Controller, Finance

ABOUT THE JOB

We operate with a deep commitment to transparency, accountability, person-centered support, and the inclusion of people with lived experience in decision-making. Through its wide-reaching network of community-based programs, including those focused on mental health promotion, peer navigation, housing, and youth services, Canadian Mental Health Association Lower Mainland (CMHA LM) Branch is a trusted leader in transforming mental health care across the province.

It is within this context that Canadian Mental Health Association Lower Mainland (CMHA LM) Branch invites nominations and applications for the role of Controller of the CMHA LM Branch- a unique opportunity to lead financial operations in the context of the changing landscape of mental health needs in the province.

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on financial Controller to lead and build the financial operations of the Canadian Mental Health Association Lower Mainland (CMHA LM) Branch. This is a foundational role for someone excited to work in a dynamic environment where you will have the opportunity to shape systems from the ground up, implement sustainable financial processes, and help drive long-term organizational success.

If you are passionate about creating impact, thrive in a fast-paced setting, and bring a strong foundation in financial leadership with experience in early-stage or scaling environments, this role is for you.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Financial Responsibilities

• Build and lead the organization’s financial infrastructure, including establishing internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures.
• Oversee all day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and cash flow management.
• Develop and manage tools for financial monitoring, forecasting, and performance reporting.
• Collaborate with leadership to prepare and manage the annual budget and multi-year financial plans.
• Manage payroll processing and ensure compliance with employment standards and remittances.
• Oversee CRA filings including GST returns and T3010 submissions.
• Prepare and deliver accurate financial reports for internal and external stakeholders (management, funders, board) on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Serve as the key liaison for external audits; manage preparation and coordination of the annual audit.
• Continuously assess and improve financial systems, tools, and technology to support operational efficiency and transparency.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Stewardship: Serve as a key financial leader, ensuring the organization's fiscal integrity through proactive planning, budgeting, and forecasting aligned with its mission and multi-faceted funding streams (grants, donations, government contracts, etc).
• Executive Collaboration: Act as a strategic partner the senior leadership team, providing clear, data-driven insights to support organizational decision-making. Participate actively in organizational planning, risk management, and long-term sustainability initiatives.
• Cross-Departmental Integration: Collaborate across departments to ensure financial policies and procedures are understood and followed. Support program leaders in interpreting financial data and managing budgets responsibly.
• Finance & Audit Committee Engagement: Prepare and present financial reports to the Board of Directors and FAC Committee. Communicate complex financial information in a clear, concise manner to diverse stakeholders, including non-financial audiences.
• Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure robust internal controls are in place and proactively address audit findings and risk exposures.
• System and Process Optimization: Champion the continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and reporting tools to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in a complex operational environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related discipline.
• CPA designation is required.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles; experience in start-up or early-stage organizations is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated success in building or overhauling financial systems, policies, and workflows.
• Strong knowledge of non-profit accounting standards, including fund accounting, restricted/unrestricted funds, and grant compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to present financial concepts to non-finance audiences.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently in a fast-changing environment.
• Proficiency with accounting and finance software; experience with [QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, or similar] is an asset.
• Non-profit sector experience is a strong asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This is a full-time position.
• The usual work week is 37.5 hours and business hours are Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm with overtime hours required as needed.
• Hybrid working environment, with in-person presence required on a weekly basis.
• Controller role is an excluded role subject to the compensation reference plan of the Health Employers Association of BC.
• In determining salary, CMHA LM Branch considers many factors including the successful candidate’s skillset and experience as well as internal equity. The final salary offer will be at CMHA LM Branch's sole discretion and presented as part of a competitive total compensation package.
• The Controller reports to the Executive Director of the CMHA LM Branch.
• Salary Range: $84,279.00 - $121,151.00
• Typical Hiring Range: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00

Conditions of Employment

• The successful candidate must undergo a provincial criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector screening, prior to the start of employment.
• Verification of education, credential check, reference check and a credit check will be required.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your resume along with a cover letter, clearly documenting how you satisfy the requirements outlined in this job posting to careers@cmhalm.ca by 5 p.m. September 15, 2025.

The subject line should mention “Controller”. We regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview.

Canadian Mental Health Association Lower Mainland (CMHA LM) Branch is committed to our workforce reflecting the diversity of the communities within which we work. As such, we encourage applications from persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the diversity of our staff. Personal experience with mental illness and or addiction, either through self or a loved one, is an asset.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is Canada’s most established and extensive community mental health organization. With a federated structure that spans 87 locations across the country, CMHA provides advocacy, resources, and programs that promote mental health, prevent illness, support recovery and resilience, and enable Canadians to thrive. CMHA is committed to advancing the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, working in partnership with Indigenous communities, and promoting culturally safe and inclusive services.

We respectfully acknowledge xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaʔɬ (TsleilWaututh), Lkwungen (Songhees) and Wyomilth (Esquimalt) peoples on whose traditional, unceded lands the CMHA Lower Mainland offices are located.