Senior Director, Controller
HybridHerndon, Virginia, United States
Job Summary
Direct all accounting operations in accordance with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit standards, leading the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes targeting a 7-business-day cycle. Oversee the full accounting function, including billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, grants accounting, and revenue recognition, while maintaining primary responsibility for U.S. and Canadian tax compliance and Form 990 preparation. Lead a team of 8–12 professionals, develop accounting policies, and ensure robust internal controls with segregation of duties. Partner with FP&A, HR, and program leadership to strengthen financial stewardship and interpret operating results for executive leadership and the Board. Champion ERP optimization, automation initiatives, and data governance to drive efficiency and accuracy across the finance function.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field
- 10 years of progressive accounting, financial reporting, and financial management experience
- 5 years of experience leading accounting operations within a complex organization with annual revenues exceeding $50 million
- Demonstrated experience leading annual financial statement audits, Form 990 preparation and filing, and regulatory compliance activities
- 3 years of experience leading and developing accounting or finance teams of five or more employees
- Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required
- Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, financial reporting requirements, and applicable tax regulations
- Demonstrated expertise in accounting operations, financial reporting, audit management, internal controls, and regulatory compliance
- Strong experience with ERP systems, financial management platforms, and reporting technologies, including system optimization and process improvement initiatives
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for executive leadership, the Board of Directors, auditors, and other stakeholders
- Demonstrated commitment to financial stewardship, accuracy, integrity, transparency, and sound fiscal management
- Strong knowledge of internal control frameworks, risk management principles, and financial governance best practices
- Proven success leading process improvement, automation, and operational efficiency initiatives that enhance accuracy, scalability, and effectiveness
- Strategic leadership skills with the ability to establish vision, align resources, drive execution, and contribute to enterprise-wide decision-making
- Proven ability to develop, mentor, and retain high-performing accounting and finance professionals while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning
- Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to effectively partner with stakeholders across all levels of the organization
- Executive presence and professionalism, including the ability to present financial analyses, recommendations, and business insights to senior leaders, Board members, auditors, regulators, and external partners
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams through organizational change, navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and achieve results in a dynamic environment
- Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, including sound judgment, effective conflict resolution, trust-building, and a collaborative leadership style
- Must either reside within a reasonable distance to commute to our office or be willing to travel to our office in Herndon, when required
Desired Qualifications
- A combination of education and experience including military service will also be considered
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