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Job Title


Financial Controller


Company : Ontario Tech Student Union


Location : Oshawa, Ontario


Created : 2026-03-07


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

SUMMARY The Financial Controller manages, directs, controls and evaluates the operation of the Finance department. Reporting to the Executive Director, the role is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining financial policies, procedures, and internal controls aligned with the OTSU and regulatory requirements. The incumbent works closely with internal stakeholders and presents financial policies and recommendations to the Board for review and approval. The position leads the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements, management reports, cost-benefit analysis, budgets, and financial forecasts to support strategic-decision making. The incumbent is also responsible for the financial operations of the OTSU including internal and external reporting, financial systems, general accounting, and payroll. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Finance and Accounting Leadership Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operation of the Finance department Oversee all accounting functions including, but not limited to: accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll Prepare or coordinate the preparation of financial statements, summaries, and other financial analyses and management reports Safeguard the student union assets Notify and report to senior management any financial trends that are critical to the organizations financial performance Ensures the proper, complete, and accurate record-keeping of accounting company transactions Oversees all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate industry standards and regulatory requirements Maintains internal control and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, program budgets and actual expenditures Analyze and clearly communicate financial statements to upper management and the Board of Directors as required Assist the leadership team in the annual budgeting and planning process to meet overall goals and objectives Provide guidance and recommendations on organizational financial policies, systems, and procedures; implements the financial policies as approved by the Board Report and present financial statements and budgets to the Board of Directors and senior management Maintains good corporate relations with clients, vendors, banking institutions, auditors, and other affiliates Manages, trains, and supervises the work of the Finance Generalist Liaise with university finance team, Government agencies and external auditors Payroll Oversees the Finance Generalist in all payroll functions Keeps record of all employee vacation and time-off accruals as it relates to payroll Updates payroll system for salary changes, benefit changes, wage garnishments, and new hires in collaboration with Human Resources Releases Record of Employment for employees as needed Ensures compliance of payroll with any company policies, governmental regulations, employment contracts, and Collective Bargaining Agreements Auditing Works directly with external auditors during the annual year-end audit Coordinates year-end audit with external auditors and assists in the preparation of audit schedules, data, and information Works closely with the Finance Department and upper management to coordinate efforts to provide needed information for the auditors Maintains the scope of the audit within the prescribed boundaries Conducts internal audits of processes, records, and information Directs the implementation of needed corrections or recommendations as determined by the audit Administer the corporate credit cards and ensure the cardholders follow the corporate card policies Other Runs Tax Clinics for students; assists students in filing their personal taxes Under the authority of the Board, the Financial Controller has been delegated to be a signing authority for legally binding documents pertaining to financial and accounting-related documents only QUALIFICATIONS Education Accounting Designation (CPA) is required A bachelor''''s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Commerce or a related field is preferred Experience Minimum 5 years of experience as a Financial Controller or comparable experience is required Progressive financial management experience, preferably within a not-for-profit sector or higher education industry Strong knowledge in Canadian Accounting standards and regulation Minimum 3-5 years in a management role Preferred Competencies Proficient skills in computer-based spreadsheets and reporting (MS Office), financial software systems, payroll systems Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with stakeholders at all levels High level of integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence Strong ability to build rapport, establish trust, and command respect WORKING CONDITIONS Physical Effort Most job duties are performed on a computer and involve sitting for extended periods of time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Environment The work in this position is performed within routine office conditions. There could be occasional commuting between campuses, to off-campus business or community events. Sensory Attention Working on a computer with large quantities of numbers, a high level of detail and concentration is required. Works with and communicates with students, staff and community members. Mental Stress This position requires attending evening meetings from time to time and working some weekends. The incumbent must be able to work flexible hours in order to be successful. Must be able to work in a fast paced environment and work through complex situations. Responsible for the work done by their staff. APPLICATION INFORMATION Applications are only accepted via this online portal, emailed resumes will not be accepted. The Ontario Tech Student Union (OTSU) thanks all those who apply but only those whose background closely matches the requirements of the position will be contacted for an interview. Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon a background check. OTSU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We respect people''''s different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify the hiring lead. The student union acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. Vacancy Status Disclosure This job posting relates to an existing and approved vacancy within our organization. The position reflects a current hiring need and is not a speculative, general interest, or talent-pooling posting. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure We use an applicant tracking system to manage applications. Automated tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), may be used to screen and assess applications based on job-related criteria. All hiring decisions are made by the department manager and hiring panel. The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr