VP, Finance & Accounting/Controller

Vice President, Accounting & Finance / Controller

Washington, DC | Hybrid/Flexible

Reports to: President & CEO

Lead Financial Strategy. Strengthen Organizational Excellence. Advance Community Impact.

United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) is dedicated to improving the health, education, and economic opportunity of every person in our community. As one of the region's leading nonprofit organizations, we partner with corporations, government agencies, foundations, and community organizations to create lasting change.

We are seeking an accomplished Vice President of Accounting & Finance / Controller to serve as a strategic member of our executive leadership team. This role provides executive oversight of the organization's accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, treasury, compliance, and internal control functions while ensuring the financial health and long-term sustainability of the organization.

About the Role

This is much more than a traditional Controller position. As a trusted advisor to the President & CEO and Board of Directors, you will play a key role in shaping organizational strategy through sound financial leadership, operational excellence, and data-driven decision making.

You will oversee the organization's financial operations while ensuring compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, government regulations, grant requirements, and donor restrictions. You'll also partner closely with senior leadership to develop financial strategies that support organizational growth, operational effectiveness, and mission impact.

What You'll Lead

In this executive leadership role, you will

• Direct all accounting and finance operations, including general ledger, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, cash management, accounts payable, payroll support, and financial analysis.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process by partnering with department leaders to develop strategic, data-driven budgets aligned with organizational priorities.
• Oversee enterprise risk management by maintaining strong financial controls, safeguarding organizational assets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting clean annual audits.
• Prepare and present financial reports, forecasts, and strategic analyses to executive leadership, the Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Board of Directors to support informed decision-making.
• Serve as the organization's primary liaison for the annual external audit and IRS Form 990 preparation while ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Partner with program, fundraising, HR, and IT leadership to strengthen financial processes, support grant administration, and improve cross-functional collaboration.
• Oversee financial compliance for grants, contracts, donor-restricted funds, and nonprofit reporting requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will bring

• Active CPA license
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (Master's degree or MBA preferred)
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience
• Significant nonprofit accounting experience
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, nonprofit financial reporting, grants management, and internal controls
• Experience managing audits, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and Board reporting
• Proven ability to build strong relationships across departments while leading high-performing teams
• Excellent communication, analytical, and strategic leadership skills

Why Join United Way NCA?

When you join United Way NCA, you'll become part of a mission-driven organization that's making a measurable difference throughout the National Capital Region.

We offer

• Competitive executive compensation
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Hybrid/Flexible work environment
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative and inclusive culture
• Opportunity to help shape the financial future of an organization making lasting community impact

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're an experienced nonprofit finance leader looking to combine strategic leadership with meaningful work, we encourage you to apply.

Visit our Careers Page to review the complete job description and submit your application today.