Controller and Manager, Business Operations

Reports To: Executive Director

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Controller & Manager, Business Operations is responsible for providing strategic financial leadership and operations oversight for the Calgary Rural Primary Care Network.

The position is a member of the Executive Team and leads all financial planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, payroll, audit grant administration, cash management, and internal control activities while also overseeing key organizational operational functions including vendor management, contract administration, information technology, corporate reporting, business continuity planning, risk management, and organizational-wide improvement initiatives.

The position serves as the senior financial advisor to the Executive Director, Operational Leadership Team, Finance & Audit Committee, and Board of Directors, supporting organizational decision-making through financial analysis, risk assessment, business planning, and operational excellence initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership (~15%*)

• Leads current and long-term financial planning and sustainability initiatives aligned to strategic goals, business objectives, regulations, and expectations from Executive Management.

• Oversees all financial obligations of the PCN including charitable status, non-profit status, and restricted grants.

• Establishes departmental goals and objectives in line with organizational strategy and priorities.

• Implements and maintains financial controls throughout the organization, including preparing and maintaining financial policies and procedures to ensure Canadian Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit Organizations (ASNPO), internal controls, and corporate governance compliance.

• Leads financial risk assessment and mitigation activities.

• Leads financial risk assessment and mitigation activities.

• Participates in Executive and Operational Leadership, and Finance and Audit Committee Meetings.

• Assists in developing and reporting of organizational KPIs and implements remediation and improvement initiatives.

Financial Reporting, Budgeting & Analysis (~20%)

• Leads operating and capital budget planning cycles, variance analysis, financial modeling, and monthly forecasts and reports to Executive Management and the Finance and Audit Committee.

• Prepare monthly financial statements including variance analysis.

• Supports decision making and efficient operational management by developing financial processes, developing financial forecasting, and implementing process improvement and cost control initiatives.

• Develops presentations, business cases, and recommendations to leadership and the Board.

Accounting, Treasury, and Internal Controls (~20%)

• Oversee full-cycle accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and payroll.

• Manage cash flow, banking, and investment requirements and obligations.

• Manage month-end and year-end processes, ensuring regulatory and accounting compliance.

• Maintains and leads continuous improvement of accounting and internal control policies and operational procedures and cost control measures.

• Advise and adhere to accounting best practices.

Audit, Compliance & Governance (~10%)

• Lead annual external audit, and ad-hoc internal and external audits as required.

• Coordinate external stakeholder reporting

• Oversee charitable and non-profit compliance

• Oversee organizational risk management and compliance

• Ensure compliance with legislation and funding agreements

• Support Finance & Audit Committee activities.

Business and Operations Management (~15%)

• Develops and maintains risk management frameworks and business continuity plans across the PCN in partnership with other members of the team.

• Oversees facility operations including lease agreements, contracts, health, safety and site-based improvements.

• Oversees vendors, contract negotiations, obligations, agreements, insurance, contracts, quality, reporting, and renewals.

• Leads development and oversees inventory and asset management cycles including tracking, policies, and allocation.

• Provides strategic level analysis and reporting to inform CRPCN strategy and resource allocation decisions.

• Responsible for overseeing 3rd party information technology contracts, negotiations, and service quality in partnership with CIO.

• Develops organization-wide policy, reviews compliance with corporate policies ex: equipment replacement policies, equipment replacement schedules, purchase policies, etc.

Projects, Process Improvement, AI, & Technology (~10%)

• Identifies, initiates, and leads quality improvement and cost control initiatives.

• Oversees AI implementation across the PCN in partnership with program leads.

• Identifies and implements process automation, workflow efficiencies, and streamlining initiatives that contribute to more effective and efficient operations across the PCN.

• Leads and supports teams in implementing improvements to financial and operational process activities.

• Ensures communication flow and coordinates members of the team, review options, alternatives and make recommendations.

Payroll (~5%)

• Responsible for payroll; organizes, coordinates, and supervises employment legislation functions such as payroll compliance, employer taxes, and reconciliations.

• Implement payroll efficiencies, policies, and procedures.

• Oversees staff orientation with respect to employee payroll and time practices and employee expense submission.

• Provides backup for payroll as required.

Team Leadership (~5%)

• Lead, mentor and develop finance team

• Establish department priorities and workloads

• Promote continuous improvement and accountability

*Percentages may vary depending on budget cycle and time of year. The role may evolve over time to support PCN strategic directions.

Educational Requirements:

• Completion of University Education (BComm, BBA, or other Finance related).

• A combination of skills and experience will be considered if the individual possesses strong financial and accounting experience.

• Completion or in progress of Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation or equivalent work history an asset.

Experience and Skills Required:

• 7 – 10 years’ experience in a senior financial role, ideally overseeing financial systems.

• Management and supervisory experience is required.

• Good computer skills are required

• Extensive experience in application of accounting theories and principals, including an in-depth knowledge of Canadian Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit Organizations (ASNPO)

• Ability to understand and interpret Tax Act and Regulations to ensure compliance with Federal and Provincial legislation.

• Ability to understand and interpret Alberta Labour Standards to ensure compliance.

• Experience in a multi-site organization considered an asset

• Experience in a health/non-profit organization and an appreciation of funding processes considered an asset

Core Competencies:

• Strong aptitude for financial analysis as well as reviewing internal control structures.

• Possesses strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple competing deadlines, independently lead initiatives, apply critical problem-solving techniques, and work effectively in both collaborative and autonomous settings within a complex and evolving environment.

• Requires strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills as well as the ability to interact with staff at all levels, including executive management and members of the Board of Directors.

• Quick learner and self-starter with a practical and flexible approach to work and ability to research topics effectively.

• Ability to work in a capacity with strict privacy and confidentiality requirements both inside and outside the organization.

• Ability to mentor and develop effective teams.

• Experience with QuickBooks Online, Dext, and Telpay is required.

• Proficient in MS Outlook, Copilot, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications.

• Ability to prepare the following: spread sheet applications, analysis, preparing memoranda, letters, and reports.

Working Conditions:

• Work from home with the ability to travel to PCN locations is required.

• Occasional evening and early morning meetings may be required.