Nonprofit
Published 3/2/26 10:41AM

Controller

On-site, Work must be performed in or near Washington, DC
Apply



  • Details

    Job Type:
    Full Time
    Start Date:
    April 1, 2026
    Application Deadline:
    March 31, 2026
    Education:
    4-Year Degree Required
    Experience Level:
    Mid-level
    Salary:
    USD $90,000 - $100,000 / year

    Description

    Department: Finance and Administration

    Position Title: Controller

    Reports to: Director of Finance & Operations (DFO)

    Classification: Full-time, Exempt

    Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000

    Location: In-person, 3515 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

    The Washington Ballet (TWB) seeks a dynamic, strategic, and experienced Controller to serve as a trusted partner to the Director of Finance and Operations. This financial leader will be responsible for all accounting and reporting activities. As the financial partner to the DFO, the Controller will be involved in supporting presentations to the Board of Directors, finance, investment, and audit committees and providing financial data to senior team members/department heads.

    The Controller will lead all day-to-day accounting operations for a budget of $16 million and supervise one staff member with functional responsibility over accounts payable and accounts receivable. The Controller will work closely with the Senior Manager of Human Resources regarding payroll and with the Institutional Giving Manager on grant applications and reporting. The Controller will ensure that TWB has accounting systems and procedures in place to support effective program implementation and conduct flawless audits. The Controller will work closely with staff members across the organization to educate them regarding accounting procedures.

    Responsibilities

    Finance and Accounting Leadership

    • Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
    • Maintain internal control and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, and program budgets and actual expenditures.
    • Coordinate all audit activities.
    • Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
    • Assist TWB's leadership in the annual budgeting and planning process; regularly review and report on budget to actual results with a view to identify, explain, and allow departments to correct variances as appropriate.
    • Support the DFO in engaging with the board's audit and finance committees around issues and trends in financial operating models and delivery.
    • Oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period; collate financial reporting materials for government, corporate, and foundation grants.
    • Create organizational cash flow forecasting.

    Leadership

    • Leverage the strengths of the current finance team member, help to clarify roles and responsibilities, and develop and implement professional development and training programs to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals.
    • Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.
    • Actively participate in creating a work culture that embodies the core values of TWB; Creativity, Commitment, Communication, Collaboration, Compassion, and Community.

    Qualifications

    This is an excellent opportunity for a professional with at least five years of accounting and finance experience. The successful candidate will ideally have experience in a complex nonprofit that has multiple revenue streams.

    Other qualifications include:

    • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to the Washington Ballet's mission and to the power of dance.
    • A proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who will own, in partnership with the DFO, the responsibility for finance operations.
    • Minimum of a BA in accounting; CPA preferred.
    • Solid experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for investments.
    • A track record in grants management as it relates to compliance and reporting of government, corporate, and foundation grants is essential.
    • Technology savvy with advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software; experience with Sage Intacct preferred.
    • Commitment to mentoring, training, and retaining finance professionals.
    • Keen analytic, organization, and problem-solving skills which allow for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting.
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations for senior management, board or other outside partners.
    • Ability to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance manager.

    Equal Opportunity Statement

    The Washington Ballet is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment in all aspects of its work, from artistic performances and ballet education to community engagement and workplace culture. We prioritize presenting artists and perspectives that reflect the dynamism of DC. Through our community partnerships and campus locations, we intentionally bring opportunities to communities throughout the DMV, ensuring fairness in hiring and employment practices.

    Benefits

    • Employer-paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
    • Short Term Disability and Life Insurance fully paid by TWB
    • 403b Retirement Plan Option for Employee's Pre-tax & Roth Contributions
    • Two weeks annual leave +10 holidays + 2 personal days+ floating holiday
    • Six sick days annually
    • Free ballet classes
    • Access to free or discounted tickets to performances

    Application Instructions

    Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references. We encourage all interested applicants to apply even if they do not feel they meet 100% of the qualifications. We are dedicated to considering a wide array of candidates including those with non-traditional background and experience. Please use your cover letter to elaborate on what you hope to bring to this role and how your prior experience has prepared you for this opportunity.

    About The Washington Ballet

    Founded more than 80 years ago, The Washington Ballet grew out of the success of The Washington School of Ballet, founded and directed for years by legendary dance pioneer Mary Day. Today, The Washington Ballet's mission is threefold: To bring the joy and artistry of dance to the nation's capital and the world's stage through the professional presentation of the best in classic and contemporary ballet; To provide the highest caliber of dance training through a preeminent school of ballet; and To serve and involve the entire community through extensive dance education and community engagement programs.

    For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

    https://washingtonballet.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1716931-556243.html

    Location

    On-site
    Washington, DC, USA

    How to Apply

    For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

    https://washingtonballet.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1716931-556243.html

    Similar Jobs

    Illustration

    Take the Next Step in Your Career

    Match with social-impact hiring managers, explore the latest job opportunities, and get notified when new opportunities meet your search criteria.
    Already a user? Log in