Controller
Summary:
The controller holds primary responsibility for oversight of the internal control framework, external reporting, accounting, internal control over financial reporting, and treasury functions including cash management, investment management, debt administration, and non-student accounts receivable. The controller has a secondary responsibility for overseeing the enterprise risk management framework with the primary lead, the CFO. The controller position provides leadership to a team of finance professionals and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and institutional priorities.
Additionally, this role supports the development and oversight of investment and debt strategies, ensuring the sustainability of financial assets and resources. The controller monitors regulatory landscapes and internal requirements to mitigate risks and ensure service delivery.
Employing a combination of strong financial acumen and institutional knowledge, the controller guides the development of strategy, processes, and policies to ensure accuracy and compliance in accounting functions.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Serves as the financial module leader of the enterprise system, coordinating across financial business leads’ decisions during implementation, guiding the transition to a new enterprise system, and ensuring alignment with institutional needs.
Leads the institutional accounting and external financial reporting framework and structures and ensures the university is following current accounting standards.
Ensures internal accounting policies, practices, and systems support internal and external reporting needs and processes to manage the quality of financial information.
Oversees the university’s internal control framework with particular attention to the internal control over financial reporting.
Monitors and supports the enterprise risk management framework.
Ensures external institutional financial reporting timelines and accountabilities are met, including annual financial statements and tax returns.
Facilitates information collection and co-authors the annual financial report, incorporating succinct variance narratives, key performance metrics, and required and voluntary recommendations issued by the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) Canada Standards and Guidance, including its Canadian Sustainability Standards.
Manages the external audit relationship with the provincial auditor.
Supports committees in the development, implementation, management, and oversight of the institutional investment strategy, policies, and processes.
Supports the development, implementation, management, and oversight of the university's debt strategy, policies, and processes including leadership with debt financing.
Develops, implements and maintains effective systems of policy reviews, and checks and balances with respect to fiduciary responsibilities including responsible investing.
Ensures effectiveness, accountability, and transparency of the operations supporting investment, debt, optimal cash management, and non-student accounts receivable.
Reviews and monitors investment and debt policies and processes including identifying and assessing risks.
Ensures effective long-term management and sustainability of financial assets and resources by influencing and informing strategic and financial decisions.
Oversees the institutional payment receipt and disbursement environment including banking, payment channels, payment card industry compliance, and reporting in conjunction with information technology security partners.
Identifies and mitigates institutional risks, bringing them to the attention of institutional leaders where appropriate.
Monitors the external regulatory landscape, internal requirements, and control environments for impact on the delivery of service and processes in the unit.
Leads a team of finance professionals, managing the full lifecycle of the employee.
Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment, and models these behaviours across the institution.
Builds and leads diverse teams, champions inclusive leadership, and values different perspectives.
Engages in and supports the understanding and growth of employees with the frameworks, initiatives and activities relating to equity, diversity and inclusion and Indigenous engagement.
Sets and achieves actionable goals in alignment with Indigenous engagement and equity, diversity, and inclusion frameworks; addresses systemic inequities affecting underrepresented equity groups.
Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.
Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in finance, commerce, business or related field; a Master of Business Administration is an asset.
A professional accounting designation is required.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in a senior financial leadership role in a large, complex, multi-dimensional organization or institution, preferably a university.
Demonstrated experience providing leadership to a large staff complement.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a diverse environment including the ability to provide collaborative leadership internally and externally.
Strong technical accounting skills.
Highly developed and comprehensive financial management skills.
Strategic planning skills.
Ability to foster a cooperative work environment with a client service delivery focus.
Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
Department: Controller's Office
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Exempt
Shift: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $121,333.00 - 203,113.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 5
Posted Date: 10/15/2025
Closing Date: 10/29/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php
Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.
