Get to Know the Western Fair District!

The Western Fair District (WFD) is a unique, multi-faceted, historic, and community-based, not-for-profit, in the heart of Old East Village, in London, Ontario. It offers several complexes onsite, providing many unique activities all of which have a major impact on the local economy, and contribute to our community in a wide variety of ways.

Through its people, facilities and events, (WFD) is a leading year-round, agri-food organization, focusing on community, agri-food industry supports and education, the annual fair, consumer/trade events, horse-racing, and entertainment & recreation for residents of the city and far beyond.

WFD is proud to annually host our signature event the annual Western Fair which is near and dear to the community, important agriculture industry events and popular consumer shows make their home in the Agriplex, also onsite is a first-class harness horse racetrack, an award winning Farmer’s and Artisan’s Market, an industry leading Sports Centre, and great dining & banquet facilities which embrace local food and drink. New to the District is an exciting new vermiculture centre called The Wormery, and an agri-food business and resource hub fondly known as The Grove.

Our tight-knit team is creative and passionate, and regularly interacts with one another to create high-quality experiences in several business units. As a not-for-profit Association, with deep roots in agriculture and community, WFD has evolved over a century-and-a-half because of its dedicated team culture, committed to honouring tradition, while continually innovating and evolving to meet the needs of the agriculture industry and the communities we serve.

What we are looking for:

We are currently seeking a confident and detail-oriented individual, with a proven capability to multi-task and act as a leader in a team environment. Our ideal candidate displays strong organizational skills, while demonstrating excellent communication and critical thinking skills.

The Controller will report directly to the Director of Corporate Services, and will be responsible for the day to day management of the overall financial operations of Western Fair District and affiliate organizations.  The Controller will provide accurate information to Senior Management and the Board of Governors, including analysis, budgeting, forecasting and the preparation of financial reports. Reporting to the Controller is the Accounting Manager who oversees A/R, A/P, Purchasing and other related staff positions.

Responsibilities of the Controller:

• Preparation of month-end financial statements for three separate businesses, as well as consolidated statements and reports.
• Preparation of quarterly reports for review by senior management and the Board of Governors.
• Monitor and reconcile general ledger accounts, review, prepare and record journal entries.
• Responsible for the reporting of financial data to various regulatory organizations.
• Preparation of annual operating and capital budgets and rolling forecasts.
• Key contact for the annual financial audit and assist team with providing supporting documents to the auditors as requested.
• Work collaboratively with all business units to ensure managers are supported through financial decision making to assist them in attaining financial objectives.
• Manage cash flow for the organization.
• Supervise and lead the accounting team through their daily work.  Provide mentorship and coaching to support staff development.
• Monitor and continue to develop internal controls and processes.
• Promote a positive work environment to encourage team building and a strong team culture.
• Ensure the strict confidentiality and privacy of financial records as they relate to the organization and its customers.
• Stay current with all regulations, practices, accounting standards and tax laws, reporting requirements and industry trends
• Must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Western Fair District Health & Safety Policy and Awareness Program/Safety Manual, all Western Fair District procedures and any other applicable legislation.
• Responsible for following and enforcing all company policies within the department, dress code, conduct code, contract and agreement signing policy, purchasing policy and expense reporting policy. 
• Other related duties as required or assigned
• Act as an Ambassador throughout the Community, positively representing the Western Fair District.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in business/accounting, or Advanced diploma
• CPA Accounting Designation, or working towards would be an asset
• 4-6 Years related experience in a leadership role
• Experience with Sage 300 an asset
• Knowledge of accepted accounting standards, practices, tax laws, and reporting requirements
• Computer literate, including effective working skills of MS Excel, Word and Outlook
• Excellent Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in a team environment, remaining attentive to ideas, recognizing responsibilities, and actively participating with others to accomplish assignments and achieve desired goals
• Analytical thinker, and the ability to prioritize
• High level of personal integrity
• Confident, consistent, decisive personality
• Flexible work schedule, some evening or weekend work required during events and fall Fair in September.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. 

Western Fair District is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equity, value diversity, and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. 
Western Fair District provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, human resources will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant’s accommodation needs.