Global Controller

Global Controller

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Global Controller serves as the organization's senior accounting executive and is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of Direct Relief's global financial operations. The Global Controller provides strategic leadership over accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, treasury operations, financial compliance, and global financial systems supporting one of the world's largest humanitarian medical assistance organizations.

The Global Controller oversees the accounting and financial reporting for Direct Relief and its affiliated domestic and international entities, managing financial operations supporting approximately $2.2 billion in annual program activity. The role leads a high-performing accounting organization, ensures compliance with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards, strengthens internal controls, and drives continuous improvement through technology, automation, and scalable financial processes.

As a key member of the Finance leadership team, the Global Controller partners closely with executive leadership, Program Operations, Supply Chain, Legal, Information Technology, Development, and Human Resources to ensure financial stewardship supports Direct Relief's mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty and emergencies worldwide.

Essential Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership & Reporting

• Provide strategic leadership for all global accounting operations across Direct Relief and its affiliated domestic and international entities.
• Lead the preparation of timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Ensure the integrity of the Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Activities, Statement of Cash Flows, and all internal and external financial reporting.
• Develop executive financial reporting and analysis that enables informed strategic decision-making by senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Prepare financial forecasts, variance analyses, and performance metrics to evaluate organizational performance and support operational planning.
• Lead the organization's annual operating budget process and mid-year reforecast in partnership with Finance and executive leadership.
• Oversee monthly budget-to-actual reporting and collaborate with department leaders to monitor financial performance.

Global Accounting Operations

• Direct all aspects of accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, payroll accounting, cash management, and financial consolidations.
• Oversee global cash management activities, including banking relationships, cash forecasting, reconciliations, and credit facility administration.
• Ensure accurate accounting for pharmaceutical donations, grants, international operations, inventories, and humanitarian response activities.
• Maintain strong financial oversight of all domestic and international entities while ensuring consistent accounting policies and practices across the organization.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes while continually improving efficiency and quality.

Financial Controls, Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain a robust system of internal controls that safeguards organizational assets and supports financial integrity.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, IRS regulations, Uniform Guidance, charitable reporting requirements, and other applicable federal, state, and international regulations.
• Lead the organization's annual external audit, coordinating audit schedules, supporting documentation, financial statement preparation, and management responses.
• Oversee preparation of Form 990 schedules and serve as the primary liaison with external tax advisors.
• Coordinate required reporting to regulatory agencies, charity watchdog organizations, institutional donors, and governmental entities.
• Continuously assess financial risks and implement policies, controls, and monitoring processes that strengthen organizational governance.

Financial Systems & Process Excellence

• Lead the continuous modernization of Direct Relief's financial systems, ERP platform, and accounting technologies.
• Drive automation initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce manual processes, strengthen controls, and enhance employee experience.
• Optimize month-end close, consolidation, reporting, and reconciliation processes through technology and process redesign.
• Partner with Information Technology to maximize ERP capabilities, strengthen data governance, and improve financial reporting analytics.
• Develop scalable financial processes capable of supporting organizational growth and increasing global complexity.

Policy Development & Governance

• Establish, maintain, and continually improve accounting policies, procedures, and financial controls across the organization.
• Maintain the organization's Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual, ensuring documentation reflects current accounting standards and operational practices.
• Support the CFO in preparing materials for the Finance and Audit Committees of the Board of Directors.
• Prepare Board committee agendas, financial presentations, meeting materials, and minutes as assigned.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting organization while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and service.
• Build organizational capabilities through coaching, succession planning, professional development, and performance management.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration between Finance and operational departments to improve organizational effectiveness.
• Champion innovation, operational excellence, and data-driven decision-making throughout the Finance organization.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and oversight for a global accounting team of approximately eight finance professionals responsible for accounting operations, financial reporting, treasury, and donor financial management.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred.
• Public accounting experience with a Big Four or national accounting firm highly desirable.