Assistant Controller

Doran Contractors Limited; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Taggart Construction Limited is seeking an Assistant Controller to support the Controller in overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, and key finance activities. This role focuses on day-to-day management of accounts payable/receivable, project accounting, and month-end close, with leadership of AP and project accounting teams.

The ideal candidate brings strong accounting knowledge, leadership, and ability to manage priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years progressive accounting experience, construction or project-based preferred.
• Prior people management experience required.
• CPA designation preferred; public accounting is a strong asset.
• Strong knowledge of full-cycle accounting and month-end close.
• Experience with ERP systems in multi-company environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full accounting cycle and month-end close processes for accuracy.
• Lead accounts payable and project accounting to support job costing.
• Prepare and review internal financial statements and analyses for management.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and accounting policies.
• Coordinate year-end audit preparations and liaise with auditors.
• Identify process improvements and support budgeting and forecasting.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem solving

Education

CPA designation (preferred)

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

ERP systems

Multi-company accounting

Job description

Taggart Construction Limited

Job Title: Assistant Controller

Company: Taggart Construction Limited

Reports to: Controller

Salary: $110,000-$130,000

Location: 3187 Albion Road South, Ottawa ON / hybrid role

Vacancy Status: This is an active job opening. Doran Contractors Limited is actively hiring for this position.

About Us

For more than 75 years, Taggart Construction Limited has built the essential services people in Ottawa and Kingston use every day. Taggart Construction specializes in heavy civil construction, residential and commercial site servicing, sewers and watermain installation, site grading, and road construction across Eastern Ontario. But we build more than just infrastructure — we also build strong, lasting relationships with our partners and community.

As part of the Taggart Group, Taggart Construction is a proud, family‑owned business benefiting from long‑standing stability and continued growth, offering a variety of opportunities for those looking to get hands‑on experience and build a lasting career.

At Taggart, you will be part of something bigger, and what you do today will make an impact for years to come. We believe in your success.

Building integrity, quality, and community together.

About this Role

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, and key finance activities at Taggart Construction. This role is responsible for the day‑to‑day management, preparation, and first‑level review of core accounting functions, including accounts payable and receivable, equipment and project accounting, job costing, and monthly general ledger accounting. The Assistant Controller provides direct supervision to the accounts payable and project accounting teams, supports the preparation of internal reporting and audit deliverables, and partners with operational stakeholders to help ensure accurate and timely financial information. Success in this role requires strong technical accounting knowledge, sound judgment, leadership capability, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline‑driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Lead and coordinate the full accounting cycle and month‑end close process, including preparation and first‑level review of key reconciliations, journal entries, and schedules for Controller review.
  1. Review reconciliations, journal entries, and financial outputs prepared by the team to ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
  2. Prepare or review equipment reporting and month‑end review files, identifying issues and recommending corrective action where needed.
  3. Compile and review internal financial statements and related analysis for management review.
• Support the Controller with monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements, including T5108 and other statistical reporting, and year‑end audit files and financial statement support for auditor review.
• Act as a delegate for the Controller as required, helping ensure continuity across core finance activities.
• Support consistent application of accounting policies and internal controls across accounts and financial reporting activities.

Project Financial Management

• Oversee day‑to‑day project accounting activities, including billings, accounts receivable, collections, and margin monitoring, with a focus on accuracy, completeness, and timely issue resolution within assigned operations.
• Lead the accounts payable team and oversee equipment accounting to support accurate job costing and timely cost recognition. Partner with Project Managers and operational leaders to ensure accurate project data, timely reforecasting, and proactive follow‑up on project variances.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and support direct reports, establishing clear expectations and ensuring monthly responsibilities are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Provide day‑to‑day coaching, feedback, and performance input, while supporting cross‑training, capability building, and team development.

Controls & Compliance

• Promote adherence to internal controls, company policies, and applicable accounting standards across day‑to‑day accounting activities.
• Coordinate year‑end audit preparation activities and support the controller with liaising with auditors and internal stakeholders to support an efficient audit process.

Improvements & Planning

• Identify and support implementation of approved opportunities to improve accounting processes, strengthen controls, and address gaps in process documentation.
• Contribute analysis and operational support to budgeting, forecasting, and other accounting and finance priorities as needed.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience; construction or project‑based experience is an asset.
• Prior people management experience required.
• CPA designation is preferred; public accounting experience is considered a strong asset.
• Strong knowledge of full‑cycle accounting, financial statement preparation, and month‑end close processes.
• Experience working with ERP systems and multi‑company environments preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Clear and