Financial Controller

Job Title: Financial Controller

Department: Finance and Strategic Operations

Position Type: Full-time Temporary Contract (6 months)

Hours: 35 hours per week

Application Deadline: January 20, 2026

What we offer:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Employee discounts on food and retail items and free parking
• Free entrance to the Park, including to our many public special events
• Working in a beautiful park setting
• Generous paid time off, including Vacation days, Sick Time
• Employer-matched Pension Plan at 5%
• Comprehensive Benefits package includes Extended Health Care, Dental Benefits, Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Employee and Family Assistant Program (EFAP)

Who We Are:

Heritage Park is Canada's largest living history museum and offers visitors a chance to experience life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the early 1950s. The park features historical buildings, costumed interpreters, working antiques, and various exhibits that provide insight into the region's past.

Job Overview:

The Controller is responsible for the organization's financial integrity, budgeting, and cash-flow oversight. The Controller leads day-to-day accounting operations, ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, oversees budget development and monitoring, and manages cash-flow planning, and directly manages the external audit process. The role is central to stewardship of public, donor, and restricted funds and to supporting long-term organizational sustainability., This role provides leadership to the finance management team and fosters a collaborative environment while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and financial regulations.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Support

• Develop and execute comprehensive financial strategies aligned with Heritage Park's mission, vision, and organizational goals, enhancing awareness of Heritage Park's financial health and sustainability
• Ensure seamless integration of all financial activities to effectively support enterprise objectives, collaborating closely with other organizational leaders to align strategies and tactics, ultimately achieving specific financial and operational targets

Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash-Flow Oversight

• Lead the development, consolidation, and monitoring of the annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with department leaders.
• Prepare rolling forecasts and financial projections.
• Oversee cash-flow forecasting, monitoring, and reporting to ensure liquidity and funding availability.
• Monitor restricted and unrestricted cash balances and ensure compliance with donor and funder requirements.
• Support scenario analysis and financial modelling to inform strategic decisions
• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and ensure financial integrity
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop long-term financial strategies and operational plans that align with Heritage Park's mission
• Conduct regular financial analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement, presenting findings to senior management
• Stay informed about industry best practices and regulatory changes, recommending improvements to enhance financial performance

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with applicable not-for-profit accounting standards.
• Ensure accurate accounting for operating, capital, and restricted funds
• Ensure timely and accurate regulatory, contractual, and funder reporting

Accounting Operations and Systems Oversight

• Manage core accounting functions including general ledger, AP, AR, fixed assets, and banking.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes, bank reconciliations, and inter-fund transactions
• Ensure appropriate capitalization, amortization, and tracking of tangible capital assets.
• Maintain and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Participate in system related projects/assignments as required
• Act as system owner for financial systems
• Lead process improvements to strengthen financial reporting, budgeting, and cash-flow visibility
• Support financial systems implementations, upgrades, and reporting enhancements

External Audit Management

• Lead and manage the annual external audit, acting as the primary organizational liaison with external auditors.
• Coordinate audit planning, timelines, and deliverables with internal stakeholders.
• Ensure timely resolution of audit findings and management letter recommendations.
• Prepare and coordinate audit schedules, working papers, and supporting documentation.

Internal Controls

• Ensure adherence to delegated authorities, approval frameworks, and financial policies
• Design, implement, and monitor effective internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure financial integrity.
• Support financial risk management, including cash-flow, compliance, and funding risks.

People Leadership

• Provide strategic direction to the finance team by implementing initiatives that align with Heritage Park's strategic business plan and values
• Ensure consistent alignment with organizational goals by setting departmental objectives based on Heritage Park's strategic business plan and values, and communicating these objectives effectively to team members
• Participate in the recruitment, orientation, and training of new finance staff to ensure they are equipped with the necessary information and resources to excel in their roles and contribute to the financial success of Heritage Park.
• Support the professional development of finance staff by identifying relevant training opportunities, collaboratively resolving issues, and providing active coaching and mentorship to team members
• Regularly assess and enhance performance of direct reports through ongoing feedback, goal-setting, and professional development initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and individual growth
• Engage with directors and managers within the finance department to understand their challenges and needs, facilitating clear communication and providing guidance during organizational changes

Organizational Excellence and Wellbeing

• Contribute to inspiring and immersive experiences at the Park by engaging in Heritage Park initiatives that align with our mission and vision, ensuring authenticity in our historical setting and stories.
• Demonstrate commitment to workplace health and safety by complying with Heritage Park's Health, Safety and Environment Management System (HSEMS), following safe work practices, reporting work-related incidents, injuries, and hazards, participating in employer training, and adhering to policies including the Code of Conduct and the Workplace Violence and Harassment policy.
• Demonstrate responsible stewardship of our people, collections, and financial assets by driving growth with innovation, transparency, and financial sustainability, while embracing our historical assets and recognizing all contributors.
• Recognize all contributors to our community as integral to our success, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
• Actively support a positive work environment by creating an atmosphere of inclusion, engagement, belonging, and fulfillment for employees and volunteers, in line with Heritage Park values.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• CPA, CGA or equivalent designation is required
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting.
• At least 3-5 years in a leadership or management role is required.
• Experience working in a non-profit organization is preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of financial management principles, practices, and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience leading external audits and preparing audited financial statements
• Proven track record in leading budgeting, forecasting, and cash-flow management
• Deep understanding of not-for-profit accounting standards and restricted fund accounting
• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills
• High ethical standards and commitment to stewardship and accountability
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a client-facing environment, with the ability to build rapport, influence stakeholders, and represent Heritage Park effectively in financial discussions.
• All successful candidates (over the age of 18) will be required to undergo a Police Information Check as a condition of employment.

Special Working Conditions:

• While most work is in an office environment, the position requires walking a considerable distance during the operating season with exposure to unpredictable weather elements.

Hours of Work:

• The standard hours for this position are 35 hours per week;
• The schedule will generally be five consecutive days per week (Monday to Friday); and
• Occasional holiday, evening, and weekend work may be required