Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Manager

Overview

About NED The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) seeks to advance democracy and freedom. NED seeks to empower its partners to inform, organize, and mobilize constituencies for political reforms as a means to build and sustain democracy.

Position Title:

Controller, Finance

Grade Level: Level 7

Reports to:

Chief Financial Officer

Location:

Washington, DC (Hybrid)

• Financial Reporting, Audit, and Tax — Ensure organization-wide compliance with GAAP, 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), federal, and other donor regulations, as well as NED’s internal policies.
• Oversee and review all financial accounting, project/program/grant accounting, and procurement-related transactions; ensure expenditures are properly aligned and compliant.
• Supervise controls for vendor, procurement, and employee disbursements.
• Work closely with the Director of Grant Accounting to ensure accurate and timely reporting for all government, corporate, and foundation grants.

• Procurement Oversight — Lead the procurement function, ensuring competitive, transparent, and compliant purchasing in support of NED’s mission and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain procurement policies and procedures, and monitor adherence.
• Analyze procurement spend and vendor performance to optimize value, efficiency, and risk management.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to executive leadership for strategic sourcing and cost savings.

• Analytics & Decision Support — Develop and deliver regular, data-driven financial and procurement reports to inform organizational strategy.
• Leverages modern analytical tools—including AI-driven forecasting and business intelligence platforms—to enhance decision-making and financial planning.
• Advise the CFO and other senior leaders with scenario modeling, forecasting, and ad hoc analysis.

• Strategic Initiatives & Special Projects — Lead and contribute to process improvement, automation, and system integration projects.
• Partner with IT and operations on ERP and procurement system enhancements.
• Proactively identifies and leads strategic initiatives in accounting, procurement, and financial systems modernization to support organizational growth.

• Team leadership, Training and Development — Mentor, supervise, and develop a diverse team; establish clear priorities to ensure efficiency, especially during peak periods.
• Build a high-performing, customer service-oriented team culture.
• Lead staff training on finance, accounting, and procurement policies and systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA required.
• 11+ years of progressive experience in GAAP accounting/auditing, including 3+ years supervising multiple staff.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in mission-driven nonprofit (>$25M revenue), with hands-on knowledge of federal grants, OMB cost principles, audit, and procurement compliance.
• Demonstrated analytical skills—experience with financial modeling, dashboard/report building, and advanced Excel.
• Hands-on experience with large financial systems; procurement system experience a plus.
• Deep knowledge of nonprofit accounting, procurement, and reporting practices.
• Proven ability to communicate complex financial and procurement data clearly to all levels, including board and senior leadership.
• Champions a culture of compliance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer. NED does not provide visa sponsorship and will not consider candidates who now or in the future require employment visa sponsorship.

• Purpose-Driven
• Reliable
• Expertise
• Respectful Collaboration
• Curiosity
• Results-Oriented
• An Optimistic Mindset

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $103,000 to $185,000 annually.

The salary for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to an individual’s professional experience, qualifications, education, and other business needs along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are based on the aforementioned circumstances.

NED also offers a generous benefits package that demonstrates its commitment to employee health and well-being.