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Job summary

The Financial Controller leads the school's accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and financial planning processes. This role supervises the finance team and provides financial guidance to senior leadership, the Board, and external stakeholders.

Job details

Financial Controller Regular Internal/External Posting Posting Date: September 20, 2026 Closing Date: October 4, 2026 Posting # 2026083 Hours Monday-Friday Beginning October 2026 Salary Range $130,000 to $170,000 This is a non – bargaining unit position All candidates must be legally able to work in Canada. Summary St. Margaret’s School (SMS) is Western Canada’s only girl-centered, independent day and boarding school located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on the unceded traditional territories of the Esquimalt Nations, Songhees Nations, and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations. Founded in 1908, SMS is an international centre for girl-centered learning and leadership development, providing empowering education for girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 (boarding grades 7–12). St. Margaret’s School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) School offering the Diploma Programme, and we are a candidate school for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). St. Margaret’s School is seeking a full-time Financial Controller to provide leadership for the School’s accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and financial planning. This director-level role leads the Finance Team, maintains accurate fiscal records, and prepares and interprets financial information for management, the Board, and external stakeholders. Nature and Scope The Financial Controller reports to the Chief Financial & Operations Officer and works closely with the Administration Team, Finance Team, students, parents, and other staff members to manage the School’s day-to-day financial requirements. Core Competencies Integrity & Trust Service Orientation Adaptability Innovation Resilience Professional Knowledge Communication & Collaboration Duties and Responsibilities Lead and manage all aspects of the School’s day-to-day financial operations. Supervise Finance Team members and provide ongoing guidance, coaching and mentorship. Ensure day-to-day financial activities are completed accurately and on time, with outstanding items followed through to resolution. Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports. Maintain and improve financial policies, procedures and internal controls to safeguard the School’s assets and support effective financial management. Oversee cash management, banking and treasury activities to support the School’s operational and financial requirements. Follow up on difficult past due student accounts as necessary and meet with parents to discuss financial issues. Liaise with external parties on provincial, federal, and annual fiscal audits. Prepare various year-end schedules and analyses related to the year-end audit. Oversee the School inventory for accuracy and efficiency. Lead annual operating and capital budget development with the Chief Financial & Operations Officer and budget owners. Prepare multi-year financial plans, forecasts, cash flow projections, and scenario analyses aligned with strategic and operational priorities. Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, analyze variances, trends, risks and opportunities, and recommend appropriate actions. Provide clear financial planning reports and guidance to senior leadership, the Board, and budget owners. Develop and improve budgeting, forecasting, reporting and other financial processes, systems and tools. Create ad hoc management reports and financial analysis as required to support decision-making. Required Education & Experience Professional Accounting Designation (CPA) is required, with an ongoing commitment to professional development. Minimum of five years of experience in a full-cycle professional accounting environment, preferably in the non-profit sector, with a strong understanding of fund accounting. Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Systems level thinking and strong accounting and finance mental models. Strong accounting, financial analysis, and analytical skills, with the ability to ensure compliance with accounting standards and accountability for internal budgets. Knowledge of enterprise systems, including Great Plains, databases, and report-development tools. Strong understanding of current software technologies and the ability to collaborate with IT on system improvement recommendations. Ability to supervise other finance professionals, delegate responsibilities and provide positive guidance in a team environment Commitment to clear, professional communication with internal and external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, and vendors. Ability to present ideas confidently in presentations and writing Advanced proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft applications; familiarity with artificial intelligence tools is an asset. Actively support the vision, mission and values of our School Valued Benefits A career with St. Margaret’s School will offer you the opportunity to be part of dedicated team of professionals in a dynamic and rewarding educational environment. This position is located on the school campus, with access to rapid transit, on-site gym, and other amenities. St. Margaret's School emphasizes a dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion across living, learning, and work environments. The school aims to have its workforce mirror the diversity of students and the community. Actively encouraging applications from groups facing historical or current equity barriers, the institution is committed to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community. Employees needing employment support, technical aids, or accommodations, are encouraged to contact Human Resources careers@stmarg.ca. Interested candidates are invited to submit an application package, including a covering letter, curriculum vitae and professional references, through Bamboo HR, by October 4, 2026. Questions email careers@stmarg.ca

What you’ll do

The Financial Controller leads the school's accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and financial planning processes. This role supervises the finance team and provides financial guidance to senior leadership, the Board, and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a professional accounting designation (CPA) and possess at least five years of experience in a full-cycle professional accounting environment. Strong knowledge of fund accounting, enterprise systems, and financial analysis is required.

Benefits

• On-site gym • Access to rapid transit

Listed skills

• Budgeting · Preferred
• Financial Reporting · Preferred
• Microsoft Excel · Preferred
• Financial planning · Preferred
• Financial analysis · Preferred
• Forecasting · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Financial reporting
• Budgeting
• Financial planning
• Accounting operations
• CPA
• Fund accounting
• Cash management
• Treasury activities
• Financial analysis
• Staff supervision
• Strategic planning
• Audit liaison
• Excel
• Great Plains
• Internal controls
• Forecasting
• Report Development
• Mentorship
• Presentations
• Communication
• Internal Controls
• Management
• Operations
• Leadership
• Decision Making
• Innovation
• Microsoft Excel
• Artificial Intelligence
• Analytical Skills
• Adaptability
• Resilience
• Coaching
• Finance
• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Customer Service
• Equities
• Auditing
• Enterprise Application Software
• Financial Analysis
• Leadership Development
• Financial Management
• Financial Planning
• Financial Statements
• Accounting
• Cash Flow Forecasting
• Management Reporting
• Financial Policy
• Capital Budgeting
• Accounting Operations

Job areas

• Finance & Accounting
• Management & Leadership
• Education
• Administrative
• Financial Controller
• Controller (General)
• Accountants
• Treasurers and Controllers
• Financial Managers