Controller

SIRC; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization based in Ottawa is seeking a Controller to oversee all financial operations, including financial planning, accounting, compliance, and reporting. The role requires a CPA designation and 5–7 years of experience in finance and accounting, ideally within the nonprofit or sport sector. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong financial analysis skills, attention to detail, and exceptional communication abilities. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, promoting a balanced work-life experience.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Lead OTP's accounting operations including general ledger, AP/AR, and reconciliations.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage and report on multi-source grant funding.

Skills

Financial management

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Forecasting

Audit coordination

Decision-making

Bilingualism (English/French)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business

CPA designation

Tools

Microsoft Business Central

Power BI

Job description

The Controller, Finance serves as the organization’s Head Accountant and plays a central role in overseeing all financial operations, reporting, and compliance. Reporting to the Vice President, Partnerships, Finance & Administration, the Controller leads financial planning, budget management, accounting operations, payroll, audit coordination, and funder reporting.

This position ensures the integrity of OTP’s financial systems, supports evidence-based decision-making, and contributes to the overall financial stability and strategic direction of the organization.

The Controller will collaborate closely with senior leadership, funding partners, and internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead OTP’s accounting operations, including general ledger, AP/AR, fixed assets, month-end close, and reconciliations.
• Oversee bi-weekly payroll and ensure accurate year-end tax and compliance reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Canadian GAAP.
• Coordinate and lead the annual external audit and all statutory financial reporting.
• Lead financial planning and analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, program viability, ROI assessments, and strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Manage and report on multi-source grant funding while ensuring compliance with all conditions and deadlines.
• Prepare and present timely financial reports for funders, partners, and the Board, including monitoring program spending and meeting all reporting requirements.
• Strengthen internal controls, business planning processes, and operational efficiency across the organization.
• Manage cash flow, investments, bank reconciliations, financial records, and stakeholder inquiries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• CPA designation is required.
• 5–7 years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience (not-for-profit or sport sector experience is an asset).

Key Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of financial management, GAAP, and nonprofit financial reporting.
• Strong financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and audit coordination skills.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills; able to navigate complex or ambiguous issues.
• High attention to detail and accuracy; able to create and uphold financial standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial audiences.
• Demonstrated integrity and ethical standards in financial management.
• Strong time management and organizational skills; adaptable to shifting priorities.
• Ability to lead and support change management initiatives.
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of nonprofit operations.
• Experience with Microsoft Business Central and Power BI is an asset.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.

Working Conditions

• Based in Ottawa, ON, with a hybrid work arrangement.
• Primarily office-based with extended periods working at a computer.
• Requires managing multiple deadlines and deliverables in a dynamic environment.