VP/Director of Finance

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