Director of Finance and Controls

RIDLEY COLLEGE; St. Catharines; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in the Niagara Region seeks a Director of Finance and Controls to oversee financial operations and reporting. The ideal candidate will have a CPA designation and 7-10 years of senior accounting experience. This role involves managing the finance team and ensuring compliance with financial regulations while supporting the Chief Financial Officer. The institution values inclusivity and is committed to providing accommodations for applicants as needed.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of senior accounting and supervisory experience in a complex organization.
• Proven record of success in accounting and financial management.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Ensure financial integrity and operational effectiveness.
• Oversee daily financial operations and reporting.
• Support decision-making with financial analysis.

Skills

Accounting

Financial operations

Team supervision

Analytical mindset

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, commerce, or business administration

CPA designation

Job description

Director of Finance and Controls – Ridley College

On the ecologically rich and picturesque Niagara Escarpment, in the welcoming lakeside city of St. Catharines, sits Ridley College’s charming 90-acre campus. It is an ideal setting for family, career, and leisure.

Established in 1889, Ridley College has graduated men and women who have led flourishing lives and made significant contributions to their communities. Ridley has maintained a long-standing and global reputation of excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. Behind these standards is the constant reminder of the needs of others in the school’s motto : Terar Dum Prosim (May I be Consumed in Service). For more than 135 years, Ridley’s vision and approach to learning has produced influential leaders in a wide variety of fields. Today, the school’s student body includes some of the most brilliant young minds from around the globe.

With approximately 870 students from 60+ countries, the largest boarding programme in Ontario and the third largest in Canada, Ridley College is a truly international, co‑educational, day and boarding school that prepares students to be engaged, global citizens. Ridley’s Lower School offers Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6, the Middle School Grade 7 and 8, the Upper School consists of Grade 9 to 12, and Ridley graduates attend some of the top universities and colleges around the world. Ridley is the only co‑educational independent boarding school in Canada – and one of only three in North America – authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum programme across all grades. Ridley’s active, global community of 8,000 alumni share a deep connection to each other and to the school thanks to the enriching learning and life‑shaping experiences they have received from one of the top independent schools in the nation.

Reporting to the Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFOO), the Director of Finance and Controls (DFC) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the financial integrity and day‑to‑day operational effectiveness of Ridley College. The DFC provides oversight of the school’s financial operations, including accurate and compliant financial reporting, effective budgeting and forecasting, and robust internal controls. Working closely with the CFOO and supported by a dedicated finance team, the DFC oversees daily financial operations, helps optimize resource allocation, safeguard assets, and support decision‑making through insightful financial analysis and advice.

The DFC leads the finance office team, manages the preparation of internal and external financial statements, and ensures compliance with all relevant legislation and policies. This role is responsible for supervising, coaching, and developing finance staff, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing environment. The DFC also supports risk management, process improvement, and the implementation of best practices in financial management.

As the ideal candidate, you are a detail‑oriented and collaborative financial leader with a proven record of success in accounting, financial operations, and team supervision. You are recognized for your integrity, analytical mindset, and commitment to operational excellence. Your experience includes overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls, as well as leading and developing finance teams. You communicate financial information clearly to a variety of stakeholders and are adept at managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

You have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, commerce, or business administration, a CPA designation, and 7–10 years of senior accounting and supervisory experience in a complex organization.

For additional information, please review the Executive Brief here.

Ridley College is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible and equitable environment where everyone feels respected, valued and supported. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are selected to participate in the recruitment process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used in order to ensure your equal participation.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.