About the JobABOUT THE ROLEThe 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: $125,000 (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.
