Remote Nonprofit Controller — GAAP & Grants Expert

Internews Network; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Internews seeks a Controller to lead accounting operations, ensure GAAP compliance, and oversee financial reporting for a nonprofit. The role reports to the CFO and supervises the Finance Officer, covering the general ledger, close processes, audits, and internal controls.

Remote in the United States with Washington, DC work location, the Controller will support grant accounting, budgeting, and strategic financial planning to ensure accurate, timely records.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Controller or Senior Accountant experience in nonprofit or NGO sector, ideally within organizations exceeding $25M in annual budget.
• Deep understanding of nonprofit accounting, funder compliance, and grant management with varied and complex funders.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field required; Masters Degree in Accounting Business Administration, or Finance preferred.
• CPA strongly desired.
• Experience preparing audited financial statements.
• Experience managing month-end and year-end close processes.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting principles.
• Knowledge of internal control frameworks and audit practices.
• Understanding of budget development and financial analysis.
• Advanced proficiency with QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger and reconciliations.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of Internews financial records.
• Maintain the chart of accounts and accounting structure.
• Establish and monitor accounting procedures that support organizational objectives and regulatory compliance.
• Review accounting transactions to ensure proper classification and documentation.
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Develop financial reports for executive leadership, management, and external stakeholders.
• Analyze financial results and explain significant variances.
• Assist the CFO in preparing reports for the Board of Directors and executive leadership.
• Develop, implement, and maintain effective internal accounting controls.
• Monitor compliance with accounting standards, policies, and financial procedures.
• Recommend improvements to strengthen financial controls and reduce organizational risk.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements.
• Maintain accounting policies and procedures documentation.
• Coordinate annual financial statement audits and other external audits.
• Prepare audit schedules and support documentation.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations.
• Support grant, program, and compliance audits.
• Assist the CFO with development of the annual operating budget.
• Monitor departmental budgets and provide variance analysis.
• Support financial forecasting and organizational planning.
• Provide financial information to department managers to support decision-making.
• Review cash management activities and banking transactions.
• Monitor cash flow reporting prepared by the Finance Officer.
• Review investment and debt accounting as assigned.
• Ensure appropriate accounting for restricted and designated funds.
• Administer accounting software and financial reporting systems.
• Recommend improvements to accounting technology and reporting capabilities.
• Maintain accounting system controls and user access.
• Support implementation of new financial systems and reporting tools.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate accounting staff.
• Establish work priorities and ensure timely completion of accounting activities.
• Promote continuous improvement within the accounting function.
• Develop staff knowledge of accounting standards, policies, and procedures.
• Work closely with the Finance Officer to ensure efficient processing of financial transactions.
• Collaborate with the Senior Project Finance Manager to ensure accurate accounting for grants, and restricted funding.
• Provide accounting guidance to department managers and program leaders.
• Support organizational initiatives requiring financial expertise.

Skills

Analytical skills

Financial reporting

GAAP knowledge

Budget analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or related field

Masters Degree in Accounting Business Administration, or Finance preferred

CPA strongly desired

Tools

QuickBooks

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Internews seeks a Controller to lead accounting operations, ensure GAAP compliance, and oversee financial reporting for a nonprofit. The role reports to the CFO and supervises the Finance Officer, covering the general ledger, close processes, audits, and internal controls.

Remote in the United States with Washington, DC work location, the Controller will support grant accounting, budgeting, and strategic financial planning to ensure accurate, timely records.