In-House Controller – SPCA Provincial Office

Compensation: $85 000 per year with consideration for experience & qualifications

Start Date: As soon as possible

The Nova Scotia SPCA is seeking an In-House Controller
, responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and timely reconciliation of the Nova Scotia SPCA’s day-to-day financial records.

This is a hands‑on, on‑site role that owns the monthly close, maintains reliable supporting schedules, and ensures that financial information is organized and audit‑ready before it is provided to the external controller. In addition to requisite qualifications and experience, the ideal candidate for this position will have previous experience building processes for accounting controls and managing financial databases.

The In‑House Controller will resolve discrepancies using sound judgment and materiality, escalates significant issues, and deliver a complete and well‑supported financial package.

Please see below for more details on the position and information on how to apply.

Financial Data Integrity and Monthly Close

• Lead and coordinate the monthly financial close process, ensuring transactions are accurate, complete, and recorded in the correct accounts, funds, departments, locations, and reporting periods.
• Prepare, review, and post journal entries, accruals, allocations, fixed asset activity, and other recurring adjustments while investigating and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Maintain oversight of unresolved financial items, documenting impacts, responsibilities, and expected resolution timelines.

Reconciliations and Supporting Documentation

• Complete and review monthly reconciliations for all bank accounts, credit cards, merchant processors, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll liabilities, restricted funds, government funding, donations, inventory, fixed assets, loans, leases, and other balance‑sheet accounts.
• Ensure every balance‑sheet account has a current, understandable, and fully supported reconciliation.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare accurate and timely financial reporting packages including variance analysis, cash‑flow reporting, and budget‑to‑actual results to senior leadership.
• Provide meaningful financial insights and support budgeting, forecasting, and year‑end projections with reliable data and documented assumptions.
• Develop and monitor useful financial performance measures without creating unnecessary administrative complexity.

External Controller and Audit Readiness

• Prepare monthly and year‑end package for the external controller, including reconciliations, lead schedules, continuity schedules, supporting documentation, variance explanations, and a list of significant or unresolved matters.
• Complete the organization’s audit‑prepared‑by‑client schedules and ensure requested information is accurate, consistent, and available by agreed deadlines.
• Act as the primary internal finance contact for routine audit questions and external‑controller requests, coordinating information from other departments when necessary.
• Monitor audit findings and recommendations, ensuring corrective actions are implemented, and audit readiness is maintained year‑round.

Internal Controls and Process Improvement

• Establish and monitor effective internal controls, ensuring compliance, financial accuracy, and accountability across all locations and departments.
• Review and improve accounting processes and systems to enhance efficiency, consistency, and segregation of duties.
• Identify financial risks, control gaps, and emerging concerns, providing guidance and training where needed.

Team and Operational Support

• Provide day‑to‑day guidance, review, and quality control for finance staff involved in accounts payable, accounts receivable, deposits, payroll support, and data entry.
• Coordinate with department managers to ensure financial information and approvals are submitted accurately and on time.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, and performance support for relevant finance staff as required.
• Promote a culture of accuracy and accountability while keeping financial processes proportionate, practical, and focused on material risk.

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