Controller
Open Arms Resource Centre | Kentville, Nova Scotia
Open Arms Resource Center is committed to transforming lives by providing compassionate, impactful services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
The role of the Controller is to provide efficient and confidential finance and accounting services that support Open Arms’ mission and contribute to our stewardship of resources and accountability to funders, stakeholders, and the community. This role is responsible for leading and directing the organization’s financial operations, including maintaining accounting systems, overseeing financial reporting, supporting program budgeting, and ensuring compliance with applicable standards and funding requirements. The Controller provides strategic financial guidance to leadership to support sustainability, growth, and effective service delivery.
Why Join Open Arms?
We offer:
- 4 weeks of paid vacation
- Paid sick time
- Extended health, dental, vision, and life insurance after 3 months
- Monday to Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- A supportive, mission-driven team making a real difference in the community
About the Role
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Controller is responsible for leading the organization's financial operations while ensuring accountability, transparency, and strong stewardship of financial resources. You will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, compliance, payroll, and internal controls while providing strategic financial guidance to support organizational sustainability and growth.
What You'll Do
Financial Reporting & Compliance
- Prepare, review, and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
- Lead month-end and year-end closing processes
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards and funder requirements
- Coordinate annual audit with external auditors
- Prepare financial reports for funders, and stakeholders
- Track and report on restricted and unrestricted funds
Accounting Operations & Controls
- Oversee accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and general ledger
- Maintain internal controls and financial procedures
- Perform and review account reconciliations
- Monitor cash flow and financial stability
- Supervise finance/administrative staff as applicable
Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning
- Lead annual budgeting process
- Monitor budgets and provide variance analysis
- Support program and grant budgeting
- Provide Finance Forecast & scenario planning
Leadership & Strategic Support
- Advise Executive Director and leadership team
- Prepare financial reports for the Board
- Recommend improvements to systems and processes
- Support strategic planning and funding sustainability
What You'll BringRequired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
- CPA designation (or actively pursuing CPA) is considered a strong asset
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting or finance experience
- Experience preparing financial statements, budgets, and supporting audits
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles and internal controls
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting software
- Experience in non-profit, public sector, or social services environments is a strong asset.
Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
