Controller

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) is a nonpartisan research and policy institute that advances federal and state policies to help build a nation where everyone — regardless of income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ZIP code, immigration status, or disability status — has the resources they need to thrive and share in the nation’s prosperity.

CBPP combines rigorous research and analysis, strategic communications, and effective advocacy to shape debates, affect policy, and inform effective implementation both nationally and in states. It works closely with a broad set of national, state, and community organizations to design and advance policies that promote economic justice; improve health; broaden opportunity in areas like housing, health care, employment, and education; and lower structural barriers for people of color and others in communities that continue to face systemic barriers to opportunity. CBPP promotes policies that will build a more equitable nation and fair tax policies that can support these gains over the long term. CBPP also shows the harmful impacts of policies and proposals that would deepen poverty, widen disparities, and worsen health outcomes.

With a budget exceeding $50 million and more than 150 staff members, CBPP seeks a Controller to lead all accounting operations for the organization. This position manages and develops a team of three and oversees all accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, audits, and financial regulatory compliance.

The Controller will work closely with program leaders and their teams to (1) educate them on finance and accounting procedures; and (2) explore how the Finance team can best support program operations. The Controller will collaborate with all staff responsible for budget and grant administration to ensure that they are keeping accurate reports on the organization’s sustainability.

As a senior member of the Finance team, the Controller will support the Chief Financial Officer in overall management of finance operations for CBPP. This work will include proactively and creatively developing reports, improving systems, and delivering presentations to executive leadership and CBPP’s Board of Directors to aid in decision-making across the organization.

The Controller plays a pivotal role in sustaining growth and success while continually assessing internal systems and needed resources with an eye toward future needs and budget realities.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements. Maintain internal controls and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, and expenditures.
• Develop, track, analyze, and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner to support senior leaders’ decision-making.
• Support and thought partner with the Chief Financial Officer in preparation for engaging the Board of Director’s finance and audit committee.
• Manage and oversee all audit activity and financial regulatory compliance at CBPP.
• Lead the process for continuous improvement of accounting practices and procedures to increase efficiency within the Finance team and across the organization, including spearheading the implementation and operation of accounting software packages and tools.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Financial Planning and Analysis on CBPP’s grants administration and annual budgeting and planning processes. Monitor budget plans and actual results to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.
• Lead a team of three full-time accounting staff members, leveraging their strengths to align with their roles and responsibilities while supporting training to develop their skills and maximize their potential.
• Provide leadership in strengthening internal finance communications with staff across the organization and promote a positive, supportive work environment.
• Maintain and improve professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required with a minimum of ten years of related experience, preferably in a non-profit organization with a budget of at least $30 million. A graduate degree in a relevant field may substitute for two years’ work experience.
• Public accounting experience required; CPA preferred.
• Significant experience in and advanced knowledge of nonprofit accounting, including sophisticated fund and foundation grant accounting, compliance, and reporting.
• Deep knowledge of automated financial systems and system integration with non-financial applications. (CBPP uses Intacct.)
• Extensive experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll transactions and processes for a complex nonprofit organization with multiple funding sources to ensure flawless audits.
• Thorough knowledge of GAAP including the accounting cycle, monthly and year-end closing, financial reporting, and analysis.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, including medium to advanced Excel skills (proficient in complex spreadsheet design) and experience using SharePoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with an ability to interpret and explain complex financial concepts and information to non-experts at all levels. Keen analytic, organizational, and problem-solving skills and the ability to provide strategic data interpretation rather than simple reporting.
• Outstanding management and supervisory skills, with demonstrated experience leading others and a collaborative, supportive management style.
• Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team and the ability to delegate and monitor accordingly.
• Commitment to CBPP’s mission to improve the well-being of low- and moderate-income people and advance racial equity.

CBPP is currently operating on a hybrid work schedule of two in-office days (Tuesday and Wednesday) per week as well as the first Thursday of each month in our Washington, D.C. office.

This position reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

Terms of Employment: Full-time; exempt.

Bargaining Unit Status: This is not a bargaining unit position.

Compensation: Salary for the role starts at $140,000 annually and goes up to $170,000, with the exact salary to be determined based on total relevant experience; excellent benefits (including health insurance, vision and dental coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement, MERP, and DCAP), and generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedules.

Please upload a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please include a discussion of what draws you to CBPP’s mission.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter here.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and welcomes diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, credit information, pregnancy or parental status, family responsibilities, personal appearance, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry or national origin, union activities, disability, or other status protected by applicable law.