Controller (Bilingual)
Location: Downtown Ottawa | Free Parking
Industry: Not-for-Profit | Unionized Environment
Our client, a well-established national not-for-profit organization, is seeking a fully bilingual Controller to lead finance and administrative operations in a unionized environment. Reporting to senior leadership, this role supports an annual budget of approximately $41M and is responsible for financial stewardship, compliance, reporting, payroll oversight, and administrative leadership across national and regional offices.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on, collaborative finance leader who enjoys working in a mission-driven organization and can balance strategic insight with day-to-day operational execution.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
- Lead the preparation and coordination of the annual operating budget of approximately $41M.
- Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including internal controls, cash flow, accounting policies, and investments.
- Prepare financial statements, management reports, budget-to-actual analyses, and other financial reporting for leadership.
- Monitor financial performance, investigate variances, and provide recommendations to senior leaders.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including CRA, payroll, and Statistics Canada filings.
- Act as the primary contact for internal and external audits and coordinate all related activities.
- Support contract review and negotiations for goods, services, and cost-saving opportunities.
- Provide financial guidance to internal stakeholders, vendors, financial institutions, and external partners.
- Maintain and monitor membership-related financial and reporting data across multiple bargaining units.
HR, Payroll & Administration
- Oversee payroll administration, employee benefits, and HR-related budget impacts.
- Ensure compliance with collective agreements, employment legislation, and internal policies.
- Support hiring administration, attendance tracking, benefits coordination, and employee support processes.
- Promote a positive, inclusive workplace through strong HR and administrative practices.
- Oversee office operations, facilities, equipment, reception, and administrative support functions.
National & Regional Support
- Serve as a financial and administrative resource to national leadership and regional offices.
- Provide guidance on financial procedures, compliance requirements, and administrative best practices.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes and strengthen shared services across the organization.
Team Leadership
- Supervise and mentor a team of 3 Bookkeepers and 5 Accounting Assistants.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- CPA designation, active and in good standing.
- 5+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience in a senior leadership role.
- 3+ years of people leadership experience, including coaching and team development.
- Strong background in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and accounting operations.
- Solid knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, audit processes, and compliance requirements.
- Experience partnering with executive leadership and/or a Board of Directors.
- Experience in a unionized environment is a strong asset.
- Exposure to payroll, HR administration, or broader operational oversight is an asset.
- Fully bilingual in English and French, with strong verbal and written communication skills in both languages.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Hands-on, detail-oriented, and collaborative leadership style.
Hiring Manager’s Note
“We’re looking for someone who is both strategic and hands-on - a finance leader who wants to understand how the organization operates, build strong relationships across the leadership team, and help shape the next chapter of financial and operational growth.”
This is a fully on-site position in downtown Ottawa with free parking, a highly competitive benefits program, and an excellent pension plan.
Job Reference Number: 0013407653
