Controller

Job description

Position Summary The Controller is responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of Carey Group’s financial operations and reporting. This role oversees day-to-day accounting, statutory compliance, internal controls, and financial reporting across Carey’s three business units: the College, Student Residences, and Carey Centre (Hotel). The Controller plays a key supporting role in Carey’s financial and digital transformation, contributing to the documentation, modernization, and improvement of financial processes. Working closely with the SVP, Operations & Finance, Registrar and other stakeholders, the Controller helps implement new technologies, supports automation initiatives, and ensures that financial systems and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are aligned, documented, and consistently followed. This is a hands-on, accountability-driven role suited to someone comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment while strengthening discipline, compliance, and operational clarity . Key Responsibilities 1. Financial Operations & Accounting Own full-cycle accounting operations, including: General ledger Accounts payable and receivable Payroll coordination and reconciliation Bank and balance sheet reconciliations Lead accurate and timely month-end and year-end close processes Maintain an auditable chart of accounts aligned to Carey Group’s operating structure Oversee deferred revenue recognition (tuition, residence fees, hotel revenue) This is a hands-on role and includes direct responsibility for day-to-day bookkeeping activities as required. As Carey’s systems and processes mature, this role will help inform when and how transactional work may be appropriately delegated, while retaining accountability for accuracy and control. 2. Statutory Compliance & Remittances (Critical) Primary responsibility for all statutory remittances, including: CRA payroll remittances GST/PST filings and payments Pension contributions Benefits-related remittances Maintain CRA account access and filing authority Ensure all filings are accurate, timely, and fully documented Coordinate with external advisors (tax, payroll, benefits) as required 3. Audit, Charity Compliance & External Reporting Lead preparation for the annual financial audit , including audit schedules, documentation, and auditor coordination Prepare and/or oversee submission of the T3010 Registered Charity Information Return Ensure compliance with charitable reporting requirements and restricted fund tracking Support Board, Audit, and Finance Committee reporting 4. Financial Reporting, Controls & SOP Support Produce accurate and timely: Monthly financial statements Budget vs. actual reports Cash flow forecasts Support the development, documentation, and maintenance of SOPs for all key financial processes, including: Month-end and year-end close Payroll and remittances Revenue recognition Accounts payable and receivable Audit and charity filings Implement and adhere to established SOPs, ensuring consistency and compliance Support internal control design and enforcement to mitigate financial and operational risk 5. Financial Systems & Digital Enablement Serve as the day-to-day financial systems owner across: QuickBooks Populi MEWS (Hotel & Residences) Payroll, pension, and payment platforms (i.e Rippling, Canada Life) Support Carey’s digital transformation and automation efforts by: Helping implement automated financial workflows Reducing manual processes and reconciliation gaps Supporting adoption of new financial tools and technologies Partner with operations and technology stakeholders to ensure systems and processes remain aligned 6. Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning Support Support annual budgeting and reforecasting processes Assist with cost allocation across Carey’s business units Support financial modeling and scenario planning Monitor performance and flag risks, variances, or structural issues early 7. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with: SVP, Operations & Finance, Registrar (reports directly) President’s Office Advancement & Communications (donations and restricted funds) Hospitality and Residence leadership Provide clear, practical financial information to non-financial leaders Support leadership and Board decision-making through accurate reporting As Carey grows, this role may support the onboarding, coordination, or supervision of future accounting or finance support roles, as appropriate. Qualifications & Experience Education & Credentials CPA designation (or near completion strongly preferred) Professional Experience 7+ years of progressive accounting experience Experience supporting annual audits and external reviews Experience preparing or overseeing T3010 charitable tax filings Strong knowledge of Canadian payroll, tax, and remittance requirements Experience in fast-paced startups, scale-ups, or technology-enabled environments Experience working with accounting systems such as QuickBooks (or similar) Preferred Experience Experience supporting financial system modernization or automation initiatives Experience in higher education, non-profits, or multi-entity organizations Exposure to tuition-based, hospitality, or housing revenue models Compensation & Benefits This is a full-time position based at Carey Group on the UBC campus in Vancouver, BC. Salary range: $95,000 – $120,000 per year , commensurate with experience and qualifications. Carey offers: Paid vacation Extended health and dental benefits Employer-contributed pension plan A flexible, hybrid work environment with regular on-campus collaboration expecte d The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to an institution undergoing renewal and growth Join Us at Carey — A Place of Renewal, Rigor, and Conviction Situated on the beautiful UBC campus in Vancouver, Carey has served students, churches, and Christian leaders for over six decades. Today, Carey is entering a focused and ambitious season of renewal—strengthening its mission, modernizing its operations, and building a resilient platform for long-term growth across education, hospitality, and community life. Carey operates as an integrated faith-based organization across three mission-aligned business units: Carey Theological College — an online-first, biblically faithful, historically Protestant seminary with global reach Student Residences — forming intentional Christian community through hospitality, housing, and shared life Carey Centre (Hotel) — a mission-aligned hospitality operation that supports Carey’s sustainability and campus presence This is not a traditional institutional environment. Carey is rebuilding with the clarity, urgency, and adaptability of a startup , while remaining grounded in theological conviction and institutional integrity. We are restoring trust, strengthening systems, and laying foundations for sustainable growth across all three business units. We are looking for those who are battle-tested—both professionally and personally . People who do not drift when things are unclear, who can hold conviction under pressure, and who are energized by the hard, often unseen work of rebuilding systems, processes, and culture. This is a place for builders, not maintainers. Roles at Carey are not static. They are designed for those who can bring order to complexity, steward responsibility faithfully, and help modernize systems in service of mission. If you are energized by meaningful work, operational clarity, and thoughtful transformation, we invite you to consider this opportunity.