Controller

We are looking for an experienced Controller to provide part-time finance leadership for a nonprofit organization in Washington, District of Columbia. This Long-term Contract position is expected to run for 6 months at approximately 30 hours per week and will support essential accounting operations during a high-demand period. The organization manages significant charitable assets and a large volume of grant activity, so this role is suited to someone who can step in quickly, maintain strong financial oversight, and contribute hands-on support in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Manage core accounting activities across the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and daily cash operations to keep finance functions running smoothly.
• Oversee financial tracking for restricted and unrestricted funds, contributions, grants, and other complex nonprofit transactions with a high degree of accuracy.
• Direct grant-related accounting activities and help ensure reporting is complete, timely, and aligned with funding requirements.
• Prepare internal financial reports and analyze budget-to-actual results, clearly identifying key drivers behind variances.
• Lead critical close processes, including reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and the preparation of financial statements.
• Support audit readiness by maintaining organized documentation and reinforcing sound accounting controls and reporting practices.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen financial workflows and improve the effectiveness of accounting systems, including work within platforms such as Blackbaud where applicable.
• Provide steady operational support during a period of staffing change, helping the finance team maintain continuity through a busy season.
• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit accounting, ideally within organizations handling significant grant volume and fund-based reporting.
• Strong working knowledge of general ledger management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management.
• Proven ability to account for restricted and unrestricted funds, gifts, grants, and other complex financial activity.
• Experience producing financial reports, explaining budget-to-actual variances, and supporting informed decision-making.
• Hands-on background with month-end and year-end close activities, including reconciliations, accruals, journal entries, and financial statement preparation.
• Familiarity with financial systems and process enhancement efforts; experience with Blackbaud or similar accounting platforms is valuable.
• Ability to work onsite in Washington, District of Columbia three days per week and provide approximately 30 hours of support per week.