Start Date: October 15, 2026
Deadline to apply: September 25, 2026, 5:00 pm
Job Purpose
The Financial Controller is responsible for protecting the accuracy, completeness, reliability, and timeliness of financial information across New Dawn's diverse portfolio of operations. The Controller leads the day-to-day accounting function and ensures that financial records, reporting, controls, policies, and compliance practices support responsible stewardship and sound decision-making.

Financial Controller
Permanent, Full-Time

Salary: $95,000-$110,000 annually

Start Date: October 15, 2026

Deadline to apply: September 25, 2026, 5:00 pm

Working within New Dawn's multi-entity environment, the Controller oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, compliance, audits, and cash administration. The role ensures financial processes are effective, reporting requirements are met, risks are managed, and decision-makers have access to reliable financial information.

Primary Area Of Responsibility
Accounting Operations & Team Leadership; Budget Coordination & Variance Reporting; Financial Policies, Procedures & Internal Controls; Compliance & Audit; Financing Documentation & Cash Administration; Financial Reporting & Key Deliverables

Duties And Responsibilities
Accounting Operations & Team Leadership

Directly manage the accounting and Finance department team and oversee the day-to-day accounting function across New Dawn's entities, divisions, programs, properties, and business units

Oversee bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, bank and balance-sheet reconciliations, intercompany transactions, and general ledger maintenance

Establish clear work plans, close schedules, review processes, and service standards that ensure financial work is accurate, complete, and delivered on time

Review journal entries, reconciliations, account analyses, supporting records, and adjustments, and ensure errors and outstanding items are resolved promptly

Ensure accounting practices are applied consistently and that financial records provide a reliable foundation for organizational reporting and decision-making

Set clear expectations for accuracy, timeliness, accountability, confidentiality, and reliable follow-through within the Finance department

Provide ongoing supervision, coaching, feedback, and professional development to Finance staff, and address capacity or performance concerns as required

Build team resilience through cross-training, documented procedures, appropriate segregation of duties, and the development of financial expertise

Budget Coordination & Variance Reporting

Coordinate the annual budget process, including timelines, templates, agreed assumptions, departmental submissions, review, consolidation, and preparation of the organization-wide budget

Monitor actual financial results against budget and provide regular, clear budget-to-actual and variance reports

Investigate significant variances, explain their underlying causes, and work with managers to correct coding, address pressures, and improve financial performance

Prepare cash-flow forecasts and financial projections using agreed assumptions and provide reliable financial data and analysis to support operational decisions

Financial Policies, Procedures, Systems & Internal Controls

Develop, document, administer, and regularly update detailed financial policies, accounting procedures, approval processes, close schedules, and documentation requirements

Design, implement, and monitor internal controls that safeguard assets and reduce accounting, reporting, fraud, and compliance risks

Ensure appropriate authorization, segregation of duties, supporting documentation, record retention, and review controls are consistently followed

Oversee the effective use of accounting, payroll, and financial reporting systems and ensure system access, configurations, and workflows support accurate and efficient processing

Develop tools, templates, and guidance that help managers understand budgets, expenses, coding, documentation standards, approvals, and financial procedures

Compliance & Audit

Oversee tax filings, government remittances, regulatory reporting, accounting-standard requirements, and compliance with legal, contractual, funder, and organizational obligations

Manage audit schedules, working papers, supporting documentation, confirmations, and day-to-day communication with external auditors and reviewers

Coordinate annual audit and external review preparation, respond promptly to information requests, track outstanding items, and support timely completion

Monitor compliance requirements and control effectiveness, identify deficiencies or emerging risks, and implement corrective action

Financing Documentation & Cash Administration

Monitor bank balances, cash requirements, payments, receipts, and short-term cash flow to support operations

Prepare and supply accurate financial information, schedules, confirmations, covenant reporting, and other documentation required by lenders, funders, banks, and government partners

Track capital-project budgets, expenditures, commitments, funding claims, and required financial reporting

