Controller

Overview of CommonLit

CommonLit is a nonprofit education technology organization dedicated to ensuring that all students, especially students in Title I schools, graduate with the reading, writing, communication, and problem-solving skills they need to be successful in college and beyond. We envision a world where all students get the opportunity to have a world class education. We operate an online reading program for grades 3-12, www.CommonLit.org, that is used by teachers in over 90,000 American schools.

The Opportunity

CommonLit's finance team manages all financial and accounting operations across our ~$20M organization. As we scale a fast-growing SaaS operating model, the finance team plays a critical role in pursuing a double bottom line – building financial stability while expanding mission-driven impact. As Controller, you will lead the day-to-day accounting operations for CommonLit — running the month-end close, executing treasury operations, and supporting compliance — while managing two direct reports (the Finance & Accounting Coordinator and Accounts Receivable Coordinator). You will report to and work closely with the VP of Finance and Accounting, who owns cash strategy, banking relationships, audit and insurance oversight, and the organization's broader financial strategy.

This role is well suited to an experienced accounting professional who wants to apply strong technical skills and hands-on people management within a growing, mission-driven organization. You will own execution of the accounting function day-to-day, while partnering with the VP of Finance and Accounting on more strategic financial matters.

In the first 90 days in the role, you will be responsible for an accurate month-end close with an eye toward improving timeline and efficiency, and will begin building strong working relationships with your direct reports and cross-functional partners.

Apply by: Monday, September 14 at 5 pm ET

Roles & Responsibilities

General Ledger & Accounting Operations

• Own the month-end close process with a target of <10 business days, including balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis, and financial statement preparation
• Oversee net asset and fund accounting, and ensure accurate revenue recognition across complex revenue streams including SaaS subscriptions, professional services, grants, and print operations
• Maintain the chart of accounts and functional expense allocation
• Direct all general ledger management with accountability for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GAAP
• Maintain financial systems, including Sage Intacct and related integrations

Treasury

• Execute day-to-day treasury operations, including bank transfers and daily cash positioning
• Oversee payroll and benefits direct debit processes
• Maintain positive pay and fraud-prevention controls
• Partner with the VP of Finance on cash flow forecasting, banking relationships, investment decisions, and debt management

Tax Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Oversee comprehensive tax compliance including state registrations, sales & use taxes, and employment taxes, and coordination with payroll vendors across 30+ states, day-to-day work performed by the Finance & Accounting Coordinator
• Lead annual audit coordination including PBC management, auditor relations, testing support and preparation of Form 990 supporting documentation
• Monitor debt covenant compliance
• Support grants management and donor reporting compliance
• Oversee vendor management including 1099 processing and AP/AR system administration
• Maintain day-to-day operational internal controls, partnering with the VP of Finance on control design and policy appropriate for the organization's size and complexity

Team Leadership & Development

• Serve as primary reviewer of Finance team work, including journal entries, reconciliations, and AP/AR processes
• Provide regular coaching, feedback, and professional development support
• Foster a collaborative culture aligned with CommonLit's SLAY values

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Draft monthly financial reporting packages and ad hoc reports for the VP of Finance
• Support the annual budget process, including cost-center budgeting and variance analysis
• Support system implementations, such as a potential Salesforce-Intacct integration and sales tax automation, in partnership with the VP of Finance
• Handle procurement, including RFPs, purchase orders, and contracting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance; CPA desirable
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including a minimum of 3 years in a management or supervisory role
• Nonprofit accounting experience preferred (grant compliance, restricted funds, audit support)
• Experience with multiple revenue streams, such as SaaS, professional services, or manufacturing cost accounting; edtech, online publishing, or software industry experience a plus
• Experience with Sage Intacct or a comparable ERP system preferred
• Excellent time-management skills
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Physical & Additional Responsibilities

• This role involves prolonged periods in a stationary position at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be US-based
• Must be available to work from 9AM-5 PM Eastern Time

At CommonLit, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive company culture that values work-life balance and adapts to life's changes. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees' health, well-being, and financial security:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• HSA and FSA Plans, including Medical FSA, Limited FSA, and Dependent Care FSA options
• Company-sponsored basic life insurance, with additional options for supplemental life insurance
• Legal insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% safe harbor employer match
• Access to exclusive discounts, including pet insurance, hotel booking discounts, and more
• Remote work support, including a home office set-up stipend

Generous time off, including:

• 16 paid holidays annually
• Paid time off accruals and sick leave
• Paid family leave, including caregiver leave, medical leave, and 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• 2 floating holidays
• Volunteer and school visitation leave
• Jury duty leave
• Bereavement and compassionate leave
• Blood, bone marrow, and organ donation leave
• Flexible work options
• Low-stress weeks around Thanksgiving and in late December

As a remote-first organization, CommonLit has team members in nearly 30 states and Washington, D.C. We strive to create a collaborative and engaging workplace through various connection opportunities:

• Monthly remote activities, such as dumpling-making, yoga, and virtual escape rooms
• Monthly "CoffeeLit" sessions for connecting with colleagues
• Learning and development opportunities for teams and individuals

Candidates must have fluency in and excellent written and verbal command of the English language.