Controller, Accounting & Financial Operations

About the role

First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that distributes books and educational resources to under-resourced communities, is looking for a Controller, Accounting & Financial Operations to lead its accounting function in Washington, DC (hybrid). Reporting to the CFO, the Controller leads the accounting team and moves the function from reporting historical results to providing forward-looking financial insight and decision support.

Key responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, inventory and revenue recognition.
• Own the monthly, quarterly and annual close, delivering accurate financial statements, management reports and Board-level reporting in compliance with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit requirements.
• Partner with Finance and business leaders on budgets, forecasts, financial models and operating plans, and lead variance analysis.
• Develop financial and operating metrics, evaluate cost structures, pricing and margins, and assess the financial impact of new programs and partnerships.
• Strengthen internal controls, including segregation of duties, approvals and reconciliations.
• Monitor compliance with financial, tax, regulatory and contractual requirements and recommend risk mitigations.
• Lead the annual audit, work with external tax advisors on tax filings and regulatory reporting, and oversee accounting systems, data integrity and automation.
• Oversee cash management, banking relationships, cash forecasting and liquidity planning.
• Lead, supervise and develop the accounting team.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field; CPA license in good standing required; MBA or MAcc preferred.
• At least ten years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including a senior-level position; prior Controller or nonprofit accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Expertise in U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting, including contributions, grants, restricted funds and revenue recognition.
• Experience owning the close, leading annual audits and designing internal controls.
• Experience supervising accounting staff and communicating financial results to non-financial stakeholders, executives and the Board.

Required skills

• Financial analysis: variance, margin, working capital and cash flow analysis.
• Experience implementing or optimizing accounting systems and automating financial processes.
• Advanced Excel; Word and PowerPoint.
• Inventory accounting or e-commerce revenue experience preferred.

What we offer

• Salary of $125,000 (non-negotiable).
• Medical and dental insurance, life insurance and AD&D coverage.
• Paid vacation, sick leave and 12 paid holidays.
• 401(k) with employer matching.
• Parking stipend in Washington, DC.

Applications are made through First Book's approved online platform with a resume and cover letter; relocation assistance is not provided and candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.