Strategic Controller, Nonprofit Accounting & Finance

First Book; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance coverage

Life insurance and AD&D coverage

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays annually

401(k) retirement plan with employer-m

Parking stipend

Job summary

First Book is seeking a Controller, Accounting & Financial Operations in Washington, DC to lead day-to-day accounting, GAAP compliance, and financial reporting for a nonprofit education-focused organization.

You will partner with Finance leadership to develop budgets, forecasts, and analyses, oversee audits, internal controls, and systems, and manage a growing accounting team in a hybrid office setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• Active CPA license in good standing is required.
• MBA or MAcc degree is preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including senior-level roles, is required.
• Experience with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting (grants, contributions, restricted funds).
• Demonstrated history of owning the financial close, audits, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations: GL, AP, AR, fixed assets, inventory, revenue recognition.
• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual close with GAAP-compliant reporting.
• Partner with Leadership to develop budgets, forecasts, and financial models.
• Develop metrics evaluating cost structures, pricing, margins, and program financials.
• Strengthen internal controls and segregation of duties; manage reconciliations.
• Oversee audits and coordinate with tax advisors for regulatory reporting.
• Lead the accounting team and drive automation for scalable processes.
• Manage cash, banking relationships, and liquidity planning.

Skills

GAAP & nonprofit accounting

Financial analysis

Budgeting & forecasting

Audits & internal controls

Staff supervision

Excel proficiency

Accounting systems automation

Communication with leadership

Inventory accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA license

MBA or MAcc preferred

Tools

Excel

Accounting software

Job description

First Book is seeking a Controller, Accounting & Financial Operations in Washington, DC to lead day-to-day accounting, GAAP compliance, and financial reporting for a nonprofit education-focused organization.

You will partner with Finance leadership to develop budgets, forecasts, and analyses, oversee audits, internal controls, and systems, and manage a growing accounting team in a hybrid office setting.