Reporting to the CFO, the Controller will be responsible for oversight of all finance, accounting, and reporting activities. As the number two to the CFO, the Controller will be involved in supporting presentations to the board and will work closely with the senior leadership team. The Controller will lead all day-to-day finance operations for a $50 million budget and supervise a team of four.

The Controller will work closely with team leaders and their staffs, and continuously ensure that systems and procedures support effective program implementation and flawless audits.

About Cato

The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization—a think tank. Since its creation in 1977, Cato has advanced the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.

Cato owes its name to Cato’s Letters, a series of 18th-century English essays that present a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. The timeless principles of that revolution — individual liberty, limited government, and free markets – are even more powerful in today’s world of global markets and widespread access to information. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people, it is the indispensable framework for the future.

The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Cato’s financial operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and transparency.
• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard assets.
• Manage day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
• Prepare timely and accurate financial statements, reports, and budgets for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate annual audits and liaise with external auditors to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Monitor cash flow and financial performance to support strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with program managers to align financial goals with organizational objectives.
• Stay informed about nonprofit accounting standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support the executive team and board of directors.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations and manage the preparation of tax returns.
• Support the development of proposal budgets and grant reporting to outside donors.
• Manage corporate and charitable state and federal compliance reporting.
• Manage two or more direct reports.

• Bachelor or advanced degree in Accounting or Finance and CPA certification required.
• Proven experience in nonprofit financial management, with a strong understanding of fund accounting.
• Proficiency in accounting software and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Knowledge of nonprofit compliance and reporting requirements.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission and values.
• Experienced people manager; ability to work effectively with other administrative teams.