Controller

American Public Television (APT) is the leading distributor of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children’s series and news and current affairs programs. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV — featuring the best of public television's lifestyle programming — and WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science and documentary channel. APT’s work is accomplished by an extraordinary team of people who are passionate about public media. At APT, our HR vision is to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve excellence.

Job Summary:

The Controller is responsible for key financial functions such as accounting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, benefits, and grants administration. This role prepares monthly financial statements for both external and internal reporting. The Controller ensures compliance with GAAP standards, manages audit processes, and collaborates with department leaders to enhance financial operations and drive organizational success.

Essential Job Functions:

• Maintain all general ledger accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems to ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain internal controls and safeguards for revenue, costs, and departmental budgets, ensuring accurate tracking of expenditures.
• Lead and coordinate all audit activities.
• Analyze financial data and present timely, accurate financial reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements. Keep senior leadership informed of APT's financial status.
• Assist with the annual budgeting and planning process, comparing financial plans to actual results to identify, explain, and address variances.
• Support the COO in engaging the Board’s finance committee on financial trends and operating models.
• Oversee financial, program, and grants accounting and compliance, ensuring alignment with grant budgets and preparing financial reports for funders.
• Manage cash flow forecasting in partnership with program leaders.
• Monitor and track the performance of investment portfolio assets. Ensure alignment with established policies and guidelines.
• Leverage the strengths of the finance team, clarify roles, and develop training programs to achieve individual and organizational goals.
• Foster strong internal communication across all levels of staff, promoting a positive and supportive work environment.
• Collaborate to improve the financial efficiency of operations and strengthen administrative systems.

Qualifications:

• Education & Experience:
  • 7-10 years of accounting and finance experience, including audit and financial reporting to executive teams and external stakeholders. CPA and/or MBA preferred.
  • Experience in nonprofit finance with multiple programs is ideal.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Personal integrity, credibility, and commitment to APT’s mission.
  • Proactive, hands-on, and strategic thinker with a strong sense of ownership for finance operations.
  • Expertise in audit coordination, budget development, and financial analysis.
  • Strong knowledge of accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, payroll, and investment accounting.
  • Proven experience managing compliance and reporting for government, corporate, and foundation grants.
  • Technology-savvy with experience in accounting software management and vendor relations.
  • Strong leadership in recruiting, mentoring, and training a diverse finance team.
  • Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities for strategic data interpretation.
  • Effective communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial data to senior management, the board, and other stakeholders.

Work Environment & Conditions:

This is a full-time position offering a competitive salary and generous benefits in a dynamic hybrid work environment. Responsibilities may evolve, and additional duties may be assigned as needed.