Overview
The Controller oversees all accounting operations and ensures the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of the organization’s financial reporting. This role has primary responsibility for endowment accounting, federal grant compliance, and nonprofit fund accounting in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), donor restrictions, and regulatory requirements.
The Controller works closely with the Vice President of Finance, Finance Operations Director, Financial Reporting Manager and Director of Financial Planning and Analysis.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting & Financial Reporting
- Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, revenue reconciliation and month-end/year-end close
- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
- Ensure proper classification and reporting of net assets with and without donor restrictions, including releases of restriction
- Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports for senior leadership and the Board, including variance analysis
Endowment & Investment Accounting
- Oversee accounting and reporting for endowment funds, including permanently restricted, temporarily restricted, and board-designated endowments
- Record and review investment activity, income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and spending policy allocations
- Ensure compliance with donor restrictions, UPMIFA requirements, and Board-approved endowment spending policies
- Reconcile endowment balances with investment managers and custodians and review performance reports
- Prepare endowment-related disclosures, schedules, and footnotes for audited financial statements
Federal Grants & Restricted Funding
- Oversee accounting and financial compliance for federal grants, including adherence to Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
- Ensure proper cost allocation, allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of grant expenditures
- Support preparation and review of federal financial reports (e.g., SF-425) and sponsor-specific reporting
- Coordinate and lead/participate in Single Audit preparation, including schedules of expenditures of federal awards (SEFA)
- Monitor subrecipient activity, including subaward setup, monitoring, and financial reporting compliance
Internal Controls & Compliance
- Design, implement, and/or automate to maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting, cash, grants, and endowment activity
- Ensure compliance with donor agreements, grant terms, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements
- Maintain and document accounting policies and procedures, including grant and endowment policies
- Lead fraud prevention, risk mitigation, and compliance monitoring efforts
Audit & Regulatory Oversight
- Partner with Financial Reporting Manager as a liaison with external auditors for annual financial statement audits and Single Audits
- Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation related to grants and endowments
- Manage responses to any potential audit findings and oversee implementation of corrective action plans
Leadership & Systems Oversight
- Lead, supervise, and develop the accounting team
- Establish clear expectations, workflows, and internal controls, review processes
- Oversee accounting systems and ensure accurate grant, fund, and endowment reporting
- Lead and/or collaborate on system implementations, upgrades, and process improvements
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including nonprofit fund accounting
- Demonstrated experience with endowment accounting and federal grants
- Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and Uniform Guidance
- Experience leading audits, including Single Audits
- Proven people management experience
Preferred
- Experience in a federally funded nonprofit, foundation, or public health organization
- Familiarity with UPMIFA and endowment spending policies
- Experience with nonprofit ERP systems (e.g., Salesforce, NetSuite, Workday)
Core Competencies
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong analytical and compliance-oriented mindset
- Ability to manage complex funding streams and competing deadlines
- Clear communication with auditors, funders, and senior leadership
- Commitment to mission-driven financial stewardship
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disabilities, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law. We comply with all applicable laws including E.O. 11246 and the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 governing employment practices and do not discriminate on the basis of any unlawful criteria in accordance with 41 C.F.R. §§ 60-300.5(a)(12) and 60-741.5(a)(7). As a federal government contractor, we take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans.
The CDC Foundation is a smoke-free environment.
Relocation expenses are not included.
About the CDC Foundation
The CDC Foundation is an independent nonprofit authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners to support the public health system, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in preventing and responding to threats to health. In this role, we are focused on one priority: building catalytic, flexible and impactful partnerships—with corporations, philanthropies, individuals and organizations—to help improve the health and lives of people in all communities, everywhere. Visit www.cdcfoundation.org for more information
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