Financial Controller

About Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College is Calgary’s college with local impact and global reach, serving more than 15,000 students. We launch our students
by preparing them for in-demand jobs through high-quality, future-oriented education. We advance our graduates into careers in healthcare, technology, business, entertainment arts, social services, and more, contributing to our economy and community. We evolve our students through work-integrated learning, upskilling, and reskilling.

Proud to be named one of Canada’s Top 50 research colleges, our applied research focuses on health and educational technology, and social innovation. Home to the Digital Entertainment Nexus, Calgary’s first esports arena, and the Bears varsity team, Bow Valley College is celebrating 60 years of student success. Learn more about the opportunities we create at bowvalleycollege.ca.

Position Summary

Bow Valley College is seeking an experienced and strategic Financial Controller to join our Finance team. Reporting to the Executive Director, Growth Initiatives & Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Financial Controller contributes to the overall success of the College by providing leadership and direction for the operational strategy of the Finance department.

This role oversees the full spectrum of financial operations including financial reporting, auditing, budget monitoring, banking, compliance, and transactional processing functions. The Financial Controller also provides back-up support to the Executive Director, Growth Initiatives & CFO and plays a key role in ensuring the effective stewardship of the College’s financial resources while supporting institutional priorities and strategic initiatives.

The Financial Controller works collaboratively with senior leadership, Deans, Directors, and stakeholders across the College to support the development and implementation of Bow Valley College’s Finance strategy and operational plans. In partnership with the Executive Director, Growth Initiatives & CFO, the Controller supports strategic initiatives including the development of financial policies, performance measures, programs, and guidelines that strengthen financial accountability and sustainability.

The role also leads the Finance team by setting priorities, aligning departmental objectives with the College’s strategic vision, and fostering a culture of teamwork, respect, inclusivity, and innovation. The Financial Controller regularly interacts with the College’s Board of Governors and Audit and Risk Management Council and provides analytical insight on financial performance compared to budgets and forecasts.

A key responsibility of the position is ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of the College’s financial accounting and reporting. The Financial Controller oversees the preparation of financial statements in accordance with Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS) and ensures that appropriate financial systems, controls, and processes are in place. The role manages the general ledger structure and acts as the primary custodian of financial business models and data structures related to the College’s ERP/D365 projects module and its integration with other financial and reporting systems.

The Controller also leads business process improvements, ensures proper classification and management of projects, and maintains capital project records related to deferred capital, endowments, and restricted net assets. Responsibilities further include overseeing cash management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, P-card processing, reconciliations, and preparing supporting documentation for the annual external audit while responding to recommendations from internal auditors and strengthening operational controls.

The Financial Controller also ensures compliance with all institutional and regulatory reporting obligations. This includes preparing and submitting mandatory reports to external stakeholders related to grant funding, contractual obligations, and government requirements. The position maintains the College’s charitable status with the Canada Revenue Agency, prepares and submits the annual T3010 Charitable Information Return, ensures statutory filings such as T4As, GST remittances, and financial information returns are completed accurately and on time, and responds to Statistics Canada surveys and Ministry of Advanced Education reporting requirements. The Controller also oversees cash flow forecasting, investment reporting, contract management oversight, and monthly financial variance reporting to internal stakeholders.

Ensuring the integrity of financial data and systems is a central component of the role. The Financial Controller works closely with Information Technology teams to translate business requirements into effective ERP financial solutions and supports the implementation and enhancement of financial modules, reporting tools, business intelligence systems, and budgeting and forecasting technologies. The role ensures effective user testing, training, and adoption of financial systems while contributing to the College’s broader technology planning as it relates to finance.

As a leader within the Finance department, the Financial Controller is responsible for the supervision, development, and performance management of staff. This includes recruiting and hiring team members, setting annual goals aligned with institutional priorities, monitoring workloads and project deliverables, and ensuring the team delivers high-quality service to the College’s leadership. The role provides coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback, oversees employee evaluations, manages scheduling and leave approvals, and ensures staff have access to professional development opportunities to build technical and leadership capabilities.

The Controller also ensures compliance with applicable policies, collective agreements, legislation, and regulatory requirements while maintaining strong working relationships with stakeholders across the College and the broader community.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, along with a minimum of six years of accounting experience, including progressively senior financial analysis responsibilities. A professional financial or accounting designation is required, with a CFA designation preferred. Demonstrated experience supporting or leading accounting software implementations and financial system enhancements is essential. An equivalent combination of related education and experience may also be considered. A Police Information Check is required.

Preferred qualifications include strong computer proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly advanced Excel skills, and experience managing and developing teams with a focus on coaching and mentoring. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong business acumen, excellent organizational and time management abilities, and a proactive approach to problem solving. Exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion are essential.

Experience working in a leadership role within finance, collaborating with stakeholders across multiple levels of an organization, and experience within a post-secondary environment would be considered strong assets.

If your education was received internationally, we will require you provide an international education assessment through IQAS, WES, or one of the other nationally designated organizations upon hire.

Closing Date: March 27, 2026

This opening is a continuous (Management) position. Please note all successful candidates will be required to provide copies of government issued identification and proof of educational qualifications upon hire and may be required to provide an enhanced police information check.

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Bow Valley College is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community. We welcome applications from qualified candidates who would contribute to the further diversification of our employees including, but not limited to, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.