Title: Controller
Position Type: Full-Time | Exempt
Location: Annandale, VA
What we do and offer our team:
PHILLIPS Programs is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children, families, and communities through special education, supportive services, and innovative programming. We believe in creating opportunities for individuals to realize their full potential through compassionate, mission-driven work.
We offer competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, opportunities for professional growth and development, and a collaborative work environment that values integrity, stewardship, innovation, and service. In addition, eligible staff may qualify for the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
What the Controller does:
Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Controller is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and timely reporting of PHILLIPS Programs' financial information. The Controller oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting support, cash management, payroll oversight, audit coordination, and regulatory compliance. This role serves as a key financial leader and business partner to organizational leadership.
- Lead day-to-day accounting operations and oversee accurate and timely month-end and year-end close activities.
- Prepare and review monthly financial statements, reconciliations, schedules, and management reports in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit reporting requirements.
- Maintain and continuously improve internal accounting controls, financial systems, and reporting processes.
- Coordinate preparation of annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the Director of Finance and department leaders.
- Monitor budget performance, identify variances, and provide financial analysis to support organizational decision-making.
- Maintain complete accounting records and financial reporting for affiliated entities and special projects.
- Manage organizational cash flow, liquidity, banking relationships, and cash management activities.
- Monitor investments and execute approved transactions in accordance with organizational policies.
- Coordinate and support annual financial statement audits and serve as a primary liaison with external auditors.
- Support the preparation and filing of required federal, state, and local tax and information returns, including Form 990.
- Oversee payroll administration, payroll review processes, reconciliations, and related controls in partnership with Human Resources.
- Monitor compliance with organizational policies, accounting standards, contractual obligations, grant requirements, donor restrictions, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain accounting policies, procedures, process documentation, and financial records.
- Prepare quarterly reports, financial analyses, and supporting documentation for the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
- Maintain fixed asset records and depreciation schedules.
- Supervise, mentor, develop, and evaluate Business Office staff.
- Support cross-training, professional development, and accountability within the Business Office.
- Partner with organizational leaders to strengthen financial understanding, budget ownership, and operational decision-making.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What the Controller brings to the team:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
- Minimum seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, audits, and month-end/year-end close processes.
- Supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and mentor staff.
- Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial statement preparation, accounting systems, and advanced spreadsheet skills.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential financial and personnel information.
- CPA or other relevant professional certification preferred.
- Experience working in a nonprofit organization, including fund accounting, grant compliance, donor restrictions, Form 990 reporting, and Board/Finance Committee reporting preferred.
- Experience with payroll administration, investment oversight, and multi-entity accounting preferred.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
- Minimum seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, audits, and month-end/year-end close processes.
- Supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and mentor staff.
- Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, financial statement preparation, accounting systems, and advanced spreadsheet skills.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential financial and personnel information.
- CPA or other relevant professional certification.
- Experience working in a nonprofit organization, including fund accounting, grant compliance, donor restrictions, Form 990 reporting, and Board/Finance Committee reporting.
- Experience with payroll administration, investment oversight, and multi-entity accounting.
What We Do
PHILLIPS Programs is a nonprofit provider of specialized education and family support in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, serving youth with behavioral-health wellness needs. Its schools and programs combine individualized academic instruction, behavioral and therapeutic services, career and technical education, and family support to help young people build skills and achieve greater success at home, in school, work, and their communities.
