Controller - Trust (powered by the NFLPA)

Controller – The Trust (powered by the NFLPA)

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid/On‑site as applicable)

Reports To: Executive Director

Dotted Line: Chief Financial Officer, NFL Players Association

About the Role

The Trust is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its accounting and financial operations. This role is responsible for financial reporting, accounting close, compliance, and internal controls, while serving as a key financial partner to executive leadership. The Controller plays a critical leadership role in safeguarding the Trust’s financial integrity and supporting its long‑term mission.

This position reports directly to the Executive Director of The Trust and maintains a dotted‑line reporting relationship to the Chief Financial Officer of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) to ensure alignment with enterprise‑wide accounting policies, internal controls, and reporting standards. The Controller will collaborate closely with the broader NFLPA finance team to promote consistency in financial governance, budgeting methodologies, and strategic planning across the enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and complete account reconciliations
• Prepare and present financial reporting packages, including variance analysis against budget and forecast
• Ensure financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and enterprise accounting policies
• Oversee accounting for all Trust transactions, including cash, receivables, payables, payroll, accruals, prepaids, and intercompany activity
• Manage cash flow to support benefit payments, vendor obligations, and administrative expenses, coordinating with enterprise treasury functions as needed
• Interpret contracts and provide technical accounting guidance on revenue and expense recognition
• Manage shared services with the NFLPA, including bookkeeping, payroll, travel and expense, and compliance services

Compliance, Audit & Internal Controls

• Lead the annual audit process and coordinate with external auditors and the NFLPA finance team
• Oversee preparation and timely filing of all required tax and compliance filings, including Forms 990, 720, 5500, and 1099s
• Implement, maintain, and document internal controls aligned with enterprise control standards
• Address audit findings and drive continuous improvement in processes and controls
• Manage ERISA plan compliance, including plan testing and reporting requirements
• Support risk management and insurance activities
• Serve as a finance liaison to NFL, NFLPA, and other key stakeholders

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis

• Lead the annual budget process, including development of guidelines, timelines, and Excel‑based templates
• Prepare monthly and annual forecasts, tracking risks and opportunities against approved targets
• Develop financial projections for funding, operating expenses, cash, capital expenditures, and headcount
• Build dashboards and KPIs to monitor performance and deliver actionable insights to leadership
• Perform ad‑hoc financial modeling, analysis, and reporting to support strategic initiatives

Systems, Tools & Strategic Initiatives

• Serve as finance lead for ERP implementations and system enhancements
• Act as super user for Vena forecasting software and drive adoption across the organization
• Partner with finance and IT leadership to ensure systems align with enterprise reporting and control standards
• Prepare executive‑level presentations and materials for internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications & Experience

• CPA required
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (Master’s degree preferred)
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3–5 years in a senior accounting or finance role
• Experience with trusts, employee benefit plans, nonprofits, or governmental accounting strongly preferred
• Public accounting and prior Controller or Assistant Controller experience highly desirable
• Experience with healthcare‑related VEBAs or labor‑management trust operations a plus
• Strong GAAP and technical accounting expertise, including full financial statement preparation
• Proven ability to partner with business leaders and provide complex financial analysis
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with Power BI and modern ERP systems
• ERP implementation experience preferred; experience with data visualization and forecasting tools a plus

What We’re Looking For

• A mission‑driven finance leader with strong integrity and attention to detail
• A collaborative partner who builds trust across teams and stakeholders
• A self‑starter who can manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• A leader committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence

The Trust (powered by the NFLPA) was launched in 2013 with a simple objective: provide former NFL players with the support they need to succeed in life after football. Eligible former players have access to The Trust’s VIP, concierge-level of services and resources in the following categories: community and connection opportunities, health and wellness, and personal and business development. Working with our experts, our members discover their true purpose beyond football. Our coaches ignite strengths and give our members resources and confidence to enter into the next season like the champions they are! For more information about The Trust, visit our website: The Trust (Powered by the NFLPA) - The Trust.

In addition to competitive salaries and comprehensive benefit package, The Trust also offers a fun, learning culture and flexible work environment. Full-time employees are required to work in the Washington DC office for a minimum of three days per week.