Financial Controller

Job ID: EX008

REGULAR/FULL-TIME

Location: BURNABY, BC

BCGEU thanks all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. This position is only open to those legally entitled to work in Canada and are residents of the Province of BC.

THE ORGANIZATION

About Us: The BCGEU is one of the largest and most diverse unions in British Columbia with over 95,000 members in 550 bargaining units in the public and private sector. We trace our beginnings back to the early 1900s when provincial government employees formed an association to address their working conditions. Since then, our union has organized thousands of workers outside the government service. We’re continuing to grow.

The BCGEU believes that every worker is entitled to union representation and free collective bargaining without discrimination. Collective bargaining rights are human rights. We strive to eliminate barriers to members’ involvement and inclusion in union activity. All people are entitled to enjoy human rights, political freedom, quality public services, democratic government, and a sustainable environment, in a just society. The BCGEU commits to social justice, equality, workplace safety, decent wages and working conditions. We will pursue social, economic, and political justice as those are the goals upon which the labour movement was founded.

BCGEU offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package. But a job is more than a pay cheque. We also offer our staff the opportunity to work together to make a difference. When employees go home at the end of the day, they experience the satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped provide justice and fairness for British Columbians.

Department: Finance

Salary:

Bi-Week: $7,067.70

Annual: $184,391.35

Position Summary

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Treasurer, the Controller will manage and provide oversight to all financial operations of BCGEU, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with financial regulations. This role supports the internal financial needs of the organization while also addressing external-facing financial requirements. As an integral part of the senior leadership team, the Controller will serve on the Finance Committee and coordinate all financial planning and budgeting activities for the union. The Controller will also provide strategic advice on cost containment, employment provisions, and bargaining proposals for union bargaining units.

Key Responsibilities:

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Coordinate the development and implementation of the union-wide budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Lead financial planning activities across departments, providing the Treasurer and senior management with budget forecasts, variance analysis, and recommendations for adjustments.
• Analyze the financial implications of proposed activities and provide cost containment recommendations to the Administrative Committee.

Strategic Financial Leadership & External Relations

• Collaborate with the Treasurer to provide financial analysis and strategic advice for long-term planning and decision-making.
• Assist the Treasurer in managing relationships with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, ensuring the union’s financial interests are well-represented.
• Provide advice on bargaining proposals related to servicing and support staff bargaining units.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare, review, and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with accounting standards and union guidelines.
• Provide monthly financial updates to senior management, interpreting financial results, and advising on financial implications of proposed activities.
• Assist the Treasurer in managing financial presentations for external stakeholders, including members, partners, and regulatory bodies.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with union financial policies, legal requirements, and regulations affecting non-profit and labor organizations.
• Lead the coordination of interim and year-end audits, working with external auditors and addressing audit findings and recommendations.

Cost Accounting & Financial Systems

• Develop and maintain the cost accounting system to ensure accurate tracking of expenses and revenue.
• Ensure that financial programs and accounting databases are properly maintained and aligned with the union’s financial goals.
• Advise on cost containment strategies and make recommendations for managing employment provisions and other key financial areas.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and mentor a team of accounting professionals, ensuring the effective operation of the finance department.
• Assist in the recruitment and selection of finance staffs and leadership positions
• Provide training and professional development opportunities to accounting staff, ensuring alignment with best practices in financial management.

Education & Relevant Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A professional accounting designation (CMA, CGA, or CA) is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in financial management or accounting, preferably within a unionized, non-profit, or labor organization environment.
• Strong knowledge of auditing, payroll, revenue accounting, and financial statement preparation.
• Experience in analyzing financial data and advising senior leadership on financial matters, particularly in cost containment and bargaining issues.
• Proven experience as a senior leader in an organization, contributing to strategic decision-making and managing complex financial operations.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of auditing, accounting principles, cost accounting, payroll, and revenue accounting.
• Strong understanding of unionized environments and the financial impact of bargaining and employment provisions.
• Proficient in financial management software (e.g., QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics GP).
• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, able to explain complex financial information to diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to lead a high-performance finance team and provide financial insights for union bargaining activities.

How to Apply:

Please review the attached job description for a complete list of duties, qualifications and competencies. To be considered for this competition, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume clearly identifying how they meet the qualifications necessary for this position. This information will be used as part of the selection process.

Please include only one attachment with your application. If you need to include both a cover letter and a resume, combine them into a single file before uploading. Please reference the Position Title and the Job ID in the subject line when submitting your application.

If you are passionate about what you do and want to use your expertise to engage in meaningful and challenging work, please apply to join our team today at recruitment@bcgeu.ca.

Submit applications no later than 5:00pm, Sunday May 4, 2025.

At BCGEU, we’re committed to providing a healthy, safe and inclusive workplace where respect and diversity are recognized assets. We invite and welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, People with Disabilities and Disabled People, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and all people committed to meaningful work that makes a difference.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact recruitment@bcgeu.ca.