Controller in Alexandria, Virginia at National Association of Convenience Stores
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Job Description
About Us
The leading global trade association dedicated to advancing convenience and fuel retailing, NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve and is a trusted adviser to retailer and supplier members from more than 50 countries. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 152,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, conducts 160 million transactions daily and had sales of $818 billion in 2025. A member-driven organization, NACS has 80-plus employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $60 million.
NACS supports the industry through its media platforms, advocacy efforts, research, events, products & services, and industry initiatives, helping members stay informed and connected. NACS Media is the voice that connects the convenience and fuel retailing industry through various channels, including its award-winning monthly publication NACS Magazine, NACS Daily e-newsletter and other modern media such as its weekly Convenience Matters podcast and Convenience Corner blog. This is where ideas are shared, products are launched, and consumer needs are solved.
NACS also is a hub for cutting-edge research, insightful analysis, innovative educational opportunities and key industry initiatives that aim to advance the future of convenience and fuel retailing, including the NACS Show, one of the largest annual tradeshows in the country; more than a dozen targeted and regional events; 5 executive education programs at ivy-league universities and extensive advocacy to both elected leaders and the general public. Here is more about what it’s like to work at NACS.
Position Overview
The Controller will lead the accounting function and ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, strong internal controls, and compliance across NACS and its affiliates. This role is responsible for managing the audit process, overseeing financial operations, and driving process and technology improvements to enhance efficiency and reporting capabilities. The position is based onsite at NACS Headquarters in Alexandria, VA.
Scope of Responsibilities:
- Accounting Leadership
- Manage the day-to-day accounting operations for NACS and its affiliates through a high performing team
- Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure accuracy and timeliness
- Prepare accrual entries for the close of each quarter
- Review all monthly bank and account reconciliations
- Analyze changes in assets and liabilities and provide a variance report each quarter
- Team Leadership & Development
- Manage, mentor and develop accounting staff, ensuring appropriate workload balance and professional growth
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Provide structure while empowering the team members to take ownership
- Internal Controls & Compliance
- Monitor and enhance internal control processes across NACS and its affiliates
- Ensure adherence to accounting policies and regulatory requirements
- Lead continuous improvement of financial processes and controls
- Audit & External Relationships
- Serve as the primary liaison for external auditors
- Prepare all audit schedules, and support documentation
- Manage audit inquiries and ensure timely completion of audit deliverables
- Cash & Treasury Management
- Report and provide analysis of the organization’s investment reserve each month
- Monitor cash balances across accounts while maintaining sufficient liquidity
- Lead in monitoring cash balances in various accounts to ensure the best returns while maintaining adequate liquidity
- Operational & Cross-Functional Support
- Partner with functional leaders to address accounting needs and provide timely guidance
- Oversee financial aspects of third-party transactions
- Lead efforts to improve collections of overdue invoices by both the team and responsible functions
- Gather, import and report on the organizations, budget, forecast, and annual new initiatives
- Systems & Process Improvement
- Advance the use of technology to streamline processes and improve financial reporting
- Drive adoption optimization of financial systems and reporting tools
Requirements:
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting with special consideration for a master’s in accounting or MBA
- Active CPA license with a public accounting background
- Proven track record in leading a progressive accounting team for a minimum 3 years related to the duties and responsibilities outlined above
- Demonstrated experience managing audits and regulatory interactions.
- Proven ability to work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization and quickly align with the culture
- Strong time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- A creative problem solver, detail-oriented, self-directed, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills
- Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a small, high-impact association.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office products
- A working knowledge of Sage Intacct or similar accounting software, along with BI360 Solver
Desirable
- Highly curious, proactive, and committed to continuous learning
- Demonstrated ability to drive process improvement and leverage technology
- Aspiration to grow into a CFO-level role
NACS Culture
We hugely value, invest in and are devoted to the constructive culture that we’ve built and work on every day at NACS. Almost everything we do requires broad, multi-department collaboration to ideate and execute creative initiatives that deliver compelling value to our members and our industry. What that requires is a relatively flat organizational structure that empowers teammates at different levels from all departments to constructively engage and support each other. Titles really don’t matter in such an organization. What matters is a culture of constructive behaviors that relishes divergent perspectives to craft well thought-out initiatives and then come together to execute them. NACS Values:
- Do the right thing
- Focus long term
- In their terms
- Be fiscally responsible
- Strive for excellence
The NACS Culture is highly collaborative, and we are better when we are together. NACS is a culture that believes in working together from the office.
Other Pertinent Information
- Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Salary commensurate with experience
- Approximately 10% travel
- In-Office Position w/ Work From Anywhere (WFA) Days
- Metro Accessible – 2 blocks from King Street metro
NACS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis. All applicants will be considered for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, and any other legally protected status.
As the leading global trade association for convenience and fuel retailers, NACS advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve and is a trusted adviser to its retailer and supplier members from more than 50 countries. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 152,000 stores, conducts more than 160 million transactions daily and had sales of $860 billion in 2023. For more information, visit convenience.org. Follow NACS on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.