Senior Controller

Venn Strategies is a fast-paced, nationally recognized full-service government and public affairs firm based in Washington, DC. Our track record of success is a function of our broad array of working relationships, our strategic expertise, and our impeccable bipartisan reputation across the policy and political spectrum.

We offer our clients a wide range of deliverables focused on advocacy, issue management, coalition management, grassroots engagement, alliance development, and strategic advisory services. Specializing in healthcare, tax, economic policy, financial services, trade, and critical infrastructure, our firm strikes a critical balance, combining the depth and breadth of a major political powerhouse with the personal attention and engagement that only a principal-driven boutique can offer.

Venn is looking for a Senior Controller to manage the day-to-day accounting and financial operations of Venn Strategies, its subsidiaries, and client organizations for which Venn provides financial management services. Reporting to the CEO and President, the Senior Controller will oversee core accounting processes, supervise the accounting team, and work closely with Venn's Management Team, operations staff, outside accountants, and other professional advisors.

This is a hands-on role focused on accurate and timely accounting, financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, and compliance. The Senior Controller will be responsible for maintaining the general ledger and close process; overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, expense management, reconciliations, payroll coordination, and client-fund accounting; preparing regular financial reports and supporting budgets and forecasts; and ensuring appropriate financial policies and procedures are consistently followed. The successful candidate will be an experienced accounting professional who is comfortable working directly in the details while managing a small accounting team and coordinating with firm leadership and outside advisors.

Responsibilities:

Accounting, Financial Operations, & Controls

• Manage the day-to-day accounting operations of Venn Strategies, its subsidiaries, and client organizations for which Venn provides financial management services, including general ledger activity, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, expense management, reconciliations, and related accounting activities.
• Own the monthly and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and financial statements.
• Support annual budgeting and regular forecasting processes by compiling historical results, department inputs, cash needs, and financial projections, and track performance against budget throughout the year.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial statements and management reports, including budget-to-actual results, variance analyses, cash reports, receivables reporting, and other financial information for the CEO, President, and Management Team.
• Supervise two finance team members and establish clear workflows, deadlines, and quality controls for accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger activity, expense management, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Monitor cash balances, working capital, receivables, and collections, and promptly flag material issues, discrepancies, or trends to management.
• Maintain day-to-day banking administration and relationships, including bank accounts, authorized users, cash movement, and related banking needs.
• Manage day-to-day accounting and financial reporting for client organizations, coalitions, and other entities for which Venn manages finances, ensuring appropriate separation, tracking, reconciliation, and stewardship of client funds.
• Maintain and enforce strong internal accounting controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard firm and client assets and ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information.
• Coordinate with outside accountants, tax professionals, auditors, payroll providers, banking partners, and other financial vendors and advisors, and serve as the primary day-to-day point of contact for routine accounting matters.
• Prepare schedules, reconciliations, and supporting materials required for tax filings, audits, reviews, payroll reporting, and other financial or regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate the annual financial audit and, in partnership with firm leadership, prepare financial schedules and documentation needed for the annual firm valuation.
• Maintain the integrity of accounting systems, the chart of accounts, vendor and customer records, and other financial data, and identify and implement practical improvements to accounting processes and workflows.
• Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality when handling financial information of the firm, employees, and clients. 
• Provide accounting and financial analysis and other financial support to the CEO, President, and Management Team as needed, with primary responsibility for ensuring accurate and effective day-to-day financial operations.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field required; CPA or other relevant professional certification preferred.
• 7-10+ years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience, including significant hands-on experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar senior accounting professional.
• Demonstrated experience managing the accounting operations of a professional services firm, association management company, consulting firm, government affairs firm, or similarly structured organization is strongly preferred.
• Significant hands-on experience with monthly and year-end close, financial statements, general ledger accounting, reconciliations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and budgeting support.
• Strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, internal controls, and accounting best practices.
• Experience managing finances across multiple entities, subsidiaries, business units, or client organizations strongly preferred 
• Experience overseeing or working closely with outside accountants, auditors, tax professionals, payroll providers, and other financial service providers 
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate financial reports and explain accounting and financial issues to senior leaders and other non-financial colleagues.
• Strong judgment and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify discrepancies, control gaps, and process issues and drive them to resolution.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy, organization, and accountability 
• Clear sense of confidentiality when conducting business on behalf of the firm and its clients 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Strong people management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to set expectations, coach staff, and work collaboratively across the organization.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and QuickBooks 
• Hands-on experience with accounting, financial reporting, expense management, payroll coordination, and related financial technology platforms.

EEOC Statement

Venn’s employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation or any other status protected by applicable law. Venn is an equal opportunity employer.

If you require an alternative method of application or screening, please contact Human Resources.