Are you an experienced accounting professional who enjoys leading a team, improving systems, and making the numbers meaningful? On behalf of our client, Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS), we are seeking a Controller to join this welcoming school community in Victoria, BC.
Reporting to the Chief Financial and Operations Officer, you will lead the day-to-day operations of finance and accounting.. You will combine hands-on financial expertise with supportive team leadership, ensuring reliable reporting, strong controls, and responsive service across the school. This role offers the opportunity to broaden your leadership contribution and take on additional responsibilities as the needs of the organization evolve.
Who is GNS?
GNS is an independent day school serving students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. As an IB World Continuum School offering three International Baccalaureate programs, GNS educates the whole child and prepares students to contribute to their communities and the wider world. Guided by Truth, Courage, Caring, Individuality, and Community, the school brings together people who care deeply about learning, service, and helping young people thrive.
What Makes GNS a Great Place to Work?
We are a committed group of people who love what we do and believe in living our values. We work hard, but we also believe in having fun while we’re at it! This role offers a salary of $110,000 to $120,000 per year, commensurate with experience, along with immediate and comprehensive benefits, a generous RRSP program, a tuition discount, free parking, and access to the fitness centre. With opportunities for professional growth and expanded leadership responsibility, this is a chance to build your career while contributing to a school community with a clear sense of purpose.
Our ideal Controller brings:
- A professional accounting designation in good standing (CPA, CA, CGA, or CMA) and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
- Six or more years of progressively responsible experience in accounting and financial management, including at least three years leading, supervising, and developing staff.
- Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, audit, and internal controls, with an understanding of Canadian GAAP and CRA requirements, including charity reporting.
- Advanced Excel skills, familiarity with Google Workspace, and strong proficiency in accounting systems. Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge is an asset, along with the ability to learn and integrate new technologies.
- A collaborative, supportive leadership style and the ability to explain financial information clearly. You build trust through respectful service, whether coaching a team member, supporting a budget-holder, or speaking with a parent.
- Integrity, discretion, and sound judgment, with strong attention to detail, dependable follow-through, and the ability to stay organized and calm when priorities compete. You keep the school’s broader priorities in view and look for practical ways to improve how work gets done.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead and develop the accounting team, overseeing accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and benefits, reconciliations, and payments.
- Prepare monthly financial statements, cash-flow forecasts, and variance analysis for the School and Foundation; support the CFOO with budgeting and help budget-holders manage their resources.
- Manage cash flow and treasury activities, maintain effective internal controls, and oversee tax filings, charity returns, statutory remittances, and other required reporting.
- Coordinate external audits, prepare annual financial statements and supporting schedules, and serve as the primary liaison with auditors.
- Improve financial systems, reporting, and processes through standardization, automation, and integration with related school systems.
- Work closely with Advancement and other school teams to support financial decisions and ensure donations, endowment distributions, and grant funding are accounted for and used appropriately.
Please review the full Job Description for further details about the responsibilities and qualifications for this role.
How to Apply:
If this opportunity feels like the right next step, please forward a resume to TallSky Consulting that clearly outlines how your skills and experience meet the requirements of this role.
At TallSky and GNS, we are committed to building inclusive communities that reflect the diversity of our society. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
This position will remain open until it is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, after initial acknowledgment, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
