Controller

Position Title: Controller 

Location: YMCA Association Services

Position Status: Full-Time

Compensation: $85,000 – $95,000 per year

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults. 

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.  

With us at their side, they can Shine On. 

As part of your total compensation: 

• Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
• Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
• Discounts on YMCA childcare and camp programs
• 3 weeks’ Vacation entitlement and paid wellness days 
• Comprehensive benefits package and pension 
• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

About the role:

Reporting to the CFO, the Controller is responsible for overseeing the full accounting cycle, leading internal financial reporting, and ensuring strong internal controls across the organization. You’ll supervise a small but capable team (Finance Manager, Finance Contract Manager, Senior Accountant, and Accounts Payable Accounting Coordinator) – and during peak periods, you won’t just direct the work, you’ll share in it.

This role requires a leader who thrives in both strategy and execution, and who brings experience navigating complex funding models, government claims, and not-for-profit financial standards (ASNPO).

In this role, you will:

• Lead all aspects of month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close
• Oversee internal financial reporting to the CFO and operational leaders
• Supervise and support a team of 4, providing mentorship and oversight
• Partner with department heads to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Maintain internal controls, financial policies, and compliance with ASNPO
• Oversee cash flow, banking, and treasury operations
• Prepare or review government claims, funding reports, and audit schedules
• Be ready to step in hands-on during deadlines to ensure accuracy and timeliness

Education and skills qualifications: 

• CPA designation (CA, CGA, CMA) required
• 5+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, ideally as Controller or Financial Manager
• Not-for-profit accounting and government funding/reporting experience is a strong asset
• Proven ability to lead a team while also being hands-on when needed
• Strong working knowledge of ASNPO, internal controls, and audit preparation
• Advanced Excel and proficiency with accounting and other financial systems (e.g., Sage, Dynamics, Concur, or similar)
• Excellent communication skills — able to collaborate across both finance and operations

To apply:

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ by September 23, 2025.

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:

• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older
• Attend Child Safeguarding Training upon hire

Please note: Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.