What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Controller / Director position at Cherry Bekaert?
Assistant Controller / Director of Accounting
Location: College Park, MD / Washington, DC (Hybrid)
Salary Range (FTE): $125,000–$135,000
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Assistant Controller / Director-level accounting professional to oversee the day-to-day operations of the accounting function under the direction of the Controller. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with GAAP, and timely execution of close, audit, and regulatory requirements.
This role partners closely with senior leadership and plays a key role in strengthening internal controls, improving processes, and supporting a collaborative accounting team. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator who is comfortable leading, mentoring, and stepping in operationally when needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Review and approve recurring accounting transactions, journal entries, and account reconciliations
- Identify errors or inconsistencies in financial records and recommend corrective actions
- Lead monthly close activities and ensure adherence to timelines and reconciliation schedules
- Prepare audit workpapers and support annual financial and employee benefit plan audits
- Coordinate preparation and completion of Forms 990 and 990‑T, including UBIT calculations
- Supervise payroll and general accounting functions; collaborate to ensure timely and accurate processing
- Document accounting procedures and identify opportunities for efficiency and process improvement
- Maintain and strengthen internal controls across areas of responsibility
- Partner on ERP and planning/budgeting system maintenance, including hierarchies and report development
- Participate in and support the annual budgeting process
- Cross-train team members and provide coverage for staff as needed
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities
- Experience overseeing or managing an organizational budget of $40M or greater
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and hands-on general accounting operations
- Advanced Excel skills required (must be able to discuss formulas, functions, and data analysis)
- Multiple years of experience with ERP/accounting systems such as Sage Intacct, NetSuite, Great Plains, Oracle, SAP, or similar
- Experience supervising accounting staff
- Participation in annual audits and preparation of related schedules
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative leadership style
- Willingness to perform hands-on work and step in for team members when needed
- Ability to be onsite for in-person meetings 2–3 times per month
Preferred Qualifications
- CPA or CPA-track (required for consideration at the top of the salary range)
- Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations
- Prior experience with Oracle Fusion
- Experience with retirement plan audits and benefit plan reporting
IND4
Salary : $125,000 - $135,000