Interim Controller

Interim Controller

Location: Hybrid | Washington, DC or New York City
Duration: 6-12 Month Interim Engagement
Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience

About the Opportunity

A highly respected, mission-driven organization is seeking an accomplished Controller to provide strategic and operational leadership across accounting, financial reporting, compliance, audit, and treasury functions during a critical period of organizational transformation.

This executive will partner closely with the CFO and senior leadership team to ensure financial integrity, strengthen internal controls, optimize reporting processes, and lead a high-performing accounting organization. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can operate at both strategic and tactical levels, while guiding complex nonprofit accounting and compliance activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned accounting executive who thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys driving process improvements, strengthening finance operations, and mentoring strong teams.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Financial Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight for general ledger, financial reporting, compliance, treasury, and accounting operations.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership regarding financial risks, opportunities, and organizational performance.
• Lead and develop accounting teams while fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information across the organization.

Financial Reporting & Close Management

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Direct preparation and review of financial statements, executive reporting packages, and Board materials.
• Provide technical accounting guidance on complex transactions and reporting matters.

Compliance, Audit & Internal Controls

• Lead annual financial statement audits and related compliance reviews.
• Oversee Form 990 reporting and other regulatory filings.
• Maintain and enhance internal control frameworks and risk management practices.
• Ensure compliance with grant, donor, and federal funding requirements, including Uniform Guidance.

Treasury & Cash Management

• Oversee cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and investment reporting.
• Manage banking and financial institution relationships.
• Develop and maintain policies related to reserves, investments, and financial risk mitigation.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Drive finance transformation initiatives and process improvements.
• Lead optimization and adoption of ERP systems and reporting tools.
• Champion automation and scalable accounting processes.
• Establish best practices across accounting and finance functions.

Required Qualifications

• CPA certification required.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Minimum 5 years of public accounting experience.
• Significant leadership experience overseeing accounting teams and complex financial operations.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, nonprofit accounting, internal controls, and financial reporting.
• Experience with grants, donor-restricted funding, Uniform Guidance, and nonprofit compliance requirements.
• Proven success leading annual audits and regulatory reporting.
• Experience presenting to executive leadership, audit committees, finance committees, and Boards.
• Strong treasury, cash management, and financial stewardship experience.
• Experience with major ERP platforms, including NetSuite and/or Sage Intacct.
• Outstanding communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree.
• Experience supporting organizations with complex funding structures and multiple revenue streams.
• Track record of leading ERP implementations, finance transformation, or system optimization initiatives.
• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams and stakeholders.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are seeking a highly visible finance leader who combines:

• Big Four or public accounting foundation
• Large nonprofit leadership experience
• Strong technical accounting expertise
• Treasury and audit oversight experience
• Executive presence with Board-level communication skills
• Hands-on leadership style and willingness to roll up their sleeves