Controller
Festival Hydro is a local electricity distribution company proudly serving more than 23,000 customers across seven municipalities. As a community-focused utility, we are committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions while maintaining exceptional customer service and operational excellence.
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Controller to join our leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional who is looking to make a meaningful impact within a growing and evolving industry.
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer and VP Strategy, the Controller will lead a high-performing Finance team responsible for financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, budgeting, reporting, payroll oversight, and strategic financial planning. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence organizational success, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to the long-term direction of the organization. The successful candidate will be a confident and approachable leader who can balance strategic thinking with operational excellence while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
Festival Hydro offers an exciting opportunity for a finance professional looking to grow within the evolving electricity sector while working in a values-driven organization that is committed to its employees, customers, and communities.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and VP Strategy, the Controller is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Finance department, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, regulatory compliance, budgeting, forecasting, payroll oversight, and financial operations. The Controller will provide strategic financial support to the organization while leading continuous improvement initiatives, strengthening internal controls, and supporting Festival Hydro's long-term business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Finance department, ensuring work is completed accurately, efficiently, and within established timelines.
- Lead, coach, mentor, and develop Finance team members through performance management, employee development, succession planning, and resource allocation.
- Manage the annual budgeting process, including the development of templates, consolidation of departmental budgets, forecasting, and variance analysis.
- Review monthly financial results for Festival Hydro and Festival Hydro Services and provide meaningful analysis and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Lead the preparation of financial forecasts and support strategic planning initiatives through financial modeling and analysis.
- Oversee accounting processes within the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Maintain the general ledger and ensure financial records are complete, accurate, and compliant with applicable accounting and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash management, inventory transactions, accruals, and journal entries.
- Ensure payroll administration complies with legislative requirements, collective agreement provisions, and internal policies.
- Develop and maintain strong internal controls, financial processes, and reporting practices to support organizational objectives.
- Collaborate with department leaders to support operational decision-making through financial reporting, budgeting, and performance analysis.
- Assist the Chief Financial Officer and VP Strategy with the preparation of Board reports, management reports, financial statements, presentations, and strategic initiatives.
- Coordinate annual audit activities and act as the primary liaison with external auditors, tax advisors, and other financial service providers.
- Lead all regulatory accounting, reporting, compliance, and filing requirements applicable to Festival Hydro.
- Act as the organization's subject matter expert on regulatory matters affecting financial operations, including Ontario Energy Board (OEB), Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), and Ministry of Energy requirements.
- Monitor changes in legislation, regulations, and industry standards, assess impacts on the organization, and develop implementation plans as required.
- Support the oversight of IESO settlements and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and reporting requirements.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory reporting, record-keeping, data collection, and filing obligations.
- Ensure compliance with the Affiliate Relationships Code and other regulatory frameworks applicable to Ontario electricity distributors.
- Support the preparation of regulatory applications and filings by providing financial analysis, documentation, and operational insights.
- Develop, monitor, and report on corporate scorecards, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and organizational performance metrics.
- Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement, process optimization, and enhanced financial reporting capabilities.
- Participate as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to organizational planning, decision-making, and strategic initiatives.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in accounting, finance, or a related field.
- Experience in the electricity distribution, utility, or regulated industry sectors is considered a strong asset.
- Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and accounting standards (IFRS).
- Knowledge of regulatory accounting, compliance requirements, and financial reporting obligations within a regulated environment is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to balance strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and enterprise financial systems.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy and professionalism.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $130,000 - $160,000 annually
Festival Hydro offers a competitive total rewards package, including:
- OMERS defined benefit pension plan
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits
- Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Professional development opportunities
- Paid vacation and personal time
- A collaborative and supportive work environment
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter no later than July 10, 2026.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Festival Hydro is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and barrier-free workplace. Accommodations are available upon request throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
Recruitment Process Notice
Festival Hydro utilizes recruitment software to assist with the administration and organization of candidate applications. While technology may be used to support the recruitment process, Festival Hydro does not use artificial intelligence or automated decision-making tools to screen out, disqualify, or make hiring decisions regarding applicants. All employment-related decisions are made by qualified individuals based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and suitability for the position.
