Our client, Connor, Clark & Lunn Financial Group (CC&LFG), stands as Canada's largest independent asset management firm, evolving into a global enterprise with assets exceeding $139 billion. CC&LFG offers a diverse array of traditional and alternative investment products and services, independently managed through 14 affiliates and subsidiaries, catering to individuals, advisors, and institutional investors.

CC&LFG is privately owned and takes a long-term approach towards building enterprise value - with no intention to go public or to sell its business. This is unique in the Canadian asset management industry, as many of the organization’s competitors have sold their businesses to large financial institutions. The organization has a strong succession plan in place that will evolve as new leaders join the business and make their impact. The business attracts exceptional individuals who are looking for a long-term career path. Long-term client satisfaction and success depends on the ability to attract, motivate, develop and retain exceptional investment talent.

The Controller of Pooled Funds will play a pivotal role within their Investment Resource Group, significantly influencing the financial integrity and operational effectiveness of CC&LFG’s fund reporting group.
 
Impact & Value

With oversight of financial reporting for approximately 150 pooled and mutual funds, this role is central to maintaining the high standards of accuracy, compliance, and transparency that define the organization’s approach to fund governance. This is a highly visible, collaborative, front-facing role that offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully across the firm – not just through execution but by acting as a thought partner and providing strategic insight to senior leadership.

Location - This position could be based in either Toronto or Vancouver.

Responsibilities

Prepare and distribute fund financial statements (on an annual and interim basis)

• Consult with and assist numerous external custodians in the preparation of the annual and interim financial statements (the “Financial Statements”) for the Funds.
• Calculate and quantify the market risks impacting the Funds for disclosure in the Funds’ Financial Statements.
• Calculate and quantify leverage ratios for disclosure in the Funds’ financial statements, as required.
• Review the Financial Statements of the Funds for accuracy and completeness.
• Work with the external custodians to develop and implement any required changes to note disclosures as required by International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) or United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“US GAAP”).
• Consider opportunities and implement improvements to increase the overall brand appeal of the financial statements of the Funds across custodians and jurisdictions.

Manage annual audits of Funds’ financial statements

• Negotiate audit fees and terms of engagement for all Funds across a number of jurisdictions.
• Work with the Funds’ auditors on the annual audits of the Funds and act as liaison between the auditor and the external custodians.
• Calculate the allocation of the auditor’s fees across the Funds and coordinate the payment of these fees from the Funds.
• Participate and present, as required, at quarterly or interim board meetings for reporting issuer Funds across multiple audit jurisdictions.

Prepare and file management reports of fund performance (MRFPs)

• Lead a team with input from internal departments (client reporting, investment data and analytics, and investment management) and external parties (custodians, translators, and auditors) to complete the MRFPs for the reporting issuer Funds on an annual and interim basis.
• Ensure the MRFPs are prepared in accordance with regulations.
• Develop a best practice guide to improve the qualitative aspects of the MRFPs.
• Consider opportunities and implement improvements to increase the overall brand appeal of the MRFPs.

Lead tax compliance and income tax risk management

• Negotiate fees and terms of engagement for all tax compliance and advisory services.
• Work with external custodians on preparing Canadian trust income tax returns (“T3 returns”) for the Funds, as required, and liaise with tax advisors to remain up to date on changes to requirements.
• Work with external custodians and tax preparers to complete US partnership tax filings for the Funds, as required. 
• Work with international tax advisors to measure risk of uncertain tax positions.
• Work with investment managers to monitor and reduce risk of uncertain tax positions.
• Work with external custodians on preparing the annual GST/HST/QST returns for the Funds and file appropriate GST/HST/QST elections, as required.
• Respond to any Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) inquiries or audit requests related to the GST/HST/QST or T3 returns.

Other Responsibilities

• Work with CC&LFG’s senior leadership and professional advisors in the development and risk analysis of new fund offerings.
• Work with CC&L’s Legal and Compliance team on gathering information related to the Funds and to implement new or existing legal or regulatory requirements which may apply to the Funds now or in the future.
• Complete or assist in the completion of Statistics Canada, regulator, custodian and consultant questionnaires and surveys that pertain to the Funds.

Skills/requirements for this role

• CPA or CFA designation with 10+ years of relevant business experience, particularly in the investment funds sector.
• University degree preferably specialized in Business or Finance.
• Familiarity with:
  • IFRS and US GAAP as it pertains to investment funds
  • Tax regulations for Canadian trusts as it pertains to investment funds
  • National Instrument 81-106 (including 81-106F1 and 81-106CP)
  • CRA HST/GST/QST regulations for Selected Listed Financial Institutions
  • US Partnership tax returns and schedules
• Experience managing staff in a finance operations role with demonstrated ability to create strong employee engagement. Staff development and coaching experience is required.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven track record of effectively identifying and solving complex financial and operational problems.
• Ability to think critically, analyze situations, and develop creative solutions focused on efficiency and improving existing processes.
• Highly organized with an ability to multitask while being able to meet tight deadlines.
• Self-motivated, high degree of ownership and responsibility, able to work independently and manage a team.