Controllership and Risk Lead

Bring your financial expertise to the heart of strategic decision-making.

Are you passionate about strengthening financial accountability and driving meaningful change across a complex, high-impact organization? This is your opportunity to join a dynamic team within an agriculture-focused ministry that plays a pivotal role in shaping financial systems, enhancing internal controls, and supporting ministry-wide compliance and innovation. As a strategic leader in Corporate Controllership, you will champion sound financial stewardship, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and help ensure the effective delivery of high-impact public services.

This role is based in Guelph, Ontario, a hub for agricultural leadership and innovation. Our office is located close to transit, green space, and local amenities, offering a welcoming and balanced work environment outside the downtown Toronto core.

• oversee financial systems and controls, handle internal control issues, manage the ministry's controllership framework, and ensure quality standards
• develop and manage internal control plans, assess and mitigate risks, oversee financial systems, and ensure compliance with control principles
• develop and implement internal control policies and training, oversee the Certificate of Assurance, monitor controllership issues, and maintain relationships with audit divisions and other ministries
• lead and guide unit staff, support their development, and oversee projects and external vendors

• build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external partners to support horizontal problem-solving and shared accountability
• lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage complex projects to assess controllership issues and implement effective, sustainable solutions
• influence decision-making and promote cost-effective control measures by negotiating with stakeholders and navigating resistance to change
• communicate complex financial and risk management issues clearly to senior leaders, and provide strategic advice, reports, and training

You have demonstrated knowledge of:

• public sector accounting (including Public Sector Accounting Board Standards) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• financial reporting processes and requirements, such as Public Accounts and monthly period close reporting
• accounting principles, cost accounting, budget control, and financial information systems for finance and controllership projects

You have the ability to:

• understand funding administration and best practices

You have:

• the ability to assess operational risks and evaluate the effectiveness of controls in complex organizations
• the ability to apply enterprise risk management principles and internal control frameworks to support decision-making and continuous improvement assessments
• knowledge of performance evaluation and quality assurance methodologies used to assess financial or operational effectiveness in organizations

• analyze and resolve complex financial system issues, develop controllership processes, and provide recommendations to senior management
• interpret and apply directives, policies, and guidelines as well as applicable legislation
• collaborate with partners to lead financial and business risk assessments, support accurate financial reporting, and contribute to developing and improving financial management processes

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations,…