Financial Controller

Job Description

The Financial Controller is responsible for protecting the accuracy, completeness, reliability, and timeliness of financial information across New Dawn’s diverse portfolio of operations. The Controller leads the day-to-day accounting function and ensures that financial records, reporting, controls, policies, and compliance practices support responsible stewardship and sound decision-making.

Working within New Dawn’s multi-entity environment, the Controller oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, compliance, audits, and cash administration. The role ensures financial processes are effective, reporting requirements are met, risks are managed, and decision-makers have access to reliable financial information.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

Accounting Operations & Team Leadership; Budget Coordination & Variance Reporting; Financial Policies, Procedures & Internal Controls; Compliance & Audit; Financing Documentation & Cash Administration; Financial Reporting & Key Deliverables

Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting Operations & Team Leadership

• Directly manage the accounting and Finance department team and oversee the day-to-day accounting function across New Dawn’s entities, divisions, programs, properties, and business units
• Oversee bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, bank and balance-sheet reconciliations, intercompany transactions, and general ledger maintenance
• Establish clear work plans, close schedules, review processes, and service standards that ensure financial work is accurate, complete, and delivered on time
• Review journal entries, reconciliations, account analyses, supporting records, and adjustments, and ensure errors and outstanding items are resolved promptly
• Ensure accounting practices are applied consistently and that financial records provide a reliable foundation for organizational reporting and decision-making
• Set clear expectations for accuracy, timeliness, accountability, confidentiality, and reliable follow-through within the Finance department
• Provide ongoing supervision, coaching, feedback, and professional development to Finance staff, and address capacity or performance concerns as required
• Build team resilience through cross-training, documented procedures, appropriate segregation of duties, and the development of financial expertise

Budget Coordination & Variance Reporting

• Coordinate the annual budget process, including timelines, templates, agreed assumptions, departmental submissions, review, consolidation, and preparation of the organization-wide budget
• Monitor actual financial results against budget and provide regular, clear budget-to-actual and variance reports
• Investigate significant variances, explain their underlying causes, and work with managers to correct coding, address pressures, and improve financial performance
• Prepare cash-flow forecasts and financial projections using agreed assumptions and provide reliable financial data and analysis to support operational decisions

Financial Policies, Procedures, Systems & Internal Controls

• Develop, document, administer, and regularly update detailed financial policies, accounting procedures, approval processes, close schedules, and documentation requirements
• Design, implement, and monitor internal controls that safeguard assets and reduce accounting, reporting, fraud, and compliance risks
• Ensure appropriate authorization, segregation of duties, supporting documentation, record retention, and review controls are consistently followed
• Oversee the effective use of accounting, payroll, and financial reporting systems and ensure system access, configurations, and workflows support accurate and efficient processing
• Develop tools, templates, and guidance that help managers understand budgets, expenses, coding, documentation standards, approvals, and financial procedures

Compliance & Audit

• Oversee tax filings, government remittances, regulatory reporting, accounting-standard requirements, and compliance with legal, contractual, funder, and organizational obligations
• Manage audit schedules, working papers, supporting documentation, confirmations, and day-to-day communication with external auditors and reviewers
• Coordinate annual audit and external review preparation, respond promptly to information requests, track outstanding items, and support timely completion
• Monitor compliance requirements and control effectiveness, identify deficiencies or emerging risks, and implement corrective action

Financing Documentation & Cash Administration

• Monitor bank balances, cash requirements, payments, receipts, short-term cash flow to support operations
• Prepare and supply accurate financial information, schedules, confirmations, covenant reporting, and other documentation required by lenders, funders, banks, and government partners
• Track capital-project budgets, expenditures, commitments, funding claims, and required financial reporting
• Oversee banking administration, cash transfers, receivables, payables, and intercompany balances, and ensure transactions are appropriately authorized and recorded

Financial Reporting & Key Deliverables

• Produce accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for all divisions, business units, entities, and New Dawn Enterprises Consolidated
• Deliver complete period-end reconciliations, variance reports, audit schedules, compliance filings, financial procedures, and other recurring reporting requirements on schedule
• Prepare management reports and dashboards and explain financial results, accounting details, and variances clearly to the CEO, Vice Presidents, managers, and Board of Directors when requested by the CEO
• Maintain organized, review-ready working papers and provide accurate financial information for funding applications, audits, government filings, lenders, and other external stakeholders

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Participate in team meetings and organizational activities as required
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute to the development and implementation of effective solutions
• Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and confidentiality in all interactions involving employees, clients, volunteers, and organizational information
• Demonstrate professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity in all interactions, representing New Dawn in a manner consistent with its mission, vision, and values
• Maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills through ongoing learning, professional development, networking, and participation in relevant professional associations
• Foster positive workplace relationships through effective communication, mutual respect, collaboration, and reliable follow-through
• Champion and promote New Dawn’s mission, vision, and values both internally and externally

