Financial Controller

Ad Astra is seeking a Financial Controller to oversee and strengthen our financial operations as we continue to grow and connect students with life-changing educational opportunities around the world. As Financial Controller for Ad Astra and related companies, you will play a key leadership role by overseeing financial operations, reporting, and compliance. You will manage our finance team, ensure the integrity of financial data, and provide insights to support strategic decision-making. You will also help maintain a positive team culture and foster collaboration across departments and borders.

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
• CPA designation required
• Minimum 3-5 years of full cycle accounting experience in a senior accounting role or similar
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to mentor and guide accounting staff and foster a high-performance team.
• Experience working across multiple entities (e.g., operating companies, holding companies, or international operations/multi-currency operations) is an asset
• Ability to communicate complex financial data and insights to non-financial stakeholders in an understandable manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset, with the ability to communicate financial insights and strategies effectively with senior management and work cross-functionally with other departments to drive business performance.
• Strong knowledge of end-to-end accounting processes, from month-end closing to consolidated financial reporting and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Experience with Sage50, QuickBooks, or similar ERP systems for financial reporting.
• Advanced Excel skills are a must, including proficiency in financial modeling, data analysis, and report generation using advanced functions (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, complex formulas, and data visualization).
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to troubleshoot issues and implement solutions efficiently.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, adapting to new challenges and business needs.
• Able to manage and execute multiple financial projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and business objectives are achieved.

Financial Reporting - Lead the preparation and delivery of accurate and timely internal monthly financial statements and supporting schedules for 3 operating companies and 2 holding companies.

• Prepare and analyze core financial reports, including:
  • Balance Sheets - Ensure account balances are accurate and properly supported monthly.
  • Income Statements - Track revenues and expenses, analyze variances, and provide commentary monthly.
  • Deferred Revenue Schedules - Track and report deferred income to ensure proper revenue recognition
  • Prepaid Expenses - Maintain schedules and ensure accurate monthly amortization
  • Intercompany Loan Activity - Record, reconcile, and report intercompany transactions and balances across entities
  • Investment Reporting - Track investments held by holding companies, including valuation updates and income recognition
  • Monthly Finance Meeting - Analyze and discuss monthly financial statements with Owner and Tax Accountant monthly, highlighting variances and trends on financial performance for all 5 companies.
• Coordinate the month-end close process, ensuring all journal entries, accruals, and adjustments are posted accurately and in a timely manner.
• Review journal entries, reconciliations, and general ledger postings completed by accounting staff; provide corrections, guidance where applicable.
• Provide financial insights and variance analysis to senior management to support strategic decision-making.
• Ensure all financial reporting is in compliance with relevant accounting standards and company policies.
• Collaborate with external accountants or auditors during year-end reporting and audits, including preparation of Combined Financial Statements for all 5 companies.

Payroll

• Preparation of semi-monthly/bi-weekly payroll for Canadian staff, and issuance of corresponding payroll tax.
• Manage employee reimbursements, health deductions, and applicable tax withholdings as part of the payroll process, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Maintain electronic employee records (i.e., TD1 payroll forms, void cheques), and preparation of Record of Employment.

Commissions & Payment Processing

• Oversee accountant prepared commission entries, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established procedures, providing guidance and corrections where necessary.
• Review and approve commission payments prepared by the accountant, ensuring all payments are accurate, align with company policies, and correspond with bank requirements.
• Verify bank details for international wire transfers to ensure they are accurate and up to date, in line with the company's record-keeping processes.
• Support accountant with timely and accurate commission payments, ensuring payments are updated promptly in accounting and CRM systems by accountant in timely manner.
• Address and investigate bank inquiries for failed international wire payments, identifying issues and working to resolve discrepancies with the bank.

Management, General, and Administration

• Manage and oversee the finance team, including mentoring, coaching, and supervising team members to ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance with regulatory requirements, and timely completion of financial tasks.
• Foster a positive work culture by maintaining team morale, encouraging collaboration, and supporting professional growth and development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on various projects, ensuring clear communication, timely execution, and successful implementation of financial initiatives.
• Oversee financial data integrity, confidentiality, and accuracy, ensuring compliance with internal controls and safeguarding sensitive information through secure backup processes.
• Lead the preparation, monitoring, and management of budgets, providing insightful analysis and reporting to ensure financial goals are met and cost-efficiency is maintained.
• Develop, implement, and maintain robust system controls to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial data and safeguard against discrepancies, fraud, or errors.
• Address financial inquiries from students, management, agents, and vendors, providing timely and accurate responses.
• Perform administrative tasks such as maintaining financial records, filing, and preparing reports for senior management.
• Assist with special projects as needed, providing financial analysis and support for key business initiatives.

• The Financial Controller will work from our Halifax office
• 40 hours/week, Monday to Friday
• Salary is competitive and negotiable based on qualifications and work experience
• Paid international travel may be required, on occasion
• Generous holiday schedule and standard vacation
• Company health benefits available

To apply, please include a PDF copy of your resume and a brief cover letter indicating the competition number on all pages of your application.