financial systems, and reporting processes.
• Coordinate preparation of annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the Director of Finance and department leaders.
• Monitor budget performance, identify variances, and provide financial analysis to support organizational decision-making.
• Maintain complete accounting records and financial reporting for affiliated entities and special projects.
• Manage organizational cash flow, liquidity, banking relationships, and cash management activities.
• Monitor investments and execute approved transactions in accordance with organizational policies.
• Coordinate and support annual financial statement audits and serve as a primary liaison with external auditors.
• Support the preparation and filing of required federal, state, and local tax and information returns, including Form 990.
• Oversee payroll administration, payroll review processes, reconciliations, and related controls in partnership with Human Resources.
• Monitor compliance with organizational policies, accounting standards, contractual obligations, grant requirements, donor restrictions, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accounting policies, procedures, process documentation, and financial records.
• Prepare quarterly reports, financial analyses, and supporting documentation for the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
• Maintain fixed asset records and depreciation schedules.
• Supervise, mentor, develop, and evaluate Business Office staff.
• Support cross-training, professional development, and accountability within the Business Office.
• Partner with organizational leaders to strengthen financial understanding, budget ownership, and operational decision-making.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, audits, and month-end/year-end close processes.
• Supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and mentor staff.
• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial statement preparation, accounting systems, and advanced spreadsheet skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential financial and personnel information.
• CPA or other relevant professional certification preferred.
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization, including fund accounting, grant compliance, donor restrictions, Form 990 reporting, and Board/Finance Committee reporting preferred.
• Experience with payroll administration, investment oversight, and multi-entity accounting preferred.