Controller

Socket.dev; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

German Marshall Fund seeks an experienced Controller to oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. The role ensures GAAP-compliant processes across AR, AP, GL, payroll, and grants management in a nonprofit setting.

You will lead a team, implement strong internal controls, manage NetSuite, and coordinate year-end close and audits while supporting CFO with budgeting and board reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required.
• CPA or advanced degree preferred.
• Eight years of progressive accounting experience in a professional office environment.
• Three years of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Non-profit accounting and grant allocation experience.
• Proficiency with MS Office and accounting software.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations (A/R, A/P, GL and Payroll).
• Directly supervise accounting staff and provide leadership.
• Maintain internal controls and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and accurate reporting.
• Oversee NetSuite usage and staff training.
• Coordinate monthly and year-end closing activities.
• Manage grant funds and donor reporting.
• Prepare internal financial statements and board reports.
• Coordinate with auditors for grants and annual audits.
• Assist CFO with budget, forecasting and board reporting.

Skills

Accounting expertise

GAAP knowledge

Non-profit accounting

Grant management

Supervisory experience

NetSuite

Microsoft Office

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

CPA or advanced degree preferred

Tools

NetSuite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

This position requires the incumbent to be in the office and observe a hybrid work schedule.

The German Marshall Fund is a thought leader on issues critical to transatlantic interests in the 21st century, including the future of democracy, security and geopolitics, alliances and the rise of China, and technology and innovation. By drawing on and fostering a community of people with diverse life experiences and political perspectives, GMF pursues its mission by driving the policy debate through cutting-edge analysis and convening, fortifying civil society, and cultivating the next generation of leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.

At GMF, we acknowledge that diversity, equity, and inclusion touches on all aspects of our workplace. As such, employees at all levels of the organization are accountable for incorporating inclusive practices, equitable principles, and championing diversity in their work.

Job Summary:

The Controller oversees GMF’s accounting operations, including financial reporting, accounting records, financial systems and infrastructure, and internal controls. This role helps mitigate risk, ensure accurate financial reporting, and maintain compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Requirements

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the accounting staff, including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, General Ledger and Payroll.
• Directly supervise, mentor, coach and provide leadership to accounting team.
• Implement, document and maintain adequate and effective internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with required regulations, financial standards and donor requirements.
• Fully understand financial processes and implement changes, as needed, to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure understanding of the capabilities and functionalities of NetSuite, GMF’s accounting software and that all accounting and other staff are trained on the use of the software.
• Coordinate, organize, and oversee all monthly and fiscal year end closing activities.
• Monitor and manage external grants, cooperative agreements and other funding mechanisms to ensure GMF is in compliance with the terms and conditions of grants, agreements and federal government uniform guidance as required.
• Prepare internal monthly financial statements, variance analysis, adhoc financial reports, and reports needed for board meetings
• Coordinate, plan, and work with auditors in conducting grant audits and annual audits of the company.
• Prepare IRS Form 990, in conjunction with external tax firm.
• Manage cash balances, cash flows and assist with cash flow forecasting.
• Maintain current accounting policies and procedures manual.
• Supervise investment accounting and be point of contact with the back office of the external investment advisor.
• Monitor grant revenue recognition including proper deferred revenue and receivable balances.
• Manage payroll function, assuring accurate, timely payments, compliance with all regulations, and appropriate accounting.
• Monitor monthly financial reporting from GMF’s European offices.
• Provide direction and assistance to other workstreams and offices regarding accounting policies and procedures.
• Research and resolve accounting issues and serve as liaison to workstream teams.
• Review financial reports to donors and reconcile to the general ledger prior to submission.
• Actively support the CFO and Financial Planning & Analysis team with annual operating budget process, forecasting process and reporting to the board of trustees.
• Assist the CFO with projects as necessary.

Knowledge and Skills Needed:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
• CPA or advanced degree preferred
• Eight years of progressive accounting experience in a professional office environment
• Three years of supervisory experience
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
• Non-profit accounting and grant allocation experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and other financial transaction processing and reporting software
• The ability to exercise good judgment, excellent analytical skills, accuracy, and close attention to detail.
• Motivation to understand processes, recommend and implement improvements, take initiative when appropriate, and follow through to complete projects on time.
• Proficiency with accounting software; NetSuite preferred.

Salary: $140K-$160K / year