Financial Controller; Temporary

Ashbury College is a leading not-for-profit independent day and boarding school for students in Grades 4 to 12 located in Ottawa Canada’s capital and the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation. We are proud to serve a vibrant and diverse community of over 60 nationalities including students from the National Capital Region, the international diplomatic corps and both domestic and international boarding students.

Our mission is to inspire intellectually curious, compassionate and responsible global citizens. We pursue this through excellence in teaching and learning, whole‑student development and a deep commitment to access, inclusion and sustainability. Our inclusive and collaborative community made up of dedicated employees, volunteers and students celebrates diversity and actively works to remove barriers to equity, making our school stronger and more inclusive.

We are currently seeking a Financial Controller for a fixed‑term contract. Reporting to the CFO and Head of School, this role is responsible for financial reconciliations, financial planning and analysis and payroll reconciliations. They are also responsible for being the primary support to and oversight of the Finance team. Candidates should be aware that this position is a fixed‑term contract for approximately 12 months with the possibility of extension.

The successful candidate brings over five years of progressive finance/accounting experience, is an enthusiastic, articulate and creative financial professional who demonstrates initiative, integrity and attention to detail. Must be a collegial team player with strong communication skills.
Minimum Requirements

• Post Secondary Education in Finance / Accounting
• CPA designation
• 5 years of progressive Finance / Accounting experience
• Demonstrated expertise in Microsoft Excel
• Demonstrated experience with not-for-profit fund accounting

• Experience in an Independent School environment
• Experience with Dayforce and Multiview
• Expertise with Microsoft Office

• Analytical & Detail‑Oriented:
  Skilled in financial analysis, reconciliations and complex inter‑fund journal entries to ensure alignment with strategic goals
• Clear Communicator:
  Able to explain financial concepts to non‑financial audiences with clarity and empathy, building trust across all levels of the school community
• Ethical & Principled:
  Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment and a strong sense of stewardship aligned with the school’s mission and values
• Collaborative Leader:
  Leads with a coaching mindset, fostering teamwork across finance, academics, operations and advancement to support school‑wide success
• Systems & Process Focused:
  Proficient in financial systems and reporting tools with a continuous improvement mindset to enhance accuracy and efficiency

• Provide leadership and direction to ensure that the organization meets its financial and accounting objectives
• Oversee, improve and execute financial policies
• Oversee all day‑to‑day accounting functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll and manage special projects as they arise
• Assist with negotiation and administration of contracts with significant suppliers
• Provide Multiview administration, managing accounts opening/closing fiscal periods, the school’s general ledger including monthly journal entry creation and input
• Prepare quarterly financial reports and reconciliations
• Provide meaningful business analytics to support the leadership team in strategic decision‑making
• Manage year‑end audit process, including preparation of annual working papers and financial statements for the external auditors
• Responsible for preparing minutes and all financial materials for the Board Finance & Audit Committee and Foundation Finance & Investment Committee meetings
• Prepare financial modelling of new projects and strategic initiatives
• Manage HST reporting, including tax rebate claims
• Oversee and manage year‑end tax receipt work for preparation and distribution to parents

• People Management:
  Lead and support the Finance team and Store Manager
• Conduct…