Comptroller

The Center for Global Development (CGD) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organization in Washington, DC and London, UK that focuses on the issues and institutions that are critical to inclusive development. Through rigorous empirical research and active engagement with the global policy community, we focus on the policy intersections of low- and middle-income countries and the governments, institutions, and corporations that can be partners in delivering greater progress.

The Center is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Comptroller to join our leadership team. Reporting to the Vice President, the Comptroller will be responsible for managing the financial operations of CGD, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting and compliance

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Financial planning and budget

• Collaborate with the VP, senior leaders, and program staff to develop and manage the organization’s $20 million annual budget.
• Create and manage processes to develop financial forecasts, monitor budgets and program funds, and reconcile accounts.
• Oversee all accounting operations including monthly closings, reconciliations, and annual financial statements.
• Monitor staff funding coverage throughout the year; proactively identify and address funding gaps.
• Work with programs to prepare recommendations for monthly staff salary allocations.
• Produce financial reports, charts and visualizations for senior management and the biannual Board of Directors meetings.
• Develop proactive solutions and bring new ideas to improve organizational performance and governance.
• Implement internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate financial risks

Financial Operations & Compliance

• Manage and oversee the accounts receivable function.
• Manage accounts payable systems, including expense reimbursements processes using Bill.com, Expensify, and Sage Intacct.
• Oversee the full functionality of applications and systems related to all financial processes, including Sage Intacct, Bill.com, Expensify, American Express @ Work, 1099.com, and more.
• Develop and enforce internal financial and compliance systems aligned with IRS and other federal, state, and local requirements regulations.
• Lead financial audit preparation and field work; annual Form 990 preparation, and other financial regulatory and compliance requirements. Process year-end consultant 1099 forms and oversee the organizations local tax accounts related to real estate, licensing, registration and more.
• Oversee compliance with CGD’s internal financial policies, ensuring they are updated to capture new regulations and internal processes; conduct internal training to ensure staff are educated and prepared to comply with financial policies.
• Develop and support relationships with outside fiscal experts (CGD’s accounting firm, auditor, bank, and investment professionals).

Grants/Contracts Management

• Establish procedures to manage all financial requirements associated with contracts and grants.
• Develop and maintain financial dashboards and financial reports in Sage Intacct to aid Programs in the financial management of their funding portfolio and advise programs on grant budget execution and donor reporting.
• Ensure financial management information is presented in an accessible way and used as appropriate to monitor performance and to influence change alongside other data sources
• Ensure accurate and timely recording of new grant awards in the system.
• Work with programs and institutional advancement staff to prepare funder-required financial reports and invoices.
• Work with the institutional advancement team and programs to prepare financial proposals, financial grant reports that include information on actual expenditures.
• Work closely with Program Teams to ensure proper allocation and utilization of grant funds
• Ensure grant proposals meet appropriate financial standards and review budgets before they are submitted to funders.
• Lead grant audits.

Perform other duties/responsibilities, as assigned by supervisor(s).

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field required; CPA or advanced degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in nonprofit finance and accounting, especially with grant-funded organizations.
• Deep knowledge of nonprofit GAAP and best practices in financial management.
• Advanced Excel skills, with the ability to translate data into compelling visualizations and presentations.
• Highly detail-oriented, with strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with financial systems such as Sage Intacct (required), Bill.com, Expensify, and Salesforce.
• Excellent collaborator who can liaise effectively between program teams, auditors, senior executives, and vendors.
• Excellent multitasking, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diplomatically across multicultural teams.

Closing date: Sunday, July 6th at 11:59 PM ET

Salary range: $130,000 - $160,000. Pay commensurate with education, skillset, and experience.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and a resume.

CGD offers a work environment that is collegial, rewarding, and rich with opportunities for intellectual and professional growth. The compensation package includes generous paid time off, a robust medical, vision and dental benefits with a modest employee contribution, employer retirement contribution, commuter benefits, and much more. Read about CGD's benefits package here.

The organization is working hybrid with all staff required to be in the office at least three days per week. CGD is registered to employ staff living in DC, Maryland, or Virginia. Candidates must be able to live and work in one of these locations to be considered.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document upon hire. CGD is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.