Controller, Accounting, & Financial Operations

CONTROLLER, ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL OPERATIONS First Book | Washington, DC (Hybrid) ABOUT THE ROLE The Controller, Accounting & Financial Operations is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, timeliness, and scalability of First Book's accounting and financial reporting functions. This role leads the day-to-day accounting operation and serves as a key financial partner to Finance and organizational leadership, ensuring that financial information supports sound operational and strategic decision-making. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller leads the accounting team and will move the function from reporting historical results to providing forward-looking financial insight and decision support. WHAT YOU'LL OWN • Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, inventory, and revenue recognition. • Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, delivering accurate and timely financial statements, management reporting, and Board-level reporting in compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable nonprofit requirements. • Partner with Finance leadership and business/program leaders to develop budgets, forecasts, financial models, and operating plans; lead variance analysis and translate results into actionable insights for management. • Develop meaningful financial and operating metrics and evaluate cost structures, pricing, margins, and the financial implications of new programs, partnerships, and revenue opportunities. • Design, implement, and continuously strengthen internal controls, including segregation of duties, approval processes, and reconciliations. • Monitor compliance with financial, tax, regulatory, and contractual requirements; identify financial and operational risks and recommend mitigation strategies. • Lead the annual financial statement audit and partner with external tax advisors on tax filings and required regulatory reporting. • Oversee accounting and financial systems, ensuring data integrity and driving automation and scalable processes. • Oversee cash management, banking relationships, cash forecasting, and liquidity planning. • Lead, supervise, and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and financial stewardship. • Serve as a trusted financial resource across the organization. • Other duties as assigned. EDUCATION • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. • Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in good standing required. • Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Accounting (MAcc) preferred. SKILLS & EXPERIENCE • Minimum of ten years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including a senior-level finance or accounting position, required; prior Controller and/or nonprofit accounting experience strongly preferred. • Demonstrated expertise in U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting, including contributions, grants, restricted funds, and revenue recognition. • Proven experience owning the financial close, leading annual audits, and designing and maintaining internal controls. • Experience developing budgets, forecasts, and financial models, including during a period of organizational growth. • Exceptional financial analysis skills, including variance, margin, working capital, and cash flow analysis. • Experience implementing or optimizing accounting systems and automating financial processes. • Demonstrated experience supervising and developing accounting staff. • Ability to communicate financial results and recommendations clearly to non-financial stakeholders, executive leadership, and the Board. • Experience with inventory accounting or earned-revenue/e-commerce business lines preferred. • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; proficiency with Word and PowerPoint. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Salary Range: $115,000 (non-negotiable). All full-time employees are eligible for the following: • Medical and dental insurance coverage • Life insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage • Paid vacation and sick leave • 12 paid holidays annually • 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions • Employer-provided parking stipend (Washington, DC) TO APPLY • Submit a resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in this position. • Only applications submitted through First Book's approved platform will be reviewed. • First Book does not accept unsolicited recruiter submissions and does not pay fees for resumes submitted outside of a formal written agreement. WORK PRESENCE & EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS • This is a hybrid position requiring regular in-office presence at First Book's Washington, DC office on designated days to support internal collaboration and partnership activities. • Relocation assistance is not provided.