Controller

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Established in 1821 McGill University is an internationally known research-intensive and student-centred university and a Canadian leader in higher education. Located in Montréal one of the worlds great cities.

McGill University has embarked on an ambitious transformation through Horizon McGill a strategic initiative that supports the Presidents Transform priority and our vision of evolving with purpose. More than a change initiative Horizon McGill represents a community-wide commitment to building a stronger more sustainable and future-ready university.

By fostering financial sustainability operational excellence and long-term institutional resilience Horizon McGill is creating the conditions for McGill to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. Every decision is guided by our commitment to preserving what matters most: excellence in teaching learning and research.

The Financial Services division at McGill has a staff complement of approximately 140. It provides leadership in financial management in support of the Universitys mission. McGills operating budget is approximately $1.2 billion and its overall revenues are close to $1.9 billion. Financial Services is one of seven (7) units reporting to the Vice-President (Administration and Finance) together with Financial Services Facilities Management and Ancillary Services Information Technology Services Office of Investments Office of Sustainability Sustainability Park and Internal Audit.

For more information on McGill please refer to the Universitys website at

McGill is actively seeking its next University Controller

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Associate Vice-President (AVP) Financial Services the University Controller ensures the integrity of the Universitys financial information leads the preparation of institutional financial statements and provides expert advice on accounting standards financial policies taxation and financial risk. The Controller also provides strategic leadership for the Universitys financial reporting accounting operations internal controls and regulatory compliance functions.

Leading a multidisciplinary team the University Controller develops and strengthens financial governance frameworks. The role ensures regulatory compliance with applicable legislation accounting standards and University policies while advancing continuous improvement in financial processes and systems.

As a senior leader within Financial Services the Controller will play an active role in the ongoing transformation of the finance function including the modernization of its operating model financial processes reporting and financial information systems. The role will contribute to shaping and implementing this transformation by helping strengthen governance improve effectiveness and support the development of a more efficient and service-oriented finance function

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for the Universitys financial reporting and accounting functions ensuring the accuracy integrity and timeliness of financial information and the preparation and delivery of the Universitys financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Provide strategic financial analysis and advice to support institutional planning decision-making and the evaluation of complex financial initiatives.
• Lead the development implementation and continuous enhancement of financial policies internal controls and governance practices to safeguard University assets strengthen accountability and ensure compliance with regulatory legislative and institutional requirements.
• Lead the Universitys financial reporting obligations (i.e. complex financial statements and statutory reports etc.) including reporting to senior administration the Board of Governors and its committees government agencies funding bodies financial institutions and other external stakeholders.
• Provide expert strategic advice on accounting taxation financial analysis and financial management supporting institutional planning risk-informed decision-making and the evaluation of complex financial initiatives.
• Direct the Universitys accounting operations and financial systems ensuring the effective stewardship of financial records the integrity of financial data and the successful delivery of key financial initiatives and continuous process improvements.
• Oversee the Universitys financial monitoring and compliance function ensuring adherence to financial policies internal controls reporting requirements and regulatory legislative and institutional obligations while identifying risks and supporting timely remediation.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team by establishing strategic priorities fostering a culture of collaboration accountability and continuous learning while driving organizational change.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships across the University and with external stakeholders collaborating with senior leaders auditors government officials professional associations and peer institutions to support institutional priorities and promote best practices in financial management.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

The ideal candidate for this role holds a CPA Auditor designation (Additional relevant professional designations such as CBV or CFA considered an asset) and an undergraduate degree in Accounting Finance Commerce Business Administration or a related discipline. A masters degree in a relevant discipline is also asset.

• Extensive knowledge of Canadian ASNPO (Accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations) and 8 years of demonstrated experience in a senior financial and budget management role ideally in higher education public sector healthcare or other highly regulated complex organizations (strong asset) leading and direct overseeing the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements and reports.
• Strategic and collaborative leadership with demonstrated exemplary integrity sound judgment and an unwavering commitment to accountability and financial stewardship.
• Deep expertise in financial controls compliance taxation audit budgeting and financial reporting.
• Highly analytical and solutions-oriented professional who translates complex financial information into clear actionable insights that support institutional decision-making.
• Strong track-record of advancing risk management practices and implementing effective financial policies and processes.
• Extensive experience presenting financial information and strategic recommendations to executive leadership governing boards and audit committees.

As one of Montreals Top Employers here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health Dental Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) Summer Fridays - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying please note that to work at McGill University you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4

For a definition of our language proficiency levels please click here.

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