Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Compliance

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice‑President (AVP), Financial Services, the University Controller ensures the integrity of the University's financial information, leads the preparation of institutional financial statements, and provides expert advice on accounting standards, financial policies, taxation, and financial risk. The Controller also provides strategic leadership for the University's financial reporting, accounting operations, internal controls, and regulatory compliance functions. As a senior leader within Financial Services, the Controller will play an active role in the ongoing transformation of the finance function, modernising its operating model, financial processes, reporting, and financial information systems.

• Provide strategic leadership for the University's financial reporting and accounting functions, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information and the preparation and delivery of the University's financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Provide strategic financial analysis and advice to support institutional planning, decision‑making, and the evaluation of complex financial initiatives.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of financial policies, internal controls, and governance practices to safeguard University assets, strengthen accountability, and ensure compliance with regulatory, legislative, and institutional requirements.
• Lead the University's financial reporting obligations (including complex financial statements and statutory reports) and reporting to senior administration, the Board of Governors, government agencies, funding bodies, financial institutions, and other external stakeholders.
• Provide expert strategic advice on accounting, taxation, financial analysis, and financial management, supporting institutional planning, risk‑informed decision‑making, and the evaluation of complex financial initiatives.
• Direct the University's accounting operations and financial systems, ensuring effective stewardship of financial records, the integrity of financial data, and delivery of key financial initiatives and continuous process improvements.
• Oversee the University's financial monitoring and compliance function, ensuring adherence to financial policies, internal controls, reporting requirements, and regulatory obligations while identifying risks and supporting timely remediation.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team by establishing strategic priorities, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning while driving organizational change.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships across the University and with external stakeholders, collaborating with senior leaders, auditors, government officials, professional associations, and peer institutions to support institutional priorities and promote best practices in financial management.

• CPA (or auditor) designation; additional licenses such as CBV or CFA considered an asset.
• Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, or a related discipline; master’s degree considered an asset.
• Extensive knowledge of Canadian ASNPO (Accounting Standards for Not‑for‑Profit Organizations) and 8+ years of senior financial and budget management experience, preferably in higher education, public sector, healthcare, or other highly regulated, complex organisations.
• Strategic and collaborative leadership with demonstrated exemplary integrity, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to accountability and financial stewardship.
• Deep expertise in financial controls, compliance, taxation, audit, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Highly analytical and solutions‑oriented, translating complex financial information into clear, actionable insights that support institutional decision‑making.
• Strong track‑record of advancing risk‑management practices and implementing effective financial policies and processes.
• Extensive experience presenting financial information and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, governing boards, and audit committees.
• Knowle…