BC Dairy Job Board
Controller
Description
ABOUT US :
BC Dairy is a leader in the dairy industry, undertaking activities in marketing, nutrition, education, and policy advocacy. We represent and support BC dairy farmers and work to strengthen the long-term health and sustainability of the dairy sector within Canada’s supply-managed system.
We believe we are better together for Canadian dairy. Our mission is to inspire, innovate, and collaborate to build a healthy Canadian dairy industry. Guided by our core behaviors - Think Bigger, Win-Win, Fact-Based, Care, and Accountability - we prioritize disciplined stewardship, collaboration, and measurable impact.
POSITION OVERVIEW :
BC Dairy is looking for a senior, trusted finance leader who combines strong technical discipline with the ability to advise leadership and influence decisions. The Controller is the senior financial steward of BC Dairy, responsible for the integrity of reporting, strengthening controls, and clear visibility of financial risk. You ensure finance operations run with discipline and consistency in a stakeholder-driven, publicly accountable environment. You partner closely with the Executive Director, Operations & Culture and the leadership team. You provide clear, plain-language financial insight for planning, board reporting, and resource decisions. You translate financial results into forward-looking insights, supporting strategic planning, resource allocation, and organizational sustainability that are at times presented to the Finance and Audit Committee and board.
You also ensure BC Dairy’s finance systems and vendor platforms are governed effectively, with strong controls, clean integrations, and reliable workflows across payroll, benefits, banking, AP automation, and reporting.
This role is suited to a designated finance professional who values governance, control clarity, and proactive risk management, and who is motivated to contribute to a mission-driven organization serving BC dairy farmers.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE :
- Month-end and year-end reporting are accurate and delivered on schedule.
- Board and leadership reporting is clear, complete, and decision ready.
- Financial decisions are made with full visibility of risk and trade-offs.
- Governance standards are applied consistently.
- Internal controls withstand audit scrutiny.
- Payroll, benefits, and pension administration are reliable and compliant.
- Audit readiness is maintained year-round.
- Delegated authorities are clear and enforced.
- Core finance processes are documented and resilient.
- Financial risks are identified early and communicated with practical options.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :
Financial reporting and close :
- Lead month-end and year-end close.
- Set timelines, standards, and deliverables.
- Protect general ledger integrity and reconciliation quality.
- Review and approve journal entries and adjustments.
- Deliver variance analysis focused on drivers and implications.
- Prepare financial materials for leadership and board review.
Budgeting, forecasting, and planning:
- Lead the annual budget process and calendar.
- Support forecasting and scenario planning.
- Monitor cash flow, reserves, and funding requirements to ensure financial sustainability.
- Bring financial insight to planning discussions and trade-offs.
Controls, governance, and policy:
- Maintain internal controls and delegated authority frameworks.
- Translate policy into measurable approval limits and routines.
- Monitor trends and escalate emerging risk.
- Support policy work where financial risk or compliance is impacted.
Audit and external relationships:
- Act as primary contact for external auditors.
- Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation.
- Track, close, and sustain audit recommendations.
- Maintain continuous audit readiness.
Payroll, benefits, and pension oversight:
- Oversee payroll processing and approvals.
- Ensure accuracy in benefits and pension administration.
- Maintain calendars, cut-offs, and compliance deadlines.
- Provide cost clarity to support staffing and structure decisions.
Finance systems and vendor oversight:
- Own the integrity and performance of BC Dairy’s finance systems and vendor platforms.
- Maintain and improve workflows across AP automation, budgeting, expense management, payroll, banking, and reporting platforms.
- Ensure strong system-based controls, data integrity, and clean integrations between systems.
- Serve as internal governance lead for key finance vendors and partners, including Sage/ Sage Server, Beanworks, Budgyt, xpensePoint, Payworks, BC, and Beneva.
- Leads the adoption and optimization of finance technology to improve efficiencies in areas such as AP, expense reporting, budgeting, payroll, etc.
Business continuity:
- Build cross-training and back-up coverage for critical finance work.
- Maintain finance calendars and continuity plans.
People leadership:
- Lead and coach the Finance Coordinator.
- Set priorities, quality standards, and expectations.
- Provide direct feedback and development support.
WHO YOU ARE?
- You operate with the confidence and judgment of a Manager/Leader.
- You exercise independent judgment within clear governance frameworks.
- You anticipate risk, raise concerns early, and act with integrity—even when conversations are difficult.
- You balance attention to detail with strong organizational awareness
- You take ownership of outcomes and follow through consistently.
- You are comfortable holding the line on controls and approvals while maintaining strong working relationships.
- You pair sound analysis with timely, practical decision-making.
- You bring clarity and steady leadership, especially when pressure increases.
- You believe in doing good work with good people.
- You are grounded, thoughtful, and approachable, building trust through consistency and fairness.
- You value collaboration over silos and contribute to a team-first environment – not afraid to step away from behind the desk.
- You communicate in a way that is clear, respectful, and easy to understand, especially for non-finance colleagues.
- You care about building strong relationships and trust across the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
- CPA designation (equivalent may be considered)
Experience:
- Minimum five (5) years of progressive finance experience.
- Experience in a not-for-profit, public sector, or stakeholder-accountable environment.
- Demonstrated experience leading month-end close and audit cycles.
- Experience preparing financial reporting for senior leadership or board audiences.
- Experience managing or mentoring staff.
- Strong financial systems capability across ERP, AP automation, payroll, and expense platforms (Sage50, Beanworks, Budgyt, ExpensePoint, Payworks preferred).
Skills :
- Strong accounting discipline and control orientation.
- Sound judgement related to governance, compliance, and risk.
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance audiences.
- Practical approach to strengthening processes and internal controls.
- Reliable execution under deadline pressure.
OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
We are committed to equal opportunities in employment and reflecting the diverse communities in Canada. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all identities and lived experiences, including women, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
DEADLINES:
To apply, submit your resume and a short cover letter explaining why you’re interested in this opportunity. We thank those who apply!
Compensation
$95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year