Oversee banking administration, cash transfers, receivables, payables, and intercompany balances, and ensure transactions are appropriately authorized and recorded

Financial Reporting & Key Deliverables

Produce accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for all divisions, business units, entities, and New Dawn Enterprises Consolidated





Deliver complete period-end reconciliations, variance reports, audit schedules, compliance filings, financial procedures, and other recurring reporting requirements on schedule

Prepare management reports and dashboards and explain financial results, accounting details, and variances clearly to the CEO, Vice Presidents, managers, and Board of Directors when requested by the CEO

Maintain organized, review-ready working papers and provide accurate financial information for funding applications, audits, government filings, lenders, and other external stakeholders

Other Duties & Responsibilities

Participate in team meetings and organizational activities as required

Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute to the development and implementation of effective solutions

Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and confidentiality in all interactions involving employees, clients, volunteers, and organizational information

Demonstrate professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity in all interactions, representing New Dawn in a manner consistent with its mission, vision, and values

Maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills through ongoing learning, career development, networking, and participation in relevant professional associations

Foster positive workplace relationships through effective communication, mutual respect, collaboration, and reliable follow-through

Champion and promote New Dawn’s mission, vision, and values both internally and externally

Core Competencies

Servant leadership

Ethics and integrity

Client and community-focused

Initiative and problem-solving

Accountability and dependability

Strong oral and written communication

Teamwork and collaboration

Detail orientation

Adaptability

Leadership

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, commerce, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred

Minimum five (5) years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, including responsibility for financial reporting, budgeting, audit, internal controls, and accounting operations

Demonstrated experience leading/supervising finance staff and improving accounting systems and processes

Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial statement preparation, reconciliations, consolidations, budgeting, forecasting, and cash-flow management

Demonstrated expertise in audit preparation, regulatory and tax compliance, internal controls, and financial policies and procedures

Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to people with varying levels of financial knowledge

Experience with non-profit, charitable, social enterprise, real estate, or multi-entity structures is a strong asset

Demonstrated compassion, empathy, diplomacy, and sound problem-solving skills

Experience working with and advocating for individuals and communities facing vulnerability and systemic barriers

Ability to work independently, collaboratively as part of a team, and under direction when required

Strong attention to detail, with exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Proven ability to build positive relationships and work effectively with others toward shared goals

Highly organized, with the ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment

Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, accountability, and commitment to confidentiality

Understanding of and working with diverse communities and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centred practice

Alignment with New Dawn’s mission, values, and servant leadership philosophy

Work Conditions

Regular interaction with employees, volunteers, management, participants, children, families, and public

Travel between worksites and within the community may be required

Occasional overtime and evening or weekend work may be required to meet operational needs

Work is performed in an office and community setting and may be busy or noisy at times

Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a desktop computer, including the use of standard office equipment and peripherals

Salaried Employee Compensation Package
At New Dawn Enterprises, we recognize that employee well‑being is fundamental to individual success, organizational excellence, and thriving communities. In addition to competitive salaries, permanent salaried employees may be eligible for the following benefits and supports. Eligibility for specific benefits may vary based on employment status, position, and length of service.

Group Health Group Advantages: Medical, Dental, Life Insurance
New Dawn offers eligible employees participation in group benefits which are provided by GroupHEALTH and include coverage for medical, dental, and vision care, as well as insurance coverage including long‑term disability, life, and accidental death and dismemberment. New Dawn pays 50% of group benefit premiums. Long‑term disability premiums are fully employee‑paid, allowing any future disability benefits received to remain non‑taxable.





Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP)
GroupHEALTH offers integrated wellness services through Sparrow Health, including enhanced mental health support, seamless access to virtual healthcare, and an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Services include critical incident support, 24/7 crisis assistance, substance‑use management, and other wellness resources.

Self-Directed Registered Retirement Savings Plan
Eligible employees may choose to participate in New Dawn’s Self‑Directed Retirement Savings Matching Program by contributing up to 5% of their gross salary toward a registered retirement savings plan, which is deducted from their pay cheque. New Dawn matches employee contributions dollar‑for‑dollar up to 5% of gross salary. Eligible savings accounts include Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and eligible Community Economic Development Investment Funds (CEDIFs).

Flexible Work Arrangements
In recognition of the advantages of greater work‑life balance and the value of flexibility and autonomy for human well‑being, New Dawn makes every effort to offer flexible work schedules. Divisions across New Dawn are structured differently and may offer varying levels of flexibility while continuing to meet operational requirements. Depending on the role, flexible arrangements may include self‑scheduling (regular schedule and/or time off coverage), adaptable start and end times, work from home, and other accommodations.

Reduced Hours Work Week
Full‑time salaried employees are eligible to participate in a 32‑hour reduced‑hours work week while maintaining full‑time employment status and compensation. These hours can be worked over four 8‑hour days, or five 6.5‑hour days, with the chosen schedule identified at the beginning of employment and at the start of each year.

Paid Vacation
Full‑time, salaried employees are entitled to 120 hours (equivalent to 15 days) of paid vacation annually. Part‑time, salaried employees are entitled to paid annual vacation hours prorated to their FTE status.

Paid Mental & Physical Wellness Days
Full‑time, salaried employees are entitled to 56 hours (7 days) of paid mental and physical wellness leave annually. Part‑time, salaried employees are entitled to paid annual leave for mental and physical health prorated to their FTE status. These hours can be used to take time off work for physical and/or mental wellness/illness, and to attend appointments for the employee and/or their dependents.

Paid Holidays
New Dawn observes thirteen (13) public holidays and other days for which staff will be paid. They are: New Year's Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day. In the spirit of family, the President reserves the right to close the office between Christmas and New Year’s to enable employees to spend time with their families. This option will be reviewed, and a decision made annually depending on operational requirements. These non‑statutory days will have no impact on employee vacation time.

Rewards & Recognition
New Dawn celebrates employee contributions through service awards, milestone recognition, and ongoing appreciation programs that acknowledge achievements and significant personal and professional milestones.

Paid Required Education Renewals
When certifications, training, licenses, or credentials are required for a position, New Dawn covers renewal costs. Support for professional designations and licensing fees may also be provided based on role requirements and divisional budgets.

Professional Development
New Dawn is committed to supporting employees in developing their skills, expanding their knowledge, and pursuing lifelong learning opportunities. Development of new position‑relevant skills and perspectives creates a stronger, more informed, and modern organization. Employees are encouraged to explore professional development opportunities in collaboration with their manager.

Café Marie Discount
Employees are entitled to a staff discount at Café Marie, located in the Eltuek Arts Centre.

Corporate YMCA Membership Program
To support employee health and wellness, New Dawn offers a corporate membership in partnership with the Cape Breton YMCA. The corporate membership provides staff with a 12% discount on the cost of individual membership, and New Dawn covers 50% of the discounted individual membership cost.

AIP Employer
New Dawn is proud to be a designated Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) employer. Eligible employees may be able to receive employer support for permanent residency applications through the program. Employees are responsible for confirming their eligibility under the AIP or any other immigration stream before seeking employer endorsement.

New Dawn
New Dawn is Canada's oldest Community Development Corporation. Since 1976, we've been working to create a more just, healthy, and self‑determined community by responding to local needs and driving long‑term, systems‑level change. Today, New Dawn continues to focus on self‑reliance, resilience, and community‑led transformation. Every day, we engage thousands of community members and employ over 150 Cape Bretoners through programs and services that are practical, creative, and grounded in care. Our work spans health and social care, housing, the arts, youth, immigration, and community development. Some of these services generate revenue, which we reinvest into our organization fueling sustainability and deepening community impact.

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📌 Financial Controller (Nova Scotia)
🏢 Cape Breton Job Board
📍 Nova Scotia