Core Competencies

• Servant leadership 
• Ethics and integrity  
• Client and community-focused 
• Initiative and problem solving     
• Accountability and dependability  
• Strong oral and written communication 
• Teamwork and collaboration      
• Detail orientation   
• Adaptability 
• Leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, commerce, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, including responsibility for financial reporting, budgeting, audit, internal controls, and accounting operations
• Demonstrated experience leading/supervising finance staff and improving accounting systems and processes
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial statement preparation, reconciliations, consolidations, budgeting, forecasting, and cash-flow management
• Demonstrated expertise in audit preparation, regulatory and tax compliance, internal controls, and financial policies and procedures
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to people with varying levels of financial knowledge
• Experience with non-profit, charitable, social enterprise, real estate, or multi-entity structures is a strong asset
• Demonstrated compassion, empathy, diplomacy, and sound problem-solving skills
• Experience working with and advocating for individuals and communities facing vulnerability and systemic barriers
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively as part of a team, and under direction when required
• Strong attention to detail, with exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to build positive relationships and work effectively with others toward shared goals
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, accountability, and commitment to confidentiality
• Understanding of and working with diverse communities and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered practice
• Alignment with New Dawn’s mission, values, and servant leadership philosophy

Work Conditions

• Regular interaction with employees, volunteers, management, participants, children, families, and public
• Travel between worksites and within the community may be required 
• Occasional overtime and evening or weekend work may be required to meet operational needs 
• Work is performed in an office and community setting and may be busy or noisy at times 
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a desktop computer, including the use of standard office equipment and peripherals 

Compensation Package for Salaried Employees

At New Dawn Enterprises, we recognize that employee well-being is fundamental to individual success, organizational excellence, and thriving communities. In addition to competitive salaries, permanent salaried employees may be eligible for the following benefits and supports. Eligibility for specific benefits may vary based on employment status, position, and length of service.

Group Health Employee Benefits

New Dawn offers eligible employees participation in group benefits which are provided by GroupHEALTH and include coverage for medical, dental, and vision care, as well as insurance coverage including long-term disability, life, and accidental death and dismemberment. New Dawn pays 50% of group benefit premiums. Long-term disability premiums are fully employee-paid, allowing any future disability benefits received to remain non-taxable.

Extended Health & Well-Being  

GroupHEALTH offers integrated wellness services through Sparrow Health, including enhanced mental health support, seamless access to virtual healthcare, and an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Services include critical incident support, 24/7 crisis assistance, substance-use management, and other wellness resources.

Retirement Savings Matching Program

Eligible employees may choose to participate in New Dawn’s Self-Directed Retirement Savings Matching Program by contributing up to 5% of their gross salary toward a registered retirement savings plan, which is deducted from their pay cheque. New Dawn matches employee contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of gross salary. Eligible savings accounts include Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and eligible Community Economic Development Investment Funds (CEDIFs). 

Flexible Work Arrangements

In recognition of the benefits of greater work-life balance and the value of flexibility and autonomy for human well-being, New Dawn makes every effort to offer flexible work schedules. Divisions across New Dawn are structured differently and may offer varying levels of flexibility while continuing to meet operational requirements. Depending on the role, flexible arrangements may include self-scheduling (regular schedule and/or time off coverage), flexible start and end times, remote work, and other accommodations. 

Reduced Hours Work Week

Full-time salaried employees are eligible to participate in a 32-hour reduced-hours work week while maintaining full-time employment status and compensation. These hours can be worked over four 8-hour days, or five 6.5-hour days, with the chosen schedule identified at the beginning of employment and at the start of each year.

Paid Vacation 

Full-time, salaried employees are entitled to 120 hours (equivalent to 15 days) of paid vacation annually. Part-time, salaried employees are entitled to paid annual vacation hours prorated to their FTE status.

Paid Mental & Physical Wellness Days 

Full-time, salaried employees are entitled to 56 hours (7 days) of paid mental and physical wellness leave annually. Part-time, salaried employees are entitled to paid annual leave for mental and physical health prorated to their FTE status. These hours can be used to take time off work for physical and/or mental wellness/illness, and to attend appointments for the employee and/or their dependents. 

Paid Holidays 

New Dawn observes the following thirteen (13) public holidays annually, exceeding current statutory minimums. These include: New Year’s Day, Nova Scotia Heritage Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. 

Subject to operational requirements, New Dawn may provide eligible employees an additional paid office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day annually, allowing employees additional time with family and loved ones without using vacation entitlement. 

Rewards & Recognition 

New Dawn celebrates employee contributions through service awards, milestone recognition, and ongoing appreciation programs that acknowledge achievements and significant personal and professional milestones.

Paid Required Education Renewals

When certifications, training, licenses, or credentials are required for a position, New Dawn covers renewal costs. Support for professional designations and licensing fees may also be provided based on role requirements and divisional budgets.

Professional Development

New Dawn is committed to supporting employees in developing their skills, expanding their knowledge, and pursuing lifelong learning opportunities. Development of new position-relevant skills and perspectives creates a stronger, more informed, and modern organization. Employees are encouraged to explore professional development opportunities in collaboration with their manager.

Café Marie Discount

Employees are entitled to a staff discount at Café Marie, located in the Eltuek Arts Centre.

Corporate YMCA Membership Program

To support employee health and wellness, New Dawn offers a corporate membership in partnership with the Cape Breton YMCA. The corporate membership provides staff with a 12% discount on the cost of individual membership, and New Dawn covers 50% of the discounted individual membership cost.