Group Controller

About Evidence Action

At Evidence Action, we deliver data-driven interventions that transform lives at an unprecedented scale. We identify neglected global health issues and deploy proven solutions, forging healthier futures for generations.

Our model operationalizes leading academic research (including from Nobel-winning economists). We measure progress and outcomes at every stage to ensure we’re making a real impact for people living in poverty and suffering from preventable or treatable health issues. Operating across 11 countries, our team of 900+ has reached over 500 million people, working closely with governments to scale these interventions.

• Our Deworm the World program has delivered over 2 billion treatments, significantly reducing worm prevalence and generating more than $23 billion in lifetime productivity gains. 
• Through Safe Water Now, we’ve saved the lives of over 15,000 children. 
• Our Accelerator explores untapped opportunities in global health, testing low-cost interventions with the greatest potential to save and improve lives. 

At Evidence Action, your colleagues are your greatest asset. You'll partner with high-caliber colleagues in an environment blending innovation, autonomy, and teamwork. Our team excels in disruptive thinking and believes in rolling up our sleeves to get things done. If you're looking to work flexibly and with purpose, join a team that delivers measurable change for millions.

About the Role

The Group Controller leads Evidence Action's central accounting function and is accountable for the integrity, accuracy, timeliness, and auditability of the organization's financial records. Reporting to the CFO, you will own the monthly and annual close, consolidations, cost allocations, internal controls, and financial reporting, and serve as the organization's senior technical accounting authority under US GAAP.

You will be responsible for designing, documenting, and continuously improving the accounting systems, policies, and controls needed to support the organization as it grows, including the appropriate application of automation and technology (especially AI) to improve the accuracy and efficiency of financial operations. You will manage a central accounting team, including people managers  and functionally directs shared-services staff based abroad as that capability is established, and is responsible for talent development, succession, and continuity within the function.

You, in partnership with the CFO, leads the consolidated audit, tax and regulatory compliance, donor financial reporting, treasury and cash management, and preparation of financial information for the Audit & Finance Committee and Board.

Key Responsibilities:

Close, Consolidation & Financial Reporting

• Own the central monthly, quarterly, and annual close and the consolidation of all legal entities; including intercompany eliminations and foreign-currency translation into accurate, timely consolidated financial statements under US GAAP.
• Set and maintain the global close calendar, accounting standards, and reporting requirements that regional and entity finance teams follow; review, consolidate, and reconcile entity results and resolve consolidation issues.
• Own cost allocations (indirect-cost and shared-cost pools), ensuring they are complete, documented, and validated each period.
• Serve as the organization's senior technical accounting authority under US GAAP; including revenue recognition for grants and conditional contributions (ASC 958)  and document accounting positions and policies.

Controls, Systems & Documentation

• Design, document, and continuously improve the accounting systems, policies, internal controls, and process documentation required for the function to scale and to operate reliably without dependence on any single individual.
• Own the internal-control framework over financial reporting; identify and mitigate financial and compliance risk by developing appropriate systems, policies, and structures.
• Lead complex, cross-functional finance initiatives from design through implementation, allocating resources and making decisions independently.
• Own and optimize the accounting technology stack (e.g., Sage Intacct, Tipalti) configuration, integrations, and data integrity in partnership with relevant teams.

Compliance, Audit & Reporting

• Lead the annual consolidated (global) audit; coordinate the timely, successful completion of country/statutory audits with regional and entity finance teams.
• Oversee US tax and regulatory compliance, including the Form 990 and state charitable registrations.
• Oversee donor and grant financial reporting and donor/grant audits, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and grant agreements.
• Support the CFO on treasury and cash management; liquidity, banking, and execution of investments within approved policy.

Team, Talent & Succession

• Manage the central accounting team (including people managers) based in the US, and functionally direct shared-services staff based abroad as that capability is established.
• Develop finance talent; building capability, career paths, succession pipelines, and ensure continuity of the function; hold managers accountable for developing their own reports.
• Recruit and retain strong talent, identifying the roles the function needs and filling them well.

Technology & Automation

• Actively identify and apply automation and technology, especially AI, to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and control of financial operations, integrating effective approaches into standard workflows.
• Evaluate where technology adds value and where human judgment and local context should lead; document and share approaches across the team, consistent with the organization's IT and AI guidelines.

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, and an active CPA (or international equivalent).
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including multi-entity consolidation and financial close under US GAAP, and several years leading teams,  including managing other managers.
• Experience in a global/multi-country organization, including multi-currency consolidation and foreign-currency translation.
• Nonprofit and/or international-development sector experience; familiarity with donor/grant financial reporting and grant audits.
• Strong technical command of US GAAP, including nonprofit/grant accounting and revenue recognition for contributions and conditional grants (ASC 958).
• Demonstrated track record of designing, documenting, and standardizing accounting processes, policies, and internal controls, building durable, well-documented systems rather than person-dependent ones.
• Experience owning or configuring accounting/ERP and consolidation/planning systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, Planful, or comparable platforms).
• Experience leading external audits and managing tax and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated orientation toward using automation and technology, including AI, to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and control of financial operations.
• Experience developing finance talent and building team capability, and translating  financial information to non-finance and executive audiences.

Position Location

This role can be hybrid or remote, with our preference for you to be based in Washington, D.C.

The expected role range for this US position is listed below. We consider multiple factors when determining the base salary for a role, including but not limited to: role scope, program budgets, internal equity, and a candidate’s qualifications and/or prior experience.

Note: Pay and benefits will be commensurate with the role specifications, local statutory requirements, and the cost of labor in the markets where we operate. 

The expected pay range for this full-time role is  $116,000 - $138,000 a year.

For US based roles, Evidence Action provides comprehensive benefits including international health care, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement plans with a matching component, generous and flexible leave options, as well as other employee perks on a reimbursement basis. For more information visit our careers page or ask our recruiting team!

Evidence Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.