Senior Controller

Job Description

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Controller to lead financial accounting, reporting, controls, and accounting operations for the organization. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Finance, this is a senior finance leadership role with responsibility for ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, strong US GAAP and SOX compliance, and a high-performing Accounting team.

The successful candidate will bring significant financial management experience within a publicly traded, multi-location environment, along with the technical accounting expertise and leadership capability to strengthen processes, improve reporting, and provide senior leadership with clear financial insight.

You are a CPA, CA-designated finance leader who combines strong technical accounting expertise with a practical, operational mindset. You are comfortable owning the close and reporting cycle, navigating US GAAP and SOX requirements, leading audits, and translating complex financial information into actionable insights.

Just as importantly, you are an effective people leader. You set clear expectations, develop strong teams, communicate proactively with senior leadership, and are willing to challenge existing processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and accountability.

Location: Barrie, Ontario

Reports to: Sr. Director of Finance

Compensation: $150,000 $ 180,000 base salary + 20% bonus opportunity

Work Model: Primarily in-office, with up to 4 remote workdays per month

• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with US GAAP and Federal Signal practices and policies.
• Own and manage the full financial close cycle, including review of journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, close packages, and variance analyses.
• Maintain reporting calendars and ensure accounting deliverables are completed accurately and within established deadlines.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives designed to increase reporting accuracy and shorten close timelines.
• Reconcile accounts, investigate discrepancies, and ensure issues are resolved in a timely manner.
• Maintain strong quality controls over financial transactions and financial reporting.
• Perform and oversee profitability and operational analysis to support business decision-making.
• Respond to inquiries from Senior Leadership and departmental Senior Managers regarding financial performance and results.
• Support JJE's annual budgeting process and broader financial analysis and planning activities.
• Complete ad hoc financial analysis, reporting, and projects as required.

• Ensure adherence to SOX requirements, including appropriate documentation, testing support, and maintenance of internal controls.
• Develop, document, and continuously improve accounting policies and business processes to strengthen the organization’s control environment.
• Ensure accounting practices and procedures remain compliant with applicable US GAAP requirements and Federal Signal policies.
• Proactively identify financial, reporting, and control risks and elevate material issues to senior leadership when decisions or executive attention are required.

• Lead and coordinate internal and external audit requirements, including year-end audit preparation.
• Serve as a key finance contact for auditors and other external parties.
• Oversee and coordinate tax-related information and requests.
• Ensure required supporting schedules, reconciliations, documentation, and financial information are accurate, complete, and delivered on time.

• Lead ERP enhancements, automation initiatives, and accounting…