Controller, Finance

Job Description

Salary:
Position:
Controller

Reports to:

Vice President, Partnerships, Finance, and Administration

Location:

Ottawa Office (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full Time

Expected Start:
January 2026

Final date to receive applications:
December 13, 2025

Own the Podium is a not-for-profit organization that provides leadership for Canadian sports to achieve sustainable and improved podium performances at the Olympic and Paralympic Games through a values-based approach. It prioritizes and determines investment strategies for National Sport Organizations in an effort to deliver more Olympic and Paralympic medals for Canada. Own the Podiums largest contributor of funding is the Government of Canada with additional funding provided by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), the Canadian Olympic Foundation, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC).

Own the Podium continues to drive Canadas high performance sport system forward in a quest to help more athletes and coaches succeed in future Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Controller, Finance serves as the organizations Head Accountant and plays a central role in overseeing all financial operations, reporting, and compliance. Reporting to the Vice President, Partnerships, Finance & Administration, the Controller leads financial planning, budget management, accounting operations, payroll, audit coordination, and funder reporting. This position ensures the integrity of OTPs financial systems, supports evidence-based decision-making, and contributes to the overall financial stability and strategic direction of the organization.

The Controller will collaborate closely with senior leadership, funding partners, and internal and external stakeholders.

• Lead OTPs accounting operations, including general ledger, AP/AR, fixed assets, month-end close, and reconciliations.
• Oversee bi-weekly payroll and ensure accurate year-end tax and compliance reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Canadian GAAP.
• Coordinate and lead the annual external audit and all statutory financial reporting.
• Lead financial planning and analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, program viability, ROI assessments, and strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Manage and report on multi-source grant funding while ensuring compliance with all conditions and deadlines.
• Prepare and present timely financial reports for funders, partners, and the Board, including monitoring program spending and meeting all reporting requirements.
• Strengthen internal controls, business planning processes, and operational efficiency across the organization.
• Manage cash flow, investments, bank reconciliations, financial records, and stakeholder inquiries.

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• CPA designation is required.
• 57 years of progressively responsible finance and accounting experience (not-for-profit or sport sector experience is an asset).

• Strong understanding of financial management, GAAP, and nonprofit financial reporting.
• Strong financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and audit coordination skills.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills; able to navigate complex or ambiguous issues.
• High attention to detail and accuracy; able to create and uphold financial standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial audiences.
• Demonstrated integrity and ethical standards in financial management.
• Strong time management and organizational skills; adaptable to shifting priorities.
• Ability to lead and support change management initiatives.
• Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of nonprofit operations.
• Experience with Microsoft Business Central and Power BI is an asset.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.

• Based in Ottawa, ON, with a hybrid work arrangement.
• Primarily office-based with extended periods working at a computer.
• Requires managing multiple deadlines and deliverables in a dynamic environment.

Own the Podium is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or disability. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process.

• Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience and fit for the position.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for screening and interviews.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those applicants meeting the qualifications…