Financial Controller

St. Margaret's School, Victoria; Victoria; On-site; CAD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gym

Rapid transit access

Job summary

St. Margaret’s School in Victoria, BC, is seeking a full-time Financial Controller to lead the accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and planning for the independent IB world-class school.

The role is based on campus and reports to the Chief Financial & Operations Officer, coordinating with administration, finance staff and external auditors. Ideal candidates will have a CPA designation and at least five years of full-cycle accounting experience, preferably in the non-profit

Qualifications

• CPA designation required with commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Minimum five years' experience in full-cycle accounting, preferably non-profit with fund accounting.
• Strong systems thinking and financial analysis abilities; excellent communication with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day financial operations and reporting.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, audits and internal controls.
• Supervise Finance Team and partner with leadership and Board on financial planning.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and safeguarding of assets.

Skills

Accounting

Financial analysis

Excel proficiency

Team leadership

Education

CPA designation

Tools

Great Plains

Databases

Reporting tools

Job description

Regular

Internal/External Posting

Posting Date: September 20, 2026

Closing Date: October 4, 2026

Posting # 2026083

Hours

Monday-Friday

Beginning October 2026

Salary

Range $130,000 to $170,000

This is a non – bargaining unit position

All candidates must be legally able to work in Canada.

Summary

St. Margaret’s School (SMS) is Western Canada’s only girl-centered, independent day and boarding school located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on the unceded traditional territories of the Esquimalt Nations, Songhees Nations, and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations. Founded in 1908, SMS is an international centre for girl-centered learning and leadership development, providing empowering education for girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 (boarding grades 7–12). St. Margaret’s School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) School offering the Diploma Programme, and we are a candidate school for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). St. Margaret’s School is seeking a full-time Financial Controller to provide leadership for the School’s accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and financial planning. This director-level role leads the Finance Team, maintains accurate fiscal records, and prepares and interprets financial information for management, the Board, and external stakeholders.

Nature and Scope

The Financial Controller reports to the Chief Financial & Operations Officer and works closely with the Administration Team, Finance Team, students, parents, and other staff members to manage the School’s day-to-day financial requirements.

Core Competencies

• Integrity & Trust
• Service Orientation
• Adaptability
• Innovation
• Resilience
• Professional Knowledge
• Communication & Collaboration

Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the School’s day-to-day financial operations.
• Supervise Finance Team members and provide ongoing guidance, coaching and mentorship.
• Ensure day-to-day financial activities are completed accurately and on time, with outstanding items followed through to resolution.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports.
• Maintain and improve financial policies, procedures and internal controls to safeguard the School’s assets and support effective financial management.
• Oversee cash management, banking and treasury activities to support the School’s operational and financial requirements.
• Follow up on difficult past due student accounts as necessary and meet with parents to discuss financial issues.
• Liaise with external parties on provincial, federal, and annual fiscal audits.
• Prepare various year-end schedules and analyses related to the year-end audit.
• Oversee the School inventory for accuracy and efficiency.
• Lead annual operating and capital budget development with the Chief Financial & Operations Officer and budget owners.
• Prepare multi-year financial plans, forecasts, cash flow projections, and scenario analyses aligned with strategic and operational priorities.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, analyze variances, trends, risks and opportunities, and recommend appropriate actions.
• Provide clear financial planning reports and guidance to senior leadership, the Board, and budget owners.
• Develop and improve budgeting, forecasting, reporting and other financial processes, systems and tools.
• Create ad hoc management reports and financial analysis as required to support decision-making.

Required Education & Experience

• Professional Accounting Designation (CPA) is required, with an ongoing commitment to professional development.
• Minimum of five years of experience in a full-cycle professional accounting environment, preferably in the non-profit sector, with a strong understanding of fund accounting.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Systems level thinking and strong accounting and finance mental models.
• Strong accounting, financial analysis, and analytical skills, with the ability to ensure compliance with accounting standards and accountability for internal budgets.
• Knowledge of enterprise systems, including Great Plains, databases, and report-development tools.
• Strong understanding of current software technologies and the ability to collaborate with IT on system improvement recommendations.
• Ability to supervise other finance professionals, delegate responsibilities and provide positive guidance in a team environment
• Commitment to clear, professional communication with internal and external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, and vendors.
• Ability to present ideas confidently in presentations and writing
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft applications; familiarity with artificial intelligence tools is an asset.
• Actively support the vision, mission and values of our School

Valued Benefits

A career with St. Margaret’s School will offer you the opportunity to be part of dedicated team of professionals in a dynamic and rewarding educational environment. This position is located on the school campus, with access to rapid transit, on-site gym, and other amenities.

St. Margaret's School emphasizes a dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion across living, learning, and work environments. The school aims to have its workforce mirror the diversity of students and the community. Actively encouraging applications from groups facing historical or current equity barriers, the institution is committed to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community. Employees needing employment support, technical aids, or accommodations, are encouraged to contact Human Resources [e-mail].

Questions email [e-mail]