Controller

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid/On‑site as applicable)
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are seeking an experienced Controller to lead our accounting function in a hybrid nonprofit and for-profit environment. This role requires a leader, who combines technical accounting expertise, strong judgment, and operational discipline to ensure the integrity of financials while supporting a complex and evolving business model. The Controller will ensure the prompt recording and accuracy of all financial transactions and manage Internal Financial Reporting, Tax, Audit, and Financial Systems. The Controller is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the Accounting department and will report directly to the CFO. This individual must be a senior leader, who is a change agent and driver of innovation willing to challenge the status quo from both an operational and team perspective. We are seeking a self-starter, who has had exposure to both for-profit (private or publicly traded entities) and non-profit financial management. This role is ideal for someone who operates with high ownership and autonomy, communicates clearly with leadership, and can build scalable processes in a dynamic environment. This executive will foster an entrepreneurial spirit, lead an established team and recruit top talent. The Controller will oversee a team of four (4).

Key Responsibilities

General Financial Accounting & Reporting:

• Provide leadership and vision for scaling the financial infrastructure and our accounting team.
• Execute and oversee the timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial close process and all associated activities, including financial & statutory reporting requirements to include variance explanations of Actual vs. Forecast and Budget, and completion of all account reconciliations. Manage all Accounting Transactions relating to general ledger, receivables, payables, payroll and financial reporting. Ensure timely and accurate financial information is available to decision-makers via financial and key metric reports. Recommend improvements to close processes as appropriate. Maintain and update monthly close calendar and workflow streams.
• Ensure financial statements are prepared in compliance with GAAP. Manage cash flow to meet financial obligations, coordinating with FP&A on cash flow forecasting. 
• Manage the day-to-day accounting operations for NFLPA, its subsidiaries (NFLPI and 1133 20th Street Building Corporation), and its affiliates (Professional Athletes Foundation, Former Player Benefit Trust, Former Player Labor-Management Cooperation Committee Trust, and OneTeam Partners (OTP)), including accounting for accounts payable, accruals, receivables, revenue, deferred revenue, cash, intracompany and Great Plains and MS Dynamics hierarchy maintenance. Analyze collectability of receivables and recommend appropriate reserves in accordance with policy.
• Interpret contracts as they relate to billing and revenue recognition and provide technical accounting expertise for current and future transactions. Examples include licensing agreements and potential investments in privately held companies.
• Manage revenue recognition in accordance with ASC 606.

• Work closely with FP&A and peers managing costs to ensure alignment with inventory, amortization, and revenue.

• Be the technical accounting decision-maker for the company. Ensure consistent implementation of corporate accounting principles and procedures in full compliance with US GAAP.
• Design and effectively communicate robust presentations to CFO and senior executives related to accounting and operational results and updates.
• Drive improvements in existing and new reporting systems to increase efficiencies, enhance processes, automate activities, and reduce reporting timelines.
• Support and actively participate in the continued development and enhancement of the accounting and finance sub-systems to meet the needs of the organization.

• Undertake other special projects as requested by the CFO.

Compliance and Internal Controls:

• Coordinate with external CPA firm on preparation and timely reporting of tax filings, mid-year and year-end financial audits, licensing deals, annual reporting, including Forms 990, LM-2, 720 and 5500, and periodic internal operational/financial audits. Ensure audit schedules and documentation are provided accurately and on time.
• Lead the annual audit process and coordinate with external auditors. Address audit findings and implement improvements in alignment with internal control standards.

• Support the CFO and Finance Team leaders for all internal control related initiatives to ensure auditors can rely on controls-based audit engagements.
• Craft and maintain effective accounting policies that are consistent with the current body of accounting literature/pronouncements. Write technical memos documenting policy and/or guidance changes, as needed. Assist in quantifying impacts of change in corporate accounting policies, regulatory changes and in developing business specific policies.
• Monitor and review all accounting processes to ensure controls are in place to prevent, detect, and correct errors. Update and maintain quality process documentation for the department, as needed.

• Identify key risk areas impacting controls and recommend mitigating actions/processes.
• Assist with risk management insurance requirements.

• Promote a team environment and provide work direction and guidance including coaching, mentoring, professional development, and training. Foster an environment that promotes a high performing team atmosphere with motivation to learn and grow. Foster a culture of ownership, rigor, and continuous improvement.
• Clearly communicate roles and responsibilities while encouraging cross function training and knowledge transfer.

• Develop and maintain a succession plan that aligns with department strategy.
• Provide safe environment for new ideas and resolutions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S in Accounting and CPA required. Master’s degree a plus.
• 15+ years financial accounting skills and controls experience out of Public Accounting and Media, Entertainment, or SaaS companies. Minimum 5+ years in a senior accounting role. 
• Preferred candidates will have begun their careers in public accounting and subsequently served in progressively responsible accounting leadership roles within a publicly traded company or private equity-backed portfolio company, demonstrating both strong technical accounting expertise and operational controllership experience. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a leader who can both set strategy and actively contribute to execution.
• Proven knowledge of U.S. GAAP, Technical Accounting, Financial Reporting, Financial Reporting Systems and Revenue Recognition is required, including preparation of GAAP financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow). Experience with treasury and cash management.
• Advanced knowledge of ASC 606 Revenue and ASC 920.
• Experience with consolidations and integrations of acquired businesses.
• Experience with international transactions and foreign exchange.
• Strong knowledge of Great Plains, MS Dynamics, NetSuite or comparable ERP. 
• Prior experience with ERP selection and implementation preferred.
• A sound understanding of database systems and computer literacy in relevant accounting systems.
• Mission-driven and committed to leading and driving change within an organization.
• Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and customer service skills with pride in accuracy and great attention to detail. 
• Superior communication skills with a penchant for proactive communication. Translate technical accounting into business implications. Deliver concise, decision-ready insights. Agile decision-maker.
• Strong time management skills are a must. 
• Non-profit experience a plus.

WHAT SETS YOU APART:

• You bring solutions, not just problems
• You are comfortable interpreting contracts and making judgment calls
• You communicate in clear headlines, not long narratives
• You operate with high ownership and autonomy
• You build systems and processes that reduce dependency on individuals

About the NFL Players Association

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the NFL and headquartered in Washington, D.C. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of protecting the health, safety and financial future of its more than 2,000 player members, who are the backbone of North America's most popular and highest revenue-generating sport. Through a wide offering of programs, resources and engagement opportunities, the NFLPA provides world-class service to players throughout their career lifecycle and builds solidarity to advocate on their behalf in the areas of healthcare, revenue, compensation and working conditions. The current CBA will govern the sport through the 2030 season. Learn more at nflpa.com.