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The Controller Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Controller

Washington, DC · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Business Office Job Summary Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will lead all day-to-day operations of the finance department while ensuring compliance with GAAP and other ...

What the Controller does: Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Controller is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and timely reporting of PHILLIPS Programs' financial information. The ...

What the Controller does: Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Controller is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and timely reporting of PHILLIPS Programs' financial information. The ...

Controller

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$153K - $162K/yr

The salary range for this position is $153,275.20 to $162,087.12 and may be commensurate with experience. Position Description: The Controller is responsible for overseeing the organization ...

Controller

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$153K - $162K/yr

The salary range for this position is $153,275.20 to $162,087.12 and may be commensurate with experience. Position Description: The Controller is responsible for overseeing the organizations ...

Controller

Washington, DC · On-site

$153K - $162K/yr

The salary range for this position is $153,275.20 to $162,087.12 and may be commensurate with experience. Position Description: The Controller is responsible for overseeing the organization ...

Controller

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

$170K - $190K/yr

The Opportunity The Controller will manage and help develop the existing accounting team, advance ERP system optimization, and partner with the Chief Financial Officer and executive leadership to ...

Controller

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

$170K - $190K/yr

The Opportunity The Controller will manage and help develop the existing accounting team, advance ERP system optimization, and partner with the Chief Financial Officer and executive leadership to ...

The controller will oversee operations of the accounting department and will be responsible for the accounting operations of the company to include the production of daily, weekly and monthly ...

Controller

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

$170K - $190K/yr

The Opportunity The Controller will manage and help develop the existing accounting team, advance ERP system optimization, and partner with the Chief Financial Officer and executive leadership to ...

Controller

Mclean, VA · On-site

$170K - $190K/yr

The Opportunity The Controller will manage and help develop the existing accounting team, advance ERP system optimization, and partner with the Chief Financial Officer and executive leadership to ...

The controller will oversee operations of the accounting department and will be responsible for the accounting operations of the company to include the production of daily, weekly and monthly ...

Controller

Mclean, VA · On-site +1

$170K - $190K/yr

The Opportunity The Controller will manage and help develop the existing accounting team, advance ERP system optimization, and partner with the Chief Financial Officer and executive leadership to ...

Controller

Washington, DC · On-site

$165K - $205K/yr

As the oldest and largest national membership organization primarily focused on advocating for ... The Controller is the senior leader responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization ...

Controller

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$165K - $205K/yr

The Controller is the senior leader responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization's accounting and financial systems, including monthly book closing, preparation of the organization ...

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in directing the Company's accounting, financial reporting, treasury management, and government contract accounting functions. This position is ...

Position Description The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in directing the Company's accounting, financial reporting, treasury management, and government contract accounting functions.

The Controller at Ashoka, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has oversight responsibility, in partnership with the CFO, for accounting, finance, reporting, and financial compliance ...

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Showing results 1-20

The Controller information

See Washington, DC salary details

$62.3K

$135.3K

$198.8K

How much do the controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for the controller in Washington, DC is $135,342.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,900.00 and $156,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controller?

Controllers are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing the accounting operations of an organization. Their main duties include managing financial reporting, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, supervising accounting staff, and developing internal controls. Controllers play a key role in budgeting, financial planning, and sometimes tax compliance. They ensure the accuracy of financial statements and may work closely with auditors and company leadership to guide financial decisions.

How does a controller typically collaborate with other departments to ensure accurate financial reporting?

Controllers play a central role in coordinating with various departments, such as operations, sales, and HR, to gather necessary financial data and ensure compliance with internal controls. This collaboration often involves regular meetings to review budgets, address discrepancies, and streamline reporting processes. By fostering strong cross-functional relationships, Controllers help maintain data integrity and facilitate timely, accurate financial statements, which are essential for informed decision-making across the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controller, you need deep expertise in accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance, typically backed by a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and often a CPA credential. Familiarity with ERP systems, financial modeling software, and advanced Excel skills is crucial for managing and analyzing complex financial data. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong leadership abilities help Controllers guide teams and communicate financial insights to senior management. These competencies ensure accurate financial operations, strategic decision-making, and adherence to industry regulations.

What is the difference between The Controller vs The Financial Analyst?

AspectThe ControllerThe Financial Analyst
Primary RoleOversees accounting, financial reporting, and internal controlsAnalyzes financial data, prepares reports, and forecasts
Required CredentialsCPA or accounting degree often preferredFinance or accounting degree, often with CFA or CPA
Work EnvironmentTypically in finance or accounting departments, managerial levelAnalytical teams, finance departments, often in corporate settings
Industry UsageCommonly found in corporate finance, manufacturing, and large organizationsUsed across industries for financial planning and analysis

The Controller focuses on managing accounting operations and internal controls, while the Financial Analyst primarily analyzes financial data to support decision-making. Both roles require strong financial knowledge, but the Controller has a broader managerial and compliance focus, whereas the Financial Analyst emphasizes data analysis and forecasting.

How hard is it to become a controller?

Becoming a controller typically requires several years of experience in accounting or finance, often including roles such as accountant or financial manager. A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is usually required, and many controllers pursue certifications like CPA or CMA. Strong analytical skills, leadership ability, and proficiency with financial software are also important for the role.

Is a controller a high level job?

A controller is a senior management position responsible for overseeing accounting and financial reporting within an organization. It is considered a high-level role that typically requires extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and often a CPA certification. Controllers often report directly to the CFO and play a key role in strategic financial planning.

What does a controller do for a job?

A controller is responsible for overseeing a company's accounting and financial reporting activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations. They manage financial statements, budgets, and internal controls, often using accounting software and requiring strong analytical skills. Controllers typically hold certifications like CPA and work closely with executive management to support financial decision-making.

What are popular job titles related to The Controller jobs in Washington, DC?

For The Controller jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching The Controller jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for The Controller jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various The Controller job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,342 per year, or $65.1 per hour.

Controller

Washington, DC • On-site

Washington International School
Elementary and Secondary Schools • 51 - 200 employees

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Administration/Controller
Date Posted:
8/14/2026
Location:
Business Office
Job Summary
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will lead all day-to-day operations of the finance department while ensuring compliance with GAAP and other applicable standards, rules and regulations. The Controller will also collaborate with a variety of internal stakeholders, including executive-level staff and other department directors on budgets and financial reporting.
The Controller will be charged with identifying new opportunities to improve efficiencies, eliminate backlogs, and respond proactively to other department needs. The Controller will analyze existing processes, work closely with the CFO and finance staff to streamline current systems, leverage new finance-related information technology tools, and refine standard operating procedures to provide maximum benefit to the organization.
Salary Range = $120,000 - $160,000