Controller

Ottawa Salus Corporation; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ottawa Salus Corporation seeks a Controller to enhance financial operations within the non-profit sector. This role involves managing financial systems, budgeting, and compliance while supporting a mission focused on mental health and supportive housing. With the potential for significant impact, the position offers opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Generous vacation leave and paid leave days

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including 2+ years in a leadership role.
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience in payroll administration and systems implementation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all general ledger activities and month/year-end closure processes.
• Prepare accurate financial statements and internal reports.
• Evaluate financial systems and identify automation opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

CPA designation

CFA/MBA

Tools

Sage Intacct

QuickBooks

ADP

Excel

Job description

Job Description

Posted Friday, June 20, 2025 at 4:00 AM | Expires Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 3:59 AM

Position:

Controller

Number of Position(s):

One (1)

Position Type:

Full Time Non-unionized position

Language Requirement:

English required. Bilingualism (English/French) an asset.

Reports to:

President & CEO/ CFO

Are you a strategic, hands-on leader who’s ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into new challenges with a passion for improving systems and processes in the non-profit sector? Ottawa Salus—a well-respected not-for-profit providing supportive housing and mental health services—is seeking a Controller to lead the transformation of our finance operations. As we enter an exciting phase of exponential growth and organizational expansion, this is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact and help shape the future of our financial strategy.

This is a rare opportunity to modernize internal systems, help build a more efficient finance function that supports a growing and evolving organization — all while supporting a mission that truly matters.

Purpose:

Reporting to the President & CEO/CFO, the Controller will be crucial in managing financial operations, spearheading the automation of internal processes and systems, and assisting with strategic planning. This position requires advanced technical accounting expertise, proven leadership experience, and a results-driven approach to enhancing financial systems and processes within a non-profit environment.

Responsibilities:

1. Financial Management and Reporting

• Oversee all general ledger activities and month/year-end closure processes.
• Prepare timely and accurate financial statements and internal reports.
• Lead cleanup and restructuring historical financial data and reports.
• Liaise with auditors and funders during audits and reviews.

2. Automation and Systems Improvement

• Evaluate financial systems and identify automation opportunities (AP, payroll, reporting).
• Implement or enhance tools to streamline workflows (e.g., Excel automation, system integrations).
• Standardized processes and financial documentation.

3. Budgeting and Forecasting

• Support the annual budgeting process with program and senior leadership.
• Develop forecasting tools and templates.
• Deliver variance analysis and financial insights to support decision-making.

4. Internal Controls and Compliance

• Ensure adherence to internal controls and financial policies.
• Maintain compliance with funder requirements and government regulations.
• Develop or revise finance-related policies and procedures.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and strategic financial reports and investment materials for the Finance and Investment Committee to support effective governance and informed decision-making

5. Leadership and Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor finance staff.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration to support financial literacy across programs and operational effectiveness

Qualifications

• CPA designation (or in final stages of completion). CFA/MBA will be considered as well.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including 2+ years in a leadership role.
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector is strongly preferred.
• Adequate knowledge about the ASNPO
• Knowledge of supportive housing or social services is an asset.
• Proven experience in payroll administration and systems implementation.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with accounting/payroll platforms such as Sage Intacct, QuickBooks, ADP, or similar.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Language Requirement:

• Full proficiency in English is required for this position. Bilingualism (English/ French) is considered an asset.

Assets

• Experience working with government-funded programs and restricted contributions.
• Familiarity with CRA and employment standards as they apply to payroll and charities.
• Change management or project management experienc e.

Pre-Hiring Requirements:

• Academic Certificate(s)
• Criminal reference check
• Proof that the successful candidate has received both doses of a Health Canada approved COVID 19 vaccine at least 14 days before the first day of work, subject always to Ottawa Salus’ duty to accommodate under the Ontario Human Rights Code

Why Work at Ottawa Salus?

Salus has a proven record of accomplishment of supporting clients and tenants with serious and persistent mental illness in the Ottawa area. The value of the work we provide to our clients and tenants is changing lives. The pride felt by our staff makes working here a fulfilling experience.

We offer all these and many more including:

• Competitive salary and benefits package including generous health and dental benefits
• Generous vacation leave and other paid leave days