Controller

Controller 

Dalhousie University is seeking a Controller, who is responsible for directing all University accounting, systems of internal control and financial reporting. The University uses fund accounting to report on operating, ancillary, capital, research and special purpose accounts with total expenditures exceeding $800 million. 

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018. 

Dalhousie Financial Services strives to provide the highest quality financial services, and information and ensure the effective stewardship of University assets to the benefit of students and scholarly activities. Financial Services is a core service unit of the University, providing services in areas of financial accounting, budgeting, procurement and payment, risk management, treasury, and financial systems and policies. Dalhousie's strategic plan identifies the need to improve administrative efficiency. In support of the strategy, Financial Services is committed to streamlining processes, improving the user experience and leveraging technology to simplify and automate operations. 

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer & Assistant Vice-President Financial Services, the Controller provides leadership and direction to a team of approximately 30 professional and support staff in general accounting, tax, student accounts, research and special purpose accounting, and capital accounting. Some of the Controller's key activities will include: 

·         Identifying opportunities to leverage technology to eliminate and automate manual and routine tasks. 

·         Developing a culture of continuous process improvement to streamline operations and enhance services to campus. 

·         Implementing improvements to shorten the month and year-end close timelines. 

·         Reviewing and updating policies, procedures, and supporting systems and tools to drive efficiency. 

·         Supporting the development of digital skills and competencies of professional and support staff. 

·         Identifying, assessing, and managing risk in financial reporting and the planning and delivery of services. 

The successful candidate will have an undergraduate degree in a field such as Business and a Professional Accounting Designation (CPA) as well as significant progressive experience as a seasoned professional with proven managerial and leadership skills at a senior level across a variety of accounting functions. They will have demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of the Financial Services senior management team in a busy, deadline-driven team environment. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to work effectively to build trust and confidence within Financial Services, with senior administration, colleagues, and clients throughout the University. The successful candidate will have strong analytical, problem-solving, communication (verbal and written), and interpersonal skills. Finally, the ideal candidate will come to the role with the demonstrated ability to think, plan, and act both analytically and strategically, work collaboratively, and achieve results.  

Experience in a decentralized enterprise-wide accounting environment, a university or post-secondary environment, or with process improvement and implementing autonomous financial solutions would be considered assets for this role.  

To express interest in this opportunity, please submit your application through this the below link by June 30, 2023. 

https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/13734. 

A complete application will include a cover letter speaking to the qualifications listed above and a detailed resume.  For more information and to review the candidate brief, please contact Emma Spence Wach at exec.search@dal.ca 

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.  

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.