Financial Controller

The Institute for Work & Health is an independent, not-for-profit research organization. Our mission is to conduct and mobilize research that supports policymakers, employers and workers in creating healthy, safe and inclusive work environments. The Institute provides practical and relevant findings and evidence-based products on the inter-relationships between work and health from worker, workplace and systems perspectives.

The Institute is currently seeking a qualified person to fill the position of Financial Controller.

The Financial Controller is responsible for financial planning, reporting and compliance at IWH. This position oversees all financial and accounting functions at IWH, and works with the President and the Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services to ensure the public reporting of IWH’s financial position is accurate. The Financial Controller is required to have solid communication, technology, analytical and management skills. As part of a 55-person organization, with one direct report, and an annual operating budget of between $9M and $10M, this role requires both hands-on day-to-day activities through to providing strategic financial advice. They must demonstrate knowledge of Accounting Standards for Not-For-Profit Organizations as well as Canadian based Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Core duties and responsibilities

• Planning, coordinating and directing all accounting operational and planning functions.
• Working with the payroll clerk to process bi-weekly payroll and ensuring all government and benefit remittances are submitted (CPP, EI, EHT, WSIB, HOOPP, Group Insurance, etc.), including payroll changes, both planned and on request.
• Supervise and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Accounts Payable/ Receivable clerk to ensure all expenses and revenues are correctly reported to projects.
• Responding to IWH staff requests related to payroll or benefit programs.
• Managing the compilation and consolidation of all financial data necessary to create accurate accounting of consolidated business results.
• Coordinating and preparing internal and external financial statements on a quarterly basis, including statements of financial position, statements of operations, overview of deferred revenue, cashflow forecasts and projected amortization of IWH’s capital assets, as well as details explaining any variances associated with the statements of operations compared to budget.
• Attendance at quarterly meetings of IWH’s Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
• Preparing quarterly, annual and interim reports on project specific finances for scientific staff and president.
• Review of all final budgets submitted for external grant funding, and ensuring all grant funding is spent in accordance with allowable expenses.
• Preparing all final financial reports for external granting agencies for projects undertaken at IWH.
• Coordinating the activities of IWH’s external audit on an annual basis, including preparation of materials and act as the key contact for IWH during the audit process.
• Providing the president and members of the executive team with relevant budget and financial information to assist them in decision-making processes.
• Leading and setting the timing of the annual budget development process to ensure all required contributions are captured, including the projected allocation of expenses for all IWH activities between core funding and external grant revenues.
• Regularly evaluate current operational accounting and internal control systems and make recommendations for improvement.
• Implement new financial policies and processes as needed.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of accounting software, upgrades and supporting database, as needed.
• Develop and closely monitor business performance metrics.
• Oversee regulatory reporting, frequently including tax planning and compliance
• Hiring, training, and retaining skilled accounting staff

Education, experience and skills

• Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business or related discipline.
• 5-7 years of demonstrated progressive financial management experience under Accounting Standards for Not-For-Profit Organizations.
• Experience in a not-for-profit, research, charitable, public-sector or grant-funded environment is highly desirable.
• Experience managing an organizational budget of $5–$15 million.
• Experience presenting financial information to senior leadership and Boards.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls and audit
• Experience with accounting systems (ie: Sage) and full MS Office 365 Suite with advanced knowledge of Excel.

Compensation package

This is a permanent position, starting in February 2027. Starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience and will be in the range of $120,000 - $145,000 plus group benefits, participation in a defined benefit pension plan, and at least four weeks' annual vacation. Suitability for the position will be assessed within the first six months.

Application details

• Applicants must be able to work a minimum of two days per week at the IWH office in Toronto.
• Applicants must be legally entitled to work on full-time basis for any employer in Canada.
• Please provide a cover letter, and a summary of no more than two pages that clearly demonstrates your suitability for the position, as well as an up-to-date curriculum vitae.

If you are interested in this position, please apply using a single MS Word or PDF file and forward to:

Derek Wills

Director, Human Resources & Corporate Services

400 University Avenue, Suite 1800

Toronto, Ontario M5G 1S5

Email: careers@iwh.on.ca

Applications will be accepted until November 20, 2026 at 5:00pm or until the position is filled.

This position is to fill an existing permanent full-time role.

IWH does not use AI to screen applications.

IWH is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values and promotes diversity. IWH encourages applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous people, women, LGBTQ2S+ persons, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact Derek Wills at dwills@iwh.on.ca or (416) 927-2027, ext. 2115 to discuss their needs.

We thank all applicants, but only those considered for the position will be contacted.

About IWH

IWH, guided by a Board of Directors and an international Scientific Advisory Committee, conducts research that examines primary prevention and interventions in the workplace; effective and efficient rehabilitation and safe, timely return to work for people with work-related injury and illness; labour market experiences and their health consequences; and disability compensation systems and their behavioural consequences. IWH supports an active knowledge transfer and exchange program, which implements interactive strategies to transfer research findings to key decision-makers. IWH also trains and mentors the next generation of work and health researchers.

IWH is committed to excellent working conditions, a cooperative team environment for its employees, and transparent, diverse and fair recruiting practices of staff and trainees.

IWH operates with the support of the Government of Ontario.