Controller; Mat Leave

About Northern

Headquartered in London, Ontario, Canada, Northern is an integrated digital solutions agency that partners with leading Commercial and Public Service organizations to navigate digital change. We bring together strategy, experience design, data, marketing, and technology to create connected digital experiences that help our clients engage their audiences, accelerate growth, and achieve meaningful business outcomes.

Since our founding in 2015, Northern has grown into a team of 150+ digital experts, receiving multiple recognitions in employee engagement from Great Place to Work® Canada, including Best Workplaces™ for Inclusion, Women, Mental Health, Hybrid Work, and more.

We are seeking a Controller to lead all accounting operations as a key strategic partner to the VP of Finance & Operations. This is a dynamic "Player Coach" role that balances direct contributions to monthly accounting tasks alongside leading and mentoring a high-performing payroll and accounting team. You will own full-cycle accounting, consolidated financial reporting, audit and tax compliance, cash and treasury management, debt schedules, internal controls, and M&A financial integration.

Note:

Target start date Late Oct
- Early November. This position is a 15-month contract providing 1-year maternity leave coverage, complete with structured overlap for seamless onboarding, training, and offboarding.

Our Connected Workplace Program offers the flexibility of remote, hybrid, or in-office work arrangements. Preference will be given to candidates within driving distance of our Head Office in London, ON for periodic in-person collaboration.

As a Fixed-term Controller at Northern, you will enjoy a supportive environment with comprehensive perks, clear strategic impact, and flexibility:

• Strategic Leadership Impact:
  Partner directly with executive leadership to shape financial strategy, optimize close processes, and drive operational excellence.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits:
  Robust benefits package including a Health Spending Account ($500), EAP, and Fitness Reimbursement ($500).
• Team & Culture Perks:
  Vet Care Program, Referral Bonuses, delicious team meals, and company social events.
• Flexible & Modern Workplace:
  Work where you work best, Remote-friendly, or in office, free onsite parking in London, ON, and championing modern financial tech and AI workflows.

• Accounting & Close Operations:
  Own the full month-end, quarter-end, and annual close cycles to deliver timely, accurate consolidated financial statements, reconciliations, and variance analyses.
• Financial Reporting & Analysis:
  Prepare consolidated, three-statement financial model and provide ad hoc FP&A support to inform executive decision-making.
• Systems:
  Oversee financial system administration (Quickbooks), integration with homegrown ERP (Enspire), and credit card programs.
• Tax & Audit:
  Lead annual audits, acting as the primary contact for external audit team, assist with the preparation of tax schedules and annual filings, manage SR&ED claims, and ensure full Canadian and U.S. state tax & regulatory compliance.
• Treasury & Cash Management:
  Oversee rolling 13-week cash forecasts, AP/AR process optimization (maintaining AR aging), payroll coordination, and debt schedules and covenant compliance.
• Team Leadership & Strategic Projects:
  Manage, mentor, and foster growth for the existing payroll and accounting team while coordinating post-close financial integration for acquired entities.

• Hours & Work Environment:
  Standard office hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm ET, with periodic overtime needed during month-end and…