Controller
Halifax, NS
Reference # HL-18439
Established in 1789, the University of King's College is Canada's oldest chartered university and is associated with Dalhousie University. A small and extraordinarily lively academic community located in Halifax (Kjipuktuk), Nova Scotia, King's is known nationally and internationally for its highly acclaimed interdisciplinary programs in the humanities, including its renowned Foundation Year Program, its professional programs in journalism and its fine arts programs in creative writing. King’s is a community where students, faculty, alumni, and staff work to bring greater understanding, creativity, and compassion to the world. We are pleased to partner with King’s looking to bring a Controller to their team in Halifax!
Reporting to the Bursar (i.e., Vice President, Finance and Administration), the Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial services functions of the Bursar’s Office including Student Accounts, Accounts Payable, and General Accounting (three direct reports who all work a hybrid arrangement). Other primary responsibilities include coordinating/overseeing the year-end financial statement audit; preparing the university’s year-end financial statements, notes, and accompanying Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A); assisting the Bursar in the preparation of the university’s annual budget, quarterly financial forecasts, and variance analysis; performing ad hoc financial analyses as required; and coordinating the completion of requests filed with the university under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) legislation.
Responsibilities will include:
- Preparing the university's year-end financial statements, notes, and accompanying Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) with oversight from the Bursar and presenting the results to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.
- Performing year-end accounting (accruals, deferrals, prepaids, capital assets, grant accounting, research accounting, deferred revenue, deferred capital contributions, reclassification entries, various journal entries).
- Assisting the Bursar in the preparation and coordination of the university's annual budget.
- Assisting the Bursar in the preparation of quarterly financial forecasts and variance analysis and presenting the results to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee on a quarterly basis.
- Preparing, disseminating, and communicating quarterly financial reports to department heads, program directors, and administrative support staff.
- Supervising three Bursar's Office staff members and monitoring/evaluating performance in accordance with the university’s performance guidance program.
- Reviewing and approving monthly general ledger account reconciliations, HST filings, bi-weekly EFT runs.
- Assisting the Bursar in drafting and updating new and existing financial and administrative policies.
- Preparing and submitting external financial reports (including but not limited to annual charity information return, provincial government reports, Statistics Canada surveys, annual CAUBO (Canadian Association of University Business Officers) financial report, annual research reports to funding agencies).
- Acting as the university’s Information Access & Privacy (IAP) Administrator (note: this responsibility represents a small fraction of the overall responsibilities of this position).
- Guest on financial committees - Finance, Audit & Risk Committee and Investment Committee of the Board of Governors.
- Other related duties as required.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- CPA designation.
- Undergraduate degree in business administration or commerce.
- 8+ years of progressive experience coupled with 3+ years in a leadership role.
- Strong attention to detail, time management, organizational, and analytical skills.
- Ability to multi-task and work in a deadline driven, team-based hybrid work environment.
- Excellent communication skills both written and oral.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
- Experience with fund accounting is considered an asset.
This is an excellent opportunity for a strong accounting professional to join our client’s well-established team and play a key role in their organization. Connect with us to learn more or apply now!
The University of King’s College is committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. We encourage and welcome applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons with a disability, racialized persons, including persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), women, persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversification of our community.
The University of King's College is a member of the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan.
To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking “Apply Now” below:
For more information about this exciting opportunity please contact Heather Labucki, Partner, or Sara Morey, Consultant, at smorey@kbrs.ca If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let Sara Morey know.
Meridia Recruitment Solutions connects leading organizations with top talent by building strong relationships and creating ideal matches with candidates because we are only successful when you are. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity.
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