Director, U.S Controller

Remote - Anywhere in the U.S (travel: 1 to 2 times per year)

#LI-remote

The Director, U.S. Controller is a key financial leader responsible for overseeing all domestic accounting operations for Waterford.org. Reporting to the Corporate Controller, this role directs the accounting team, ensures the integrity of financial reporting, and drives the tactical execution of Waterford’s financial operations. The position partners across the organization to support strategic initiatives, maintain strong internal controls, and ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and grant requirements.

This role is ideal for a mission driven leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about supporting Waterford’s work to expand educational access and equity for children and families.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Operational Ownership

• Directs the daily operations of the U.S. accounting function, ensuring accurate and timely month end and year end close processes, including A/P, A/R, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
• Drives results with minimal supervision, ensuring the accounting team meets deadlines, maintains high standards, and delivers reliable financial information.
• Creates tactical plans that translate organizational priorities into clear accounting processes, timelines, and deliverables.
• Provides leadership, coaching, and development to accounting staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Oversees the preparation of audit schedules, financial statements, and footnotes for the annual financial statement audit; serves as a primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Maintains strong internal controls and safeguards for revenue, expenditures, and program budgets
• Ensures proper documentation and consistent application of accounting policies, procedures, and controls.
• Applies sound professional judgment to evaluate accounting practices and ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and organizational policies.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Works across the organization on projects that require accounting expertise, including grant proposals, program reporting, and cross departmental initiatives.
• Partners with Finance, Operations, Development, and Program teams to support accurate reporting, budgeting, and compliance with grant and contract requirements.
• Provides financial data, insights, and recommendations to the Corporate Controller, CFO, and CEO to support decision making.

Systems, Processes, & Continuous Improvement

• Oversees the maintenance and enhancement of accounting systems, including NetSuite.
• Collaborates in the design, planning, and deployment of system improvements and new financial applications.
• Evaluates business processes and recommends improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

Strategic Input & Budget Support

• Provides input into strategic decisions that impact the accounting function and broader finance organization.
• Contributes to the development of the annual budget by providing accurate financial data, insights, and recommendations.
• Supports the Corporate Controller and CFO with special projects, financial analysis, and reporting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Accounting; Master’s degree, CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including nonprofit or governmental accounting preferred.
• Proven leadership experience directing, mentoring, and motivating accounting teams.
• Strong digital literacy, including advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with NetSuite preferred; experience with Stampli, RAMP, and Salesforce a plus; system implementation experience a plus.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across the organization.

About Waterford.org

Waterford.org provides PreK through 2nd grade reading, math, and science programs that children can use wherever they learn. Our programs help children reach critical milestones by 3rd grade, laying the foundation for their future success. Waterford.org serves over 200,000 children across 42 states every year.

Working at Waterford.org

Waterford.org team members are located across the United States and primarily work from home. We anticipate this full time, base salary position will pay $130,000 - $165,000 per year depending on the education, experience and skill level of the individual we hire. We also offer a phenomenal benefits package that includes health insurance, dental insurance, basic life insurance, and disability insurance. New hires receive a one-time HSA contribution. Retirement contributions are matched up to 5% by the organization. Plus, a generous vacation, sick, and holiday offering.

Waterford.org Employee Growth & Applications

At Waterford.org, we truly believe in the boundless potential of our team members and their continuous growth and development. We are dedicated to encouraging a culture that nurtures talent from within, which is why we prioritize internal applicants for all job postings. External candidates may experience a delay in being contacted by our Talent Acquisition team.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Waterford is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Waterford is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.