We’re Hiring: Controller w CPA | CDC Foundation | Atlanta, GA
The CDC Foundation is seeking a Controller with CPA to lead and elevate our accounting operations, endowment management, and federal grants compliance. This is a mission-driven leadership role supporting critical public health work across the nation.
Location: Headquarters – Georgia
Salary Range: $134,649 – $164,500 annually
About the Role
The Controller ensures the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the Foundation’s financial reporting. This position plays a key leadership role in:
- Endowment & investment accounting
- Federal grant compliance
- Nonprofit fund accounting
- U.S. GAAP and Uniform Guidance adherence
- Audit leadership (including Single Audits)
- Internal controls and risk mitigation
- Oversight of accounting operations & systems
You will collaborate closely with finance leadership teams, including the Finance Operations Director, Financial Reporting Manager, and Director of Financial Planning & Analysis.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting & Financial Reporting
- Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, revenue reconciliation and month-end/year-end close
- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
- Ensure proper classification and reporting of net assets with and without donor restrictions, including releases of restriction
- Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports for senior leadership and the Board, including variance analysis
Endowment & Investment Accounting
- Oversee accounting and reporting for endowment funds, including permanently restricted, temporarily restricted, and board-designated endowments
- Record and review investment activity, income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and spending policy allocations
- Ensure compliance with donor restrictions, UPMIFA requirements, and Board-approved endowment spending policies
- Reconcile endowment balances with investment managers and custodians and review performance reports
- Prepare endowment-related disclosures, schedules, and footnotes for audited financial statements
Federal Grants & Restricted Funding
- Oversee accounting and financial compliance for federal grants, including adherence to Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
- Ensure proper cost allocation, allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of grant expenditures
- Support preparation and review of federal financial reports (e.g., SF-425) and sponsor-specific reporting
- Coordinate and lead/participate in Single Audit preparation, including schedules of expenditures of federal awards (SEFA)
- Monitor subrecipient activity, including subaward setup, monitoring, and financial reporting compliance
Internal Controls & Compliance
- Design, implement, and/or automate to maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting, cash, grants, and endowment activity
- Ensure compliance with donor agreements, grant terms, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements
- Maintain and document accounting policies and procedures, including grant and endowment policies
- Lead fraud prevention, risk mitigation, and compliance monitoring efforts
Audit & Regulatory Oversight
- Partner with Financial Reporting Manager as a liaison with external auditors for annual financial statement audits and Single Audits
- Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation related to grants and endowments
- Manage responses to any potential audit findings and oversee implementation of corrective action plans
Leadership & Systems Oversight
- Lead, supervise, and develop the accounting team
- Establish clear expectations, workflows, and internal controls, review processes
- Oversee accounting systems and ensure accurate grant, fund, and endowment reporting
- Lead and/or collaborate on system implementations, upgrades, and process improvements
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including nonprofit fund accounting
- Demonstrated experience with endowment accounting and federal grants
- Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and Uniform Guidance
- Experience leading audits, including Single Audits
- Proven people management experience
Preferred
- Experience in a federally funded nonprofit, foundation, or public health organization
- Familiarity with UPMIFA and endowment spending policies
- Experience with nonprofit ERP systems (e.g., Salesforce, NetSuite, Workday)
Core Competencies
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong analytical and compliance-oriented mindset
- Ability to manage complex funding streams and competing deadlines
- Clear communication with auditors, funders, and senior leadership
- Commitment to mission-driven financial stewardship