Controller

Nova Scotia Nature Trust; Dartmouth; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A conservation organization in Dartmouth, NS, seeks a part-time Controller to oversee financial management and compliance. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in finance or accounting and at least 7 years of accounting experience, preferably in nonprofit settings. Strong knowledge of GAAP, proficiency with financial software, and a passion for nature conservation are essential. Hybrid work options are available, with competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Professional development allowance

Generous vacation and leave

Health and wellness benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of accounting experience in a complex financial environment.
• Experience in a nonprofit/charity setting is required.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and fund accounting principles.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial planning and management of the organization’s finances.
• Lead full-cycle accounting operations, including payroll and tax filings.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field

CPA or MBA preferred

Tools

QuickBooks

Advanced spreadsheet skills

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

The Nova Scotia Nature Trust seeks a Controller to oversee all aspects of finance and accounting and work with our Executive Director to ensure our organization’s financial health, compliance and strategic financial planning. This role requires an experienced professional who can navigate a complex financial environment with integrity and strategic foresight.

Join a passionate, collaborative team making a tangible impact on conservation in Nova Scotia, protecting the province’s most ecologically significant and unique lands as a natural legacy for generations to come. The Nature Trust is a sector leader in Canada, a highly professional, mature, well-respected organization with a 30-year track record of achievement, strong financial health, an exceptional and passionate staff team of 20+ and an effective governance Board.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee financial planning, growth and management of the organization’s finances and assets
• Lead full-cycle accounting operations, cash flow, payroll, benefits, receipting, financial reporting, audit and tax filings (Canadian Charity return, HST / PSB returns, U.S. form 990)
• Oversee risk management, financial controls, policies and procedures
• Support creation and management of operating and capital budgets ($6-8M) and growth strategies
• Monitor and oversee financial and asset management ($72 million in assets)
• Ensure compliance with legal, statutory and regulatory requirements and GAAP
• Supervise / oversee bookkeeper
• Provide support and guidance to the Executive Director, Board, Finance and Investment committees as required

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA or MBA preferred

Minimum of 7 years of accounting experience including experience in a complex financial environment, including work in a senior role and at least 2 years in a nonprofit / charity setting

Strong knowledge of GAAP and fund accounting principles

Proficiency in financial software (e.g. QuickBooks) and advanced spreadsheet skills

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills and ability to improve processes

Supervisory experience

A passion for nature and nature conservation / belief in the mission of the Nature Trust

Other desirable assets : experience with accounting specific to land trusts / land conservation, investment tracking / reporting, life insurance and other types of planned giving and filing U.S. and Canadian charity tax returns

Working Arrangements

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. A detailed hourly rate or fee structure will be discussed with shortlisted candidates. This part-time position may be structured either as an employee or self-employed contractor arrangement and may be office-based (downtown Dartmouth), fully remote or hybrid.

Nature Trust employees enjoy a range of perks and benefits including professional development / learning allowance, generous vacation and leave, health and wellness, Nature Days with the team, RRSP match, and flexible work arrangements / hours.

The role will start immediately, working alongside our long-time Controller ( 8-10 hours / month), moving towards 12-14 hours monthly plus 170—180 additional hours annually (audit, tax filings etc.) upon his retirement in December 2025.

Working with the Nature Trust

The Nature Trust fosters a respectful, welcoming, flexible, and collaborative work environment. We value integrity, transparency, and sustainability—not only in our conservation efforts but also in how we work together as a team. You’ll join a committed group of professionals who support one another and share a deep passion for environmental stewardship. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including Indigenous persons, under-represented peoples, people of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, visible minorities, racialized people, and people with disabilities.

To apply

Please send a current resume and cover letter (as one document) to by August 15, 2025. Please clearly specify experience related to the Nature Trust’s needs, why you’d like to work with the Nature Trust and why you believe you’re a good fit with our organization.

For more information, please visit

For the latest financial statements visit : -and-reports /

Company Description

The Nova Scotia Nature Trust was created to protect and conserve our province’s incredible natural legacy. We work directly to save outstanding natural areas, through land conservation. We use a strategic, science-driven approach to identify and protect the most threatened, unique and significant natural areas.

Together, with landowners, local communities, other conservation organizations and government we protect and steward wild places. We protect land in perpetuity, for nature and future generations to enjoy.

Since the Nature Trust began our work more than 30 years ago, we have saved irreplaceable wild spaces on more than 190 sites from end to end of Nova Scotia. These conservation lands will be protected — forever.

Company Description

The Nova Scotia Nature Trust was created to protect and conserve our province’s incredible natural legacy. We work directly to save outstanding natural areas, through land conservation. We use a strategic, science-driven approach to identify and protect the most threatened, unique and significant natural areas.

Together, with landowners, local communities, other conservation organizations and government we protect and steward wild places. We protect land in perpetuity, for nature and future generations to enjoy.

Since the Nature Trust began our work more than 30 years ago, we have saved irreplaceable wild spaces on more than 190 sites from end to end of Nova Scotia. These conservation lands will be protected — forever.