Controller

Vaco; Calgary; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco is seeking a Controller for its Calgary-based client, a career development and educational institution. You will lead the accounting team, oversee budgeting, forecasting and reporting, and drive financial controls across multiple jurisdictions.

The role requires CPA designation or in progress, MBA is a plus, 5–10 years of related accounting experience, and strong ASPE/IFRS knowledge. Located in the Greater Calgary Area with eligibility to work in Canada.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience at Assistant Controller or Manager level.
• Strong ASPE or IFRS knowledge.
• Budgeting and forecasting experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial reporting.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements and management reports.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes ensuring accuracy and integrity of records (ASPE).
• Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Manage banking relationships, debt reporting, cash forecasting and liquidity planning.
• Lead annual budgeting/forecasting with operational leaders and variance analysis.
• Coordinate external audits, tax compliance and regulatory reporting across jurisdictions.
• Oversee payroll, benefits, commissions and cost allocation.
• Drive financial systems optimization and data analytics to improve efficiency.
• Provide strategic financial leadership supporting growth initiatives and profitability.

Skills

Team management

Education

CPA / MBA

Job description

About the Company

Our client is a career development and educational institution. They are looking for a Controller who will be responsible for support across other brands. Lead the accounting team while contributing to reporting, cash flow and business decisions.

Why Work Here

• Voice at the leadership table and opportunity to influence strategy and growth.
• Exposure to private equity, acquisitions and due diligence.
• Opportunity to lead and develop an autonomous accounting team.

About the Opportunity

• Lead all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, financial reporting, and overall financial stewardship of the organization.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management reports, compliance reporting, and financial analyses to support strategic decision-making.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of financial records in accordance with ASPE.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to support regulatory compliance, risk management, and operational effectiveness.
• Manage banking relationships, debt compliance reporting, cash forecasting, liquidity planning, and investment activities to optimize financial performance and support business growth.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process, working closely with operational leaders to monitor performance, analyze variances, and drive accountability for financial results.
• Coordinate external audits, tax compliance activities, regulatory reporting, and relationships with external advisors, ensuring timely and accurate reporting across multiple jurisdictions.
• Oversee payroll, employee benefits administration, commission calculations, and cost allocation processes while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective cost management.
• Drive financial systems optimization, process improvements, consolidation reporting, data analytics, and technology adoption to enhance efficiency, scalability, and reporting capabilities.
• Provide strategic financial leadership by supporting growth initiatives, evaluating investment opportunities, developing financial models and scenario analyses, leading and mentoring the finance team, and partnering with leadership to improve profitability, cash flow, and long-term business performance.

About You

• CPA Designated/In Progress/MBA.
• 5 to 10 years of progressive accounting experience, with experience at the Assistant Controller or Manager level.
• Effective Team Management
• Strong ASPE or IFRS knowledge.
• Budgeting and forecasting experience.

Salary Range

$120,000 - $150,000/year

This position for employment is for a current vacancy with Vaco/Highspring's client. You must currently reside within the Greater Calgary Area and be permitted to work in Canada to be considered for this opportunity. A recruiter will be in touch with you if your profile meets our client's requirements for this role.

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.