Assistant Controller and Associate Director, Accounting & Reporting

About Toronto Metropolitan

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world.

For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our academic plan

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

Financial Services

The Financial Services division is an exceptionally client-focused and collaborative group reporting to the Chief Financial Officer. The Financial Services team are guided by principles of transparency and accountability in their endeavour to:

• Provide financial leadership and proactive analysis and solutions;
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and develop efficient and effective processes and procedures;
• Deliver support services that enable faculty, researchers and staff to achieve the university’s goals and objectives in support of our students; and

• Manage the financial internal control environment, including regulatory compliance and overall financial health and risk of the university.

Financial Services is responsible for accounting and reporting on the financial transactions of the University including specifically accounting and financial reporting; external audits; treasury, debt management and investing services; procurement, payables, shipping and receiving; research and special project accounting and reporting; budget administration and advisory and support services; finance systems and training; accounts receivable and collection services, university pension plan audit and the insurance management program.

The Opportunity

The Assistant Controller and Associate Director, Accounting & Reporting provides financial management expertise and strategic advice to the University community by leveraging in depth knowledge of accounting, auditing and internal control practices and principles, standards and information systems, as well as solid understanding of tax and legislative compliance in Canada and other jurisdictions.

• Develops options through the oversight of complex financial analysis and modelling. Reviews and analyzes organizational financial performance to provide advice to the leadership that enables effective decision making.
• Develops financial procedures with the Controller and implements them in a complex and dynamic environment.
• Acts as functional lead on projects to develop or redesign processes and procedures to increase efficiencies and to ensure effective internal controls for enterprise risk management.
• Represents the Controller in their absence.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Assists the Controller in providing strategic leadership to the university community on financial and process related issues, including the application of professional judgement in situations where clear direction is not available or interpretation is required.
• Provides financial advice and oversight on matters of internal controls, operational risk management and compliance assurance.
• Develops plans for the effective scheduling and management of quarter-end unaudited and annual year-end audit activities, to manage preparation of various financial statements, filing of extensive external reporting and surveys and to ensure readiness for various external audits. Plans and manages appropriate resource allocation in order to meet conflicting deadlines while ensuring data integrity. Collaborates with senior management and various stakeholders to ensure milestones and reporting deadlines are achieved in a timely manner.
• Evaluates outcomes from previous cycles and adjusts planning strategies to address recurring challenges and improve effectiveness.
• Leads the external audit process for university financial statements and TMU pension plan financial statement audit and other special purpose audits, acting as first level of contact for questions from staff and auditors.
• Actively manages overall completion of all external auditor Prepared By Client (PBC) list status and ensures effective management of internal staff time during the audit process.
• Manages special projects from planning to implementation under the general direction of the Controller by formulating project scope, resource requirements, key deliverables and designs feasible work plans to ensure successful delivery of operational targets.
• Develops complex financial models, what if scenarios and sensitivity analysis, providing comprehensive analysis and recommendations to support sound decision-making across the organization.
• Monitors legislative changes and assess their impact on university financial activities, advising the Controller and CFO. Leads the implementation of required updates to policies, procedures, and financial systems in collaboration with external tax advisors and university networks to ensure compliance with all applicable tax laws.
• Plans and aligns departmental staffing structures and workflows to support operational effectiveness and evolving workforce planning needs. Conducts strategic reviews of team composition, role alignment, and resource allocation to ensure efficient use of human resources and adherence to budgetary parameters.
  

Leadership Competencies

Leaders at TMU are required to demonstrate the following Leadership Competencies:

• Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.
• Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.
• Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.
• Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
• Drives Vision & Results: Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision-making to achieve desired outcomes.

Qualifications
To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:

• Completion of a post-secondary degree in Finance, Accounting or Business-related field with Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant financial management experience with the following requirements:
• Previous experience in financial compliance, audit and advisory services, tax compliance, oversight of financial processes and controls, financial transaction oversight and/or financial closing and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in analyzing complex financial analysis, modelling, financial statement preparation, including note disclosures and presentation.
• Experience supervising staff in a unionized environment.
• In-depth knowledge of Canadian accounting standards i.e. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), auditing methods and principles for not-for-profit organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in preparation of financial statements and reporting, financial analysis and planning,finance information systems, technology database and complex process designs and auditing techniques and internal controls.
• Advanced knowledge of tax legislation, rules, and procedures (Income Tax Act and Excise tax Act).
• Experience in a post-secondary environment, or another large and complex public-sector organization, with an understanding of institutional governance, compliance requirements, and decentralized operations, would be an asset.
• Knowledge of accounting systems management, financial modeling techniques and not-for-profit accounting and experience using accounting software / applications.
• Ability to understand and accurately interpret operational and functional indicators that impact customer service.
• Strong relationship management skills in order to communicate with all management levels and external stakeholdersStrong (oral, interpersonal, written) communication skills including ability to read, write and comprehend complex documents (e.g. policies, contracts, regulatory guidelines, audit reports ).
• Strong negotiating skills, organizational and planning skills.
• Strong computer proficiency and knowledge of computers and various software application packages (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, Microsoft Project, e-mail, PowerPoint, Google Apps, etc.).
• Ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines;
• The ability to lead and navigate change effectively while cultivating a transformative and supportive environment for staff;
• Strong strategic-thinking skills with an ability to identify, recommend and collaborate with team members on process improvements and best practices;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multitask and prioritize as necessary.

Additional Information (MAC)

• Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
• Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.

• Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.

• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.