Controller

Posted December 18, 2024

The Controller is a key leadership position within the finance department of Washington National Cathedral. This role oversees the organization’s financial reporting, accounting, and internal controls to ensure accurate and timely financial information. The Controller will work closely with the CFAO and senior leadership to support strategic decision-making, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and uphold the organization’s mission by maintaining financial stability and transparency. The Controller will also manage a team, develop policies, and improve processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across financial operations.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Oversee and prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and assist with budget variance analysis.

Accounting & Internal Controls

  • Supervise all accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and restricted funds.
  • Implement and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accurate financial records.
  • Develop, enforce, and update accounting policies and procedures in line with GAAP and nonprofit standards.
  • Coordinate and oversee the annual financial audit process and manage relationships with external auditors.
  • Prepare and coordinate financial statements both internal and external and oversee regulatory reporting and compliance.

Cash Management

  • Develop and monitor cash management strategy — optimizing investment vehicles to maximize asset yield.
  • Develop and maintain cash flow report, projecting cash needs, and recommending movement between cash vehicles as necessary.

Fiscal Operations

  • Support and lead where appropriate general business activities of the Organization. Examples include corporate card program, expense reimbursements of staff, proper record maintenance, and vendor management.
  • Understand the rhythm of the business flow and ensure that daily postings are processed timely.

Systems Implementation & Support

  • Understand the various software systems that interact with the general ledger, knowing which systems act as a subledger, and maintaining documentation accordingly.
  • Lead new system implementations as appropriate, striving to connect disparate systems and decrease reliance on shadow systems.

Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial and tax reporting requirements for nonprofits.
  • Collaborate with legal, program, and operational teams to identify and mitigate financial risks.
  • Keep up to date with regulatory changes affecting nonprofit financial management.

Leadership & Team Development

  • Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
    • Team Development: Mentor and develop team members by offering regular feedback, performance assessments, and identifying growth opportunities to enhance individual and team performance. Conduct regular performance evaluations and, when necessary, address any performance-related issues through coaching, constructive feedback, and disciplinary actions if required.
    • Goal Setting and Monitoring: Establish clear objectives and performance goals for the team. Monitor progress, celebrate achievements, and address any gaps to ensure that team members meet or exceed expectations.
    • Resource Allocation and Management: Manage team resources effectively, including scheduling and assigning tasks to ensure optimal operations. Identify opportunities for process automation, financial system enhancements, and staff training to increase productivity and accuracy.
    • Communication: Facilitate open communication within the team and with other departments. Lead regular team meetings to update members on organizational changes, visitor feedback, and other relevant information.
minimum qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA certification required.
  • Knowledge of and familiarity with the complexities of non-profit specific operations and accounting, in particular accounting for and managing donor restricted funding, ideally as pertains to both operational projects and capital expenditures.
  • Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in accounting or financial management, with at least 5 years in a nonprofit organization.
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit financial regulations, and internal control frameworks.
  • Proven leadership abilities and experience managing and developing teams.
  • Proficiency with accounting software and MS Office, particularly Excel. Experience with Raiser’s Edge and Great Plains preferred.
preferred qualifications
  • Experience in a large, national nonprofit organization.
  • Familiarity with grant management and restricted fund accounting.
  • Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MAcc)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of nonprofit accounting, generally accepted accounting principles, methods and applications.
  • Strong planning skills to project the needs of the organization, synthesis departmental requests, and manage the various responsibilities of the accounting function.
  • Ability to communicate accounting information, policies, and/or procedures in a manner easily understood by managers. Excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to implement policies and procedures to maintain compliance with various regulations.
  •  Collaborative working style; ability to establish strong working relationships with peers as well as management.
  • High level of skill in relevant software systems; ability to quantify and illustrate complex financial reports, comparisons and projections.
  • Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Management: strong management skills to mentor and develop current staff as well as balance the overall expectations of the function.
  • Ethics & Integrity: High ethical standards and integrity, demonstrating accountability and transparency in all financial matters.
  • Adaptability: Ability to adapt in a dynamic environment and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Mission Alignment: Commitment to supporting the mission and values of a nonprofit organization.
WORKING CONDITIONS
  • This position requires work outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends.
  • This position is eligible for hybrid/remote scheduling as dictated by the department’s needs.
  • The position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending and stooping in the performance of daily activities.
  • The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard.
  • The position also requires near and far vision for reading and preparing written reports and other required documents.
  • Acute hearing is also required when providing phone assistance.
  • The need to lift, drag, push and pull files, reports and other materials weighing up to 25 pounds is also required.

Washington National Cathedral is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create a more diverse and inclusive atmosphere for all. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

We support an inclusive workplace where associates excel based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.

Washington National Cathedral seeks individuals who are committed to our mission. We appreciate interest from those who will contribute to an atmosphere in which diversity is valued and supported.

Expected salary range $165,000 – $175,000 commensurate to experience.

Apply Now

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].