Controller and Director, Financial Services

The University of Toronto seeks a strategic and progressive leader for the role of Controller and Director, Financial Services. The Controller will join the institution at an exciting time as the Finance Division experiences renewal of senior team members and embarks on a financial technology modernization program at the enterprise level. Working closely with the University’s Chief Financial Officer, the successful candidate will determine the most appropriate organizational structure and staff complement to deliver core financial functions, support the University’s ambitious teaching and research agenda including major fundraising and capital plans, and drive the transformation and digitization of the University’s financial services.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller and Director, Financial Services provides expert advice to senior leaders on public sector and not-for-profit accounting standards, ensuring that appropriate procedures and controls are in place to protect the University’s assets. The Controller oversees the monitoring of financial transactions for compliance and leads the University’s financial reporting function. In executing these duties, the incumbent is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Financial Services Department within the University’s Finance Division.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned financial leader who is comfortable managing through change and building a high performing team. Experience working in a complex public sector environment, ideally a university, is a significant asset. A professional accounting designation is required, and the ideal candidate will also hold a relevant graduate degree. The Controller must demonstrate leadership and expertise in planning and administration of budget and financial resources for a multi-unit organization. Experience implementing new technology solutions and improving service delivery is essential. Suitable candidates possess experience in preparing and presenting information at the most senior levels of an organization and have supervised staff within a unionized environment. The incumbent must be collaborative and able to foster respectful and collegial relationships.

Established by royal charter in 1827, the University of Toronto is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities. Located in Toronto—Canada’s largest city—the University encompasses 18 Faculties and Schools, more than 100 departments, and 170 research centres and institutes. Its teaching programs are delivered on the historic St. George campus in the heart of Toronto’s downtown, on campuses in Mississauga and Scarborough, and in nine fully affiliated teaching hospitals. With approximately 22,000 faculty and staff, 93,000 students of which 25% are international, and an annual operating budget exceeding $3.0 billion, the University is one of the world’s largest publicly funded research-intensive universities, and contributes $15.7 billion to the Canadian economy each year.

Regularly named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, but applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In accordance with the AODA Act, accommodation will be provided to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

Applications are encouraged immediately at https://www.odgersberndtson.com/en/careers/17956. The Committee’s consideration of candidates will commence in May and continue until the position is filled. Nominations and inquiries should be directed to Julia Robarts of Odgers Berndtson at 1 866-962-1990 ext. 323 or controller@odgersberndtson.com.