Financial Controller

Financial Controller - Washington DC - 5 days in-office - $150-275K+bonus and more

Are you a transformational accounting leader looking to drive strategic change and innovation? We are seeking a highly experienced Controller who excels at strengthening teams, modernizing financial operations, and delivering results in dynamic environments. This position is ideal for a CPA with a combination of public accounting (Big 4 or similar) and media, marketing, subscription or other complex multi-entity industry experience, who is passionate about building a best-in-class accounting function.

About the Role

As Financial Controller, you will play a pivotal leadership role in maintaining financial integrity and transparency, while spearheading the evolution of accounting processes, systems, and team culture. Reporting to the CFO, you’ll combine strategic vision with hands-on execution—championing process improvements, implementing new technologies, and developing high-performing teams. This is a highly visible role with organization-wide impact and the opportunity to set the standard for excellence.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Transformation

• Lead global accounting operations: general ledger, close, consolidation, and statutory reporting.
• Assess, redesign, and implement improvements in accounting processes, structures, and operating models.
• Operate as a “player-coach,” providing both big-picture vision and tactical execution through critical transitions and systems upgrades.
• Inspire a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Financial Reporting, Controls & Governance

• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of all financial statements, internal/external reports, and worldwide consolidations.
• Maintain and enforce robust global accounting policies, standards, and revenue recognition practices.
• Design, enhance, and monitor internal controls and risk management frameworks.
• Present actionable financial insights and reporting to senior leadership.

Process, Systems & Automation

• Lead ERP and accounting technology evaluations, migrations, and adoption.
• Drive modernization and automation of processes and systems to improve scalability, transparency, and data integrity.
• Champion continuous optimization of workflows and technical solutions.

Business Partnership, Audit & Risk

• Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors and ensure streamlined, compliant audit processes.
• Collaborate closely with FP&A, operational leaders, and risk management teams for high-impact reporting and governance.
• Strengthen partnerships with internal audit and compliance stakeholders.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing, growth-minded accounting team.
• Create a team culture rooted in inclusivity, innovation, trust, and professional excellence.
• Set clear roles, expectations, and development plans to ensure both immediate and future team success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and active CPA license required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance leadership, including management of people managers.
• Extensive experience in public accounting (Big 4 or similar) and complex industry operations—ideally in media, Streaming, SaaS, or multi-entity firms.
• Demonstrated success leading ERP and accounting systems upgrades and migrations.
• Strong record in process improvement, automation, and reimagining accounting workflows.
• Exceptional integrity, judgment, and communication skills, translating complex financial topics for diverse audiences.
• Experience with global consolidations, audit coordination, and risk management in large or privately held organizations is preferred.

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree and active CPA license required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance leadership, including management of people managers.
• Extensive experience in public accounting (Big 4 or similar) and complex industry operations—ideally in media, Streaming, SaaS, or multi-entity firms.
• Demonstrated success leading ERP and accounting systems upgrades and migrations.
• Strong record in process improvement, automation, and reimagining accounting workflows.
• Exceptional integrity, judgment, and communication skills, translating complex financial topics for diverse audiences.
• Experience with global consolidations, audit coordination, and risk management in large or privately held organizations is highly preferred.

Take the Next Step

If you bring energy for transformation and development—balancing vision and execution—we invite you to apply and shape the future of a mission-driven organization. Your leadership will be key to strengthening the foundation for innovation and sustainable growth.

Pay range and compensation package

($150-275K, Bonus, Pension, Full Suite of Benefits)