Associate Director, Financial Reporting and Unrestricted Accounting

McGill University; Sherbrooke; Hybrid; CAD 92,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

RRSP/TFSA

Vacation

Personal days

Floating holidays

Summer Fridays

December time off

Tuition waiver

Remote work up to 2 days/week

Job summary

McGill University is seeking the Associate Director, Financial Reporting and Unrestricted Accounting in the Controller’s Office to lead university-wide accounting, financial reporting, and compliance with Canadian standards. The role anchors the preparation and analysis of key internal and external reports, supports audits, and guides policies and controls.

The position oversees quarterly/annual statements, tax filings, and regulatory reporting; develops staff; and drives continuous improvement

Qualifications

• CPA designation required; CPA Auditor designation or audit experience is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations.
• Proven experience in financial reporting, accounting operations, audit, compliance, and analysis.”],
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Responsibilities

• Lead unrestricted accounting and financial reporting with accuracy and compliance.
• Oversee quarterly/annual financial statements, regulatory reporting, and tax filings.
• Provide expert advice on complex accounting matters and assess financial risks.
• Monitor performance, analyze variances, and advise senior leadership.
• Ensure internal controls and accounting policies are effective and compliant.
• Oversee government reporting, reconciliations, and tax activities.
• Drive continuous improvements in accounting processes, systems, and data quality.
• Lead and develop a service-oriented team and manage stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Team development

Education

CPA designation

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Financial systems

Reporting tools

Job description

Position Summary:

The Associate Director, Financial Reporting and Unrestricted Accounting in the Controller’s Office provides leadership for the University’s accounting and financial reporting activities and supports the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the University’s financial information. The role leads the preparation and analysis of key internal and external financial reports, supports the interim and year-end audit processes, oversees the administration and accounting of various University funds, and ensures compliance with applicable accounting standards, legislation, reporting requirements and University policies. As a leader within the Controller’s Office, the Associate Director translates the Controller’s direction into effective operating practices. The role provides expert accounting and financial analysis, identifies and resolves complex issues, maintains controls current, and leads continuous improvement in financial processes, data and systems. The Associate Director leads and develops a service-oriented team responsible for financial reporting and accounting, establishing clear priorities and accountabilities while fostering collaboration, professional growth, continuous learning, and effective change adoption.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the University's unrestricted accounting and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and compliance with applicable accounting standards and institutional requirements.
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of quarterly and annual financial statements, government and regulatory reporting, tax filings, and other external financial reporting obligations.
• Provide expert advice on complex accounting, reporting, and financial matters, including the proactive assessment of financial risks.
• Monitor financial performance, analyze significant variances and trends, and provide recommendations to support decision-making by senior leadership.
• Ensure the effectiveness of accounting policies and internal controls in relation with compliance and contribute to the resolution of control issues.
• Oversee government reporting, reconciliations, and tax-related activities, ensuring compliance with external requirements.
• Advance the continuous improvement of accounting, reporting, and financial processes, including automation, systems enhancements, data quality improvements, and transformation initiatives.
• Lead, develop, and manage the team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the Controller's Office with internal and external stakeholders and exercise delegated financial authorities in accordance with University policies.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

Professional accounting designation (CPA) required; CPA Auditor designation or significant external/internal audit experience is an asset. Demonstrates high standards of integrity and professional ethics in all aspects of work. Maintains independence, objectivity, and confidentiality in accordance with applicable professional standards, regulatory requirements, and University policies. Exercises sound judgment, acts with honesty and transparency, and conducts themselves in a manner that supports public confidence in the University's governance and accountability. Strong knowledge of Canadian accounting standards applicable to not-for-profit organizations and demonstrated experience working with auditors, applying accounting standards, financial reporting requirements, and internal controls in a complex organization. Demonstrated progressive experience in financial reporting, accounting operations, audit, compliance, and financial analysis; experience in higher education, the public sector, healthcare, or another highly regulated and complex environment is an asset. Proven people leadership experience, including setting priorities, delegating effectively, coaching and developing staff, managing performance, and leading teams through change. Strong analytical judgment and problem-solving capability, with the ability to assess complex accounting issues, identify financial and control risks, develop options, and translate technical information into clear recommendations. Demonstrated experience improving financial processes, controls, reporting, data quality, and/or financial systems, including successful implementation of change and continuous-improvement initiatives. Advanced proficiency with financial systems, reporting tools, data analysis, and spreadsheet applications; familiarity with McGill financial systems, policies, procedures, and chart of accounts is an asset. English and French, spoken and written.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree 5 Years Related Experience / Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 07) $92,150.00 - $115,190.00 - $138,230.00

Employment information

Job Profile: MPEX-FIN3B - Accounting - Senior Professional/Manager

Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor: Interim Associate Vice-President, Financial Services

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply: 2026-11-05

Equity and Diversity Statement

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].