Financial Controller

POSITION TITLE: Financial Controller
DEPARTMENT: Finance
REPORTS TO: CEO
TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-time, 40 hours/week
LOCATION: Halifax, Nova Scotia
TRAVEL: Local – Occasional
EVENING & WEEKEND WORK: Occasional

Position Summary

Autism Nova Scotia is seeking a Financial Controller to lead the Finance function and oversee the organization's accounting and financial operations. Reporting to the CEO, the Financial Controller provides financial leadership, advice, and support to the CEO, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors.

The Financial Controller leads and supports the Finance team, ensuring effective financial systems, processes, controls, and service delivery. The role is responsible for financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, cash flow management, compliance, audit preparation, risk management, and the effective stewardship of organizational resources.

The position works collaboratively with staff, volunteers, Chapters, auditors, and external partners to support sound financial practices and informed organizational decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Leadership and Financial Operations | Approximately 40%

• Lead, supervise, and support the Finance team, including workload planning, priorities, performance, development, and day-to-day coordination.

• Provide leadership and direction on financial processes, systems, policies, and internal controls.

• Oversee the day-to-day accounting and bookkeeping functions of Autism Nova Scotia.

• Ensure accurate, timely, and complete financial records and supporting documentation.

• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking, deposits, reconciliations, Visa, petty cash, and other financial transactions.

• Oversee organizational bank accounts, restricted funds, and financial systems.

• Manage and monitor cash flow and financial commitments.

• Safeguard organizational financial assets and information.

• Identify financial risks, operational issues, and opportunities for improved financial practices.

Budgeting, Reporting and Strategic Planning | Approximately 25%

• Develop, monitor, and update organizational, program, and restricted-fund budgets.

• Prepare financial statements, forecasts, projections, and reports for the CEO, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors.

• Provide financial analysis, advice, and recommendations to support operational and strategic decision-making.

• Monitor expenditures and financial performance, identify variances, and recommend corrective action where required.

• Contribute to organizational, operational, and long-term financial planning.

• Maintain accurate financial records and reporting related to grants, programs, projects, fundraising, major gifts, donations, and restricted funds.

Compliance, Audit and Risk Management | Approximately 20%

• Ensure financial practices and records comply with applicable accounting, charitable, CRA, and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain appropriate financial controls, policies, procedures, and documentation.

• Coordinate annual audit and independent review processes and work with external auditors.

• Prepare year-end working papers and supporting documentation.

• Support preparation of annual financial statements and charitable tax filings.

• Complete required HST reporting and other regulatory submissions.

• Monitor financial risks and support organizational risk management.

• Maintain required insurance and financial-related regulatory documentation.

Chapters, Fundraising and Organizational Support | Approximately 15%

• Work with staff to support consistent financial practices, reporting, and accountability across Autism Nova Scotia Chapters.

• Review and monitor Chapter financial records and reports.

• Collaborate with the fundraising team on financial data, donation reconciliation, and tax receipts.

• Provide financial guidance and support to staff, volunteers, leadership, and external stakeholders.

• Support financial aspects of organizational programs, projects, and initiatives.

• Contribute to organizational planning and continuous improvement.

• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• CPA designation or enrollment in a professional accounting program is preferred.

• Progressive experience in accounting, financial management, financial reporting, and financial administration.

• Experience leading, supervising, or coordinating a Finance team.

• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, financial analysis, and internal controls.

• Experience developing and maintaining financial systems, processes, and reporting.

• Experience working with grants, restricted funds, and multiple program budgets is considered an asset.

• Knowledge of Accounting Standards for Not-For-Profit Organizations (ASNFPO) and CRA requirements is considered an asset.

• Experience working with Chapters, volunteers, or community-based organizations is considered an asset.

Other Relevant Skills

• Strong financial leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to present and explain financial information clearly to staff, leadership, volunteers, and Board members.

• Ability to provide sound financial advice while exercising discretion and professional judgment.

• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.

• Demonstrated ability to lead collaboratively and build an effective Finance team.

• Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

• Experience with Quickbooks Online is considered an asset.

• Demonstrated competencies in analytical thinking, adaptability and flexibility, attention to detail, outcome focus, communication, teamwork and collaboration, and intercultural and diversity proficiency.

Certifications and Requirements

• CPA designation or enrollment in a professional accounting program is preferred.

• Clear Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check, where required.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with organizational privacy and information management requirements.

• Access to reliable transportation, where required.

• Commitment to Autism Nova Scotia's mission, vision, guiding principles, and organizational policies.

Working Conditions

• Work is hybrid, mix of remote and in office presence.

• The position involves extended periods of computer-based work, financial analysis, documentation, and meetings.

• Regular interaction occurs with the CEO, Finance Committee, Board members, Finance team, staff, volunteers, Chapter representatives, auditors, and external stakeholders.

• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support Board, Finance Committee, or organizational activities.

• The position requires adherence to confidentiality, privacy, financial controls, and other applicable organizational requirements.

Inclusive and Accessible Workplace

Autism Nova Scotia is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and accessible workplace where employees feel valued and supported. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to providing an equitable recruitment process. Accommodations are available throughout the hiring process and during employment. Applicants are encouraged to communicate any accommodation needs so we can support their participation.