Associate Controller

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online using the "Apply Now" button via the KBRS website

Ranked among the top 100 universities globally, McMaster University is a research-intensive, student-centered university dedicated to advancing human and societal health and well-being and has achieved an international reputation as a center of excellence for teaching and learning, innovation, and creativity. McMaster is focused on preparing its students to be engaged and thoughtful citizens, equipped with the skills, knowledge, resilience, and understanding needed to make a positive and effective contribution to the world. In addition to providing an outstanding, personalized learning environment for our students, the University has the ability and the creativity, across all six Faculties, to partner and collaborate on the knowledge, discoveries and innovation that are needed to make a positive and decisive impact on our society and world.

As one of Canada’s U15 research-intensive institutions, the University’s commitment to excellence in research is evidenced through its impressive research resources with a total research income of $396.8 million, averaging $407,300 per faculty member which maintains its second-place position for faculty research intensity.

Reporting to the Controller, the Associate Controller leads the budgeting, accounting and financial reporting functions for the University with revenues of $1.5 billion, and directs 14 permanent employees as well as seasonal accounting support positions through 2 Director positions. This is a senior financial leadership position requiring a professional accounting designation and a high level of university and strategic acumen.

Accountabilities include leading the central high-volume accounting, developing and implementing university-wide accounting policies and procedures to protect financial integrity and ensure consistency with GAAP, overseeing the preparation and review of annual audited financial statements, managing the annual external audit process, and providing timely financial management information and reports. The role also involves capital, trust, and endowment fund accounting, daily fraud prevention controls, directing disbursements through CIBC Cash Management Online (CMO), and serving as a designated signing officer for cheques over $100,000. For budgeting, the role includes leading the coordination and preparation of the annual consolidated budget, fund budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses, acting as a consultant to the Budget Committee, and enabling strategic distribution of revenue to fund the academic mission and operating priorities. Developing relationships with internal partners to address financial information needs and with external partners, including provincial accounting committees and organizations like CAUBO, is critical for success, while challenges include implementing best practices and managing ongoing changes in Canadian accounting standards.

As the ideal candidate, you hold a recognized accounting designation (CPA, CA, CGA, CMA) and an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting (or equivalent). With a minimum of 10 years of experience in a similar role, they will have successfully led a busy, high-volume accounting department, managing both professional staff (e.g., Chartered Accountants) and non-professional staff. The candidate must demonstrate extensive expertise in financial reporting, GAAP for complex not-for-profit and for-profit entities, and audit processes, along with knowledge of the Income Tax Act, Excise Tax Act, and related resources. Advanced skills in PeopleSoft Financials, Microsoft Excel, and financial tools like CaseWare and CaseView are required. The role requires excellent interpersonal, influencing, and change management skills, along with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities. Candidates must possess high standards of ethics, confidentiality, and customer service orientation, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet fixed deadlines, and work effectively in a complex university environment. A broad understanding of university operations, policies, and external reporting requirements is essential, complemented by strong organizational and time-management skills.

How To Apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply online using the "Apply Now" button via the KBRS website

Employment Equity Statement

The diversity of the McMaster workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration, and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.