The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is a nationally recognized not‑for‑profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Canada’s military aviation history. Founded in 1972 and located at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, the Museum operates a complex, multi‑revenue environment that includes admissions, memberships, donations, grants, retail operations, aircraft operations, education programming, and special events. The organization is mission‑driven and values strong stewardship, accountability, and collaboration in support of its long‑term sustainability.

The Controller serves as the Museum’s primary, hands‑on finance lead, responsible for managing day‑to‑day financial operations across multiple business lines while providing clear financial leadership and governance‑ready reporting. This role requires a balance of independent execution and collaboration, supporting a lean organization with limited internal finance resources while maintaining appropriate controls and compliance within a not‑for‑profit environment. The Controller reports to the VP Finance and leads a small finance function while remaining actively involved in execution.

YOUR DAY TO DAY

• Act as the primary day‑to‑day finance lead for the organization, overseeing all financial operations with limited on‑site senior finance support.
• Manage full‑cycle accounting, including month‑end close, financial reporting, and oversight of daily transactions across multiple business lines.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not‑for‑profit organizations.
• Manage and process payroll, including timesheet review, payroll reporting, and collaboration with department managers to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely payment.
• Maintain accounting records, controls, budgets, and cash management processes appropriate for a charitable organization.
• Prepare financial reporting for senior leadership and the Board, including governance‑level reporting and compliance requirements.
• Lead and support a small finance function, including supervision of a part‑time Accounting Clerk, while remaining highly hands‑on.
• Serve as a finance partner to non‑finance stakeholders, translating financial requirements clearly and working closely with department managers.
• Exercise independent judgment and decision‑making, escalating matters to the VP Finance or executive leadership as appropriate.
• Support audits and liaise with external stakeholders including auditors, regulators, banks, vendors, donors, and government bodies.
• Maintain compliance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, and internal policies and procedures.
• Assess accounting and administrative controls and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial planning activities.
• Maintain flexibility and adaptability in a lean, operationally complex environment, balancing leadership responsibilities with hands‑on execution.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA designation preferred.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive, hands‑on accounting experience.
• Experience working in not‑for‑profit, charitable, or similarly lean, multi‑revenue environments preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage full‑cycle accounting and support multiple business lines or profit centres.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with non‑finance stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Experience supporting Board reporting and governance requirements considered an asset.
• Highly organized, practical, and solutions‑oriented, with the ability to work independently.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

• Salary Range: 90K-110K
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Paid vacation and time off.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, accessible workplace in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accommodations are available upon request for candidates during all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation, please contact us at felicia.scaviarupi@mnp.ca to discuss your needs.

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