JOB HIGHLIGHTThe Controller leads the organization’s accounting operations and ensures the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of financial reporting. This role manages the accounting team, maintains strong internal controls, oversees audits and regulatory filings, and partners closely with the CFO and cross-functional leaders to support effective financial operations.JOB SUMMARYThe Controller is responsible for day-to-day accounting operations and for building and managing a high-performing accounting team serving both the US and UK entities. This includes ownership of the monthly close process, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, GAAP application, financial reporting, reconciliations, transactional workflows, and internal controls. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller ensures the accuracy of the general ledger and financial statements, oversees restricted fund accounting, supports accounting systems and integrations, and helps identify risks and improvement opportunities across financial operations in the US and the UK. The role also leads the annual audit process and ensures timely completion of all external compliance and regulatory filings.YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FORLeading accounting operations, reporting systems, and transaction processing in compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirementsEnsuring accurate and timely month close that provides the FP&A team with data for variance analysis and reportingCoordinating and completing annual external audits and required filings, including Form 990Overseeing treasury operations and related internal controlsDesigning, implementing, and maintaining internal controls that safeguard organizational assetsDeveloping and maintaining policies and training related to procurement, payments, employee expenses, and supporting processesEnsuring proper stewardship and compliance related to donor-restricted fundsIdentifying and assessing accounting, compliance, and operational risksManaging, coaching, and developing the accounting teamEnsuring timely submission of federal, state, and local regulatory filings and registrationsSupporting the implementation and optimization of accounting and financial reporting systems (e.g., NetSuite and related tools)Collaborating with leaders across the organization to support cross-functional initiatives and operational needYOU MUST HAVEBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including audit exposureActive CPA licenseStrong experience managing clean financial statement audits and internal controlsExperience partnering with senior leaders on financial reporting and operational mattersDemonstrated ability to manage and develop a high-performing accounting teamExperience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite) and CRM platforms such as SalesforceIT’S AN ADDED PLUS IF YOU HAVEExperience in nonprofit accounting and compliance, including restricted fundsExperience supporting systems implementations or process improvementsComfort operating in fast-paced or evolving environmentsYOU’LL BE SUCCESSFUL IF...You're passionate about accuracy and continuous improvementYou communicate with easeYou get things doneYou're organized and diligentTEAM OVERVIEWThe Finance team, which includes Accounting and Strategic Finance, works diligently to support our entire organization. This includes keeping our financial books and reporting accurate, staying compliant with laws and regulations, safeguarding our financial assets, ensuring that donated Water funds are being allocated as intended, managing and investing operating funds in line with our strategic goals, and ensuring we maintain strong financial health in all that we do. The team also helps guarantee our donor promise and core pillar that 100% of our public donations are utilized for water projects.HIRING TIMELINEThis role was posted on January 31, 2026 and will close on February 28, 2026. We will review applications after the deadline date.SALARY RANGEThis is an exempt role with a range of $140,000 - $145,000 a year.BENEFITS & PERKSUnlimited PTOSummer Fridays6-week paid sabbatical leave after 5 years of employmentAnnual bonus potential through The Pool401k plan + employer matchMedical covered at 85% + Dental/Vision contributionsFSA + dependent day care FSAEmployer-paid life insurance, STD, LTD16-week paid maternity and paternity leave for new parentsStipends for Home office, Professional Development, and a You-do-You PerkTSA Pre-check reimbursement2-4 annual travel requirements that foster team alignment, connection and in-person collaborationORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEWAt charity: water, we believe that water changes everything. We work with local implementing partners to fund sustainable solutions that provide clean and safe drinking water to people around the world. Since 2006, with a diverse team of world-changers and an unstoppable community of supporters, we’ve brought clean water to more than 20 million people worldwide. With the makings of a mid-size tech startup, we’re reinventing charity through endless innovation, contagious passion, beautifully crafted stories, and a powerful brand that inspires a new kind of generosity.At charity: water, we value every background, identity, and experience. We believe that a diverse team, informed by different cultures and perspectives, makes us stronger. We are committed to doing the work and challenging each other to be an organization in which everyone is respected and heard. We commit to providing genuine opportunities for all people to thrive. And we will continue to embed diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equality in everything we do.Note, charity: water will never ask you for your credit card or financial information during the interview process. Should you receive a message requesting this information, please mark the email as spam and report here.We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
