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.
Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking, deposits, reconciliations, Visa, petty cash, and other financial transactions.
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.
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.
Chapters, Fundraising and Organizational Support | Approximately 15%
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Progressive experience in accounting, financial management, financial reporting, and financial administration.
Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, financial analysis, and internal controls.
Other Relevant Skills
Ability to present and explain financial information clearly to staff, leadership, volunteers, and Board members.
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
Commitment to Autism Nova Scotia's mission, vision, guiding principles, and organizational policies.
Working Conditions
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.
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.
