Controller, Accounting, Accounting Manager

Position Title:

Controller
Salary & Benefits: $100,000-$120,000 plus bonus, RRSP matching, 4 weeks vacation
Position Status: Existing vacancy

Location:

Ottawa, ON
Work Model:
Onsite
Additional Notes:
Our client is a well-established Ottawa-based provider of engineering and manufacturing expertise. Located in the south end of the city, it plays a critical role in delivering innovative solutions to clients worldwide. They are currently seeking an experienced Controller to help support the Director of Finance and lead the accounting team. The Controller is responsible for overseeing and performing a wide range of accounting activities in accordance with accounting standards, ensuring the organization’s financial resources are managed effectively, and maintaining compliance with all reporting requirements.

This role provides leadership and guidance to the accounting team while supporting strategic financial planning, analysis, and operational decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Analysis & Reporting:

• Review and consolidate accounts payable and receivable cash forecasts on a weekly basis.
• Reconcile sales order changes to backlog reports and analyze project-related costs and revenues.
• Prepare full variance reporting, conduct financial analysis, and support planning processes.
• Manage intercompany payments and account reconciliations.
• Collaborate with project managers to review and report actual and forecasted costs, revenue, billings, and margins; investigate and resolve project-related financial issues.
• Produce internal management reports and respond to ad hoc data requests using various databases.

Inventory & System Controls:

• Monitor and maintain the accuracy of inventory flow in the ERP system.
• Review and update obsolescence provisions quarterly.
• Develop and implement system procedures to improve inventory valuation and accuracy.
• Coordinate and participate in periodic and annual inventory counts.

Month-End & Year-End Close:

• Organize, delegate, and execute month-end close activities.
• Prepare journal entries and review balance sheet account reconciliations.
• Prepare year-end audited financial statements and supporting notes.
• Distribute monthly program-specific financial information to project managers.

Management & Team Leadership:

• Manage the Intermediate Accountant and Accounting Administrator, ensuring adequate coverage across general accounting, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions.
• Liaise with third-party payment providers and maintain vendor records.
• Provide backup support for AP/AR functions and corporate credit card administration.
• Facilitate ongoing cross-training among all accounting team members.

Compliance & External Reporting:

• Lead interim and year-end external audit processes and governmental audits as required.
• Prepare working papers for corporate tax returns and SR&ED reporting.
• Complete monthly statutory filings, Statistics Canada reports, and reporting to the U.S. parent company.
• Develop and maintain departmental policies and procedures to ensure consistent financial controls and compliance.

Forecasting, Budgeting & System Support:

• Assist with forecasting and budgeting processes to support operational and strategic goals.
• Collaborate with the Database Administrator and operational teams to test and implement system enhancements that improve reporting efficiency, data integrity, and operational controls.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in other accounting and cross-functional projects as needed.
• Support environmental, health, and safety regulations and adhere to company environmental and quality management systems.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned accounting professional with a minimum of ten years of experience, including at least five years in a similar leadership position. You will have a proven track record managing small accounting teams and are well-versed in all aspects of accounting, including cost accounting, inventory control, intercompany reconciliations, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Experience working in a manufacturing environment and with government contracts is highly desirable, along with proficiency in ERP software, preferably Visual Manufacturing.

The candidate holds a post-secondary degree or diploma in accounting and a professional accounting designation (CPA). You possess a solid understanding of financial reporting, coupled with advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, and intermediate Access experience. A hands-on self-starter, you are able to work independently while demonstrating strong analytical and decision-making capabilities. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset are essential to succeed in this role.

What will make you stand out:

• Demonstrated success leading accounting teams, ideally in a manufacturing environment, particularly with government contracts and complex financial structures.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems (preferably Visual Manufacturing) and…