Controller

Global Communities champions innovative solutions to complex challenges at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, and financial inclusion. We ensure our approaches are as dynamic and diverse as the communities we serve. We bring together local ingenuity and global insights to save lives and secure strong futures.

The Controller is the organization’s senior accounting leader responsible for financial integrity, timely close and reporting, audit readiness, and strong internal controls across Global Communities and its related entities. The role leads HQ accounting operations (GL, AP, AR, payroll accounting coordination, treasury/cash activities, and financial reporting), and ensures compliance with applicable accounting standards and donor requirements, including federal cost principles while continuously strengthening processes, systems, and controls. 

Global Communities operates a consolidated structure with multiple related entities, including international subsidiaries and for‑profit/earned-income entities; the Controller plays a key role in subsidiary oversight, consolidation support, and the consistent application of accounting policies across the enterprise.

This position can be based in one of our US Headquarters offices in Bethesda MD, or San Diego, CA, or remotely within the United States, or a country in which we are registered in.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Accounting Operations, Close, and Financial Reporting

• Direct the monthly and annual close, including review/approval of journal entries, reconciliations, and subledger integrity, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee maintenance of the organization’s system of accounts, accounting records, and key finance master data (e.g., chart of accounts structure, reporting dimensions). 
• Produce and/or oversee preparation of internal and external financial reports, including board-ready reporting packages as assigned. 
• Ensure consistent application of accounting policies and procedures across HQ and field/related entities and keep policies updated as needed. 

Audit Leadership and External Reporting (Financial, Compliance, and Regulatory)

• Lead interactions with external auditors, including client-prepared schedules, financial statement support, and drafting/coordination of responses to findings or recommendations. 
• Coordinate and support HQ-related internal and external audits; partner with field finance teams and other departments to resolve audit issues and implement corrective actions. 
• Support consolidated audit readiness by coordinating subsidiary reporting, eliminations support, and documentation standards across related entities. 

Indirect Cost, Cost Allocation, and Donor/Federal Compliance

• Oversee indirect cost monitoring and support development/maintenance of cost allocation practices to ensure compliance with applicable requirements. 
• Lead or coordinate the annual indirect rate submission process (e.g., NICRA) and respond to reviewer questions as required. 
• Provide technical guidance on the financial impact of federal rules and donor regulations (including Uniform Guidance/cost principles) and support adoption of best practices.

Treasury, Cash Management, and Banking Oversight

• Partner with finance leadership to manage corporate-wide financial position and financial risk, including liquidity monitoring and key cash decisions. 
• Serve as a key finance contact for banking relationships, payment workflows, and cash controls; ensure appropriate oversight of disbursements and related approvals. 
• Execute or approve select treasury actions consistent with Global Communities’ authorization framework (e.g., certain drawdowns and approvals within delegated limits). 

Internal Controls, Risk Management, and Business Process Improvement

• Maintain and strengthen the organization’s system of internal controls; partner cross-functionally (HR, IT, Procurement, Grants/Contracts, Compliance) to ensure controls are operating effectively. 
• Research best practices related to organizational risk (including financial, compliance, and operational risks) and implement control/process improvements. 
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that increase accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency (process redesign, standardization, automation, and documentation). 

Systems & Data: Financial Platforms, Reporting, and Governance

• Act as a key partner in maintaining a functional enterprise resource management environment and improving the quality and usability of financial reporting outputs. 
• Participate in system reviews, upgrades, and implementations; collaborate with IT and finance systems stakeholders to improve data integrity, reporting, and controls. 

Leadership, People Management, and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead, coach, and develop accounting staff; set priorities, manage workloads, and ensure high-quality deliverables under shifting deadlines. 
• Ensure staff adherence to Standards of Conduct, policies, procedures, and schedules; contribute to performance management and talent decisions in alignment with HR processes. 
• Collaborate with key departments (Contracts/Grants, Procurement, Compliance, HR, IT, Operations, Finance) to resolve issues and support enterprise decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: 

• Master’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline, and a minimum of 12-15 years of related professional experience. 
• Current CPA certification is required.
• Senior-level experience leading accounting operations (close, reporting, audit coordination, internal controls), preferably within an international NGO / multi-entity environment is required.
• Past experience in the profit sector is required.
• Proven track record of constructively challenging and enhancing internal processes, with demonstrated results.
• Advanced knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and financial reporting; ability to interpret and apply compliance requirements in practice. 
• Knowledge of donor and U.S. Government requirements (including Uniform Guidance/2 CFR 200); ability to support compliant cost allocation and reporting. 
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders (auditors, HQ/field teams, leadership)
• Deep understanding of fund accounting principles, multi-currency operations, and financial management for diversified revenue streams, including grants, contracts, and sub-awards.
• Demonstrated success in strategic financial planning and risk management, including cost control, resource optimization, and scenario-based forecasting.
• Demonstrated success in strengthening financial systems, processes, and internal controls, with a focus on efficiency, transparency, and scalability.
• Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and financial software systems (e.g., NetSuite, Oracle, QuickBooks Online, Solomon), as well as Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for advanced analytics and reporting.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into actionable insights for executive decision-making.