Controller

Who we are:

Independent Energy System Operator (IESO) Nova Scotia is a new organization created by the Nova Scotia Government that began operations in 2025. IESO Nova Scotia will reform the way Nova Scotia’s energy system is managed by assuming responsibility for managing the power system in real-time, achieving clean energy goals and planning for the province's future energy needs.

IESO Nova Scotia employees are guided by exemplifying the behaviours of curiosity, collaboration, intent, and transparency with the purpose of energizing Nova Scotia and delivering a secure energy transition at the best possible cost for Nova Scotians.

Role Summary:

The successful candidate will report directly to the Director of Finance and will be responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the organization's financial reporting and accounting activities. The Controller will lead the day-to-day accounting and financial reporting functions and provide financial analysis and support to management across the organization.

The Controller will be responsible for maintaining effective financial controls, overseeing the monthly and quarterly financial close, preparing financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), coordinating the annual external audit, and supporting the annual budget and ongoing forecasting processes. This position will also play an important role in strengthening the organization's financial management capabilities. This includes improving departmental reporting and analysis, developing more robust financial planning and analysis (FP&A) processes, enhancing financial controls and business processes, and participating in a future ERP system upgrade.

This is a hands-on leadership role within a small Finance team. The successful candidate will be comfortable moving between detailed accounting matters, financial analysis, supervision of staff, and higher-level financial reporting and business support.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related discipline.
• Current CPA designation is required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, Finance Manager, or comparable senior accounting role.
• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS and experience applying accounting standards in a practical business environment.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure accounting policies and financial reporting are compliant with IFRS and are consistently applied across the organization.
• Lead the monthly, quarterly and annual financial close processes, ensuring financial information is complete, accurate and produced on a timely basis.
• Research and document accounting treatment for significant, unusual or complex transactions.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve the efficiency, accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting processes.
• Provide monthly departmental financial reporting and analysis to budget owners and management.
• Prepare periodic forecasts and projections of operating results, cash flows and capital requirements.
• Lead the coordination of the annual external financial statement audit, including preparation of working papers, supporting schedules and responses to auditor requests.
• Maintain and continuously improve the organization's internal financial controls, policies, and procedures.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting and reporting processes through improved processes, standardization, and automation.

Core Competencies:

• Hands-on and Pragmatic: willing to work directly with detailed financial information as part of a small Finance team.
• Accountable and Dependable: take ownership of deadlines and the quality of financial information.
• Analytical and Inquisitive: seek to understand why results differ from expectations rather than simply reporting variances.
• Collaborative and Service Orientated: able to establish effective relationships across the organization while maintaining appropriate financial discipline.
• Process Orientated: with an interest in building more efficient and scalable Finance processes.
• Comfortable with Change: particularly as the organization enhances its ERP, FP&A, and financial reporting capabilities.
• A Strong People Leader: capable of setting clear expectations, reviewing work effectively, and developing Finance team members.

What we offer:

• Competitive benefits and paid time off
• Energetic, driven, fun culture
• Collaborative team environment
• The ability to work remotely 1 day per week
• A competitive salary commensurate with your experience
• A chance to make a big impact on Nova Scotia’s energy future!