Controller-Director of Finance

Gateway Seminary; Ontario; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading institution in Ontario seeks a Controller and Director of Finance to oversee financial activities and manage a small team. The role requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and a commitment to the institution's mission. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in finance management and a solid understanding of accounting principles.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in finance management roles.
• Strong commitment to the mission of Gateway Seminary.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial activities in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage a team of 3 in the Finance Department.
• Prepare key reports for Board meetings.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Analytical Skills

Education

BA degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA or equivalent

Tools

Accounting software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

If you have any questions about this position please contact Human Resources.

The Controller and Director of Finance oversees the Seminary’s financial and accounting activities in accordance with the policies and practices of the Seminary, and all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. This role requires individual contributions as well as leadership of a small team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

The following duties are considered essential to the job. With or without reasonable accommodation, qualified individuals must have the ability to perform the following duties :

• Maintain the financial statement and general ledger modules within the accounting software system for assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses in accordance with GAAP and fund accounting principles. Provide oversight of accounting policies, procedures, and related operational practices.
• Manage the development and implementation of the financial plan for the control of operations; profit planning, revenue forecasts, expense budgets, teaching costs standards, and capital investments; recommend budgets and saving opportunities in partnership with CFO, prepare budget revisions.
• Plan, organize, select, motivate, evaluate, and recommend training for a staff of 3 direct team members, oversee the functions of the department including work allocation and problem solving, and provide routine management reports to the CFO regarding the performance of the departments.
• Analyze operations by comparing performance with operating plans and standards, provide reports and interpretation of the results on operations at all levels of management, and prepare financial statements and special reports, including investment portfolio performance, as required.
• Forecast, manage, and develop short-range and long-range cash requirements. Work with banks and investment managers to manage cash needs.
• Analyze, consolidate, and direct all financial activities ensuring protection for the assets of the Seminary through internal control, internal auditing, and insurance management in partnership with the CFO.
• Prepare key reports and updates for Board of Director meetings including Investment Committee.
• Monitor performance of student receivable balances including outstanding loans and execute cash disbursements for payment of expenditures in accordance with disbursement policies.
• Serve as lead contact for annual audit. Lead effort to prepare required audit client documents.
• Perform additional duties as required by management in order to advance Seminary strategy.

Job duties are not limited to the list shown above and may be revised from time to time as deemed appropriate by the Seminary.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

Manages employees in the Finance Department and is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Core Values :

The candidate must possess a strong commitment to the mission of Gateway Seminary, be an active member of an evangelical Christian church. A clear understanding of Baptist history, organization, polity, and culture is a plus.

Gateway Seminary is a confessional institution owned by the Southern Baptist Convention. While the seminary serves the larger evangelical Christian community, employees must embrace the values and standards the seminary represents as it fulfills its mission of shaping Christian leaders. Employees are expected to abide by the Biblical doctrines stated in the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, as well as the requirements stated in our bylaws.

Qualifications :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Strong commitment to the mission of Gateway Seminary, and be an active member of an evangelical Christian church. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and / or Experience : BA degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA or equivalent preferred; 8+ years of experience gained through increasingly responsible management positions within Finance; and affiliation with successful Seminary or higher education institution preferred.

Skills : Language Skills : English Required. Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner. Ability to read and interpret academic documents such as customer guidelines and procedures information. Ability to speak effectively before customers or employees of organizations. Ability to communicate effectively and specifically to address problems with management. Ability to lead and influence people or groups of people toward the achievement of goals.

Mathematical Skills : Ability to perform advanced quantitative analysis and calculate key financial ratios. Able to read and assess published financial statements.

Reasoning Ability : Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and regulations / laws furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form pertaining to the industry. Strong negotiation and analytical skills. Ability to research root causes of financial discrepancies or problems and implement or recommend corrective actions.

Computer Skills : To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Accounting software; database software; Microsoft Excel and Word processing software.

Physical Demands : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee should be capable of lifting and / or moving up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet, though moderate noise can occur at meetings and social events. It is a well-lighted, heated and / or air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation.