Controller

ingagehr is recruiting on behalf of a local HRM client for the role of CONTROLLER.

The Controller is a hands-on financial leader responsible for full-cycle accounting, monthly and year-end reporting, budgets and cash flow, audit/tax compliance, and cost/margin analysis in a production/logistics/manufacturing environment. The role provides credible interface with the CRA, external auditors, and partners closely with operations to translate numbers into decisions. This is not a CFO role; it is a doer and leader. We are seeking a Controller who owns the details, builds practical processes, and supports a smooth financial managment.

KEY PRIORITIES

• Audit/Tax/CRA Credibility: Lead year-end prep and working papers; manage auditor requests; ensure timely, accurate filings and confident CRA interactions.
• Financial Transition: Financial oversight to complete year-end; document processes; rationalize chart of accounts; establish consistent close/reporting rhythms.
• Operational Finance: Own P&L, monthly statements, budgets/forecasting, cash-flow planning; provide clear KPI and variance narratives to leadership (when required).
• Team Leadership & Development: Support AP/AR processes with Finance team; maintain current strengths while adding structure, cross-training, and professional development, where needed.
• Business Strategy Support: Provide decision-ready analysis (pricing, margins, shipping/production cost drivers); support the Management team with data for planning and scheduling as required.
• Funding & Grants: Identify relevant programs; support grant writing/reporting alongside leadership.

Core Responsibilities

Reporting & Close

• Own monthly finanical close; prepare GAAP-based financials and management packs; explain drivers and actions.
• Lead a complete financial year end close; prepare all necessary documentation for leadership review.

Compliance & Tax

• Ensure HST/payroll remittances and statutory filings are correct and on time; maintain audit-ready documentation; liaise confidently with CRA.
• Cash, Budget & Forecast
• Build rolling cash forecasts; manage banking and business transfers; coordinate annual budget and mid-year reforecast; track performance vs. plan.

Costing & Operations

• Maintain standard costs; analyze production, freight, staffing and margin; recommend improvements that balance cost, quality, and service.

Team & Process

• Work collaboratively with the Finance team, sets clear procedures, and controls; improve cycle times and accuracy when necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

• CPA (CA, CMA, or CGA) required. Substantial audit/tax depth and proven CRA liaison experience.
• 5-7+ years progressive accounting experience, including time as a Controller (multi-entity or product/costing environments are ideal).
• Industry background in production, logistics, or manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated strength in year-end prep, audits, tax compliance, budgeting/forecasting, cash management, and internal controls.
• Advanced Excel; comfort with common ERPs/accounting systems (e.g., Sage, QuickBooks, Dynamics GP or similar).

CORE COMPETENCIES

• End-to-End Financial Systems Thinking: Connect forecast, procurement, production, inventory, shipment, and revenue to anticipate downstream P&L and cash impacts; design controls that hold under change.
• Decision Quality Under Deadline: Use data and judgment to make timely close decisions (cut-off, accruals, reserves), escalate with rationale, and protect accuracy.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Reduce close time, errors, and manual work via small, repeatable process changes; establish KPIs for close quality, reconciliation timeliness, and forecast accuracy.
• Planning Discipline & Follow-Through: Build and maintain simple cadences (close calendars, checklists, handoffs); ensure month/quarter/year-end tasks complete on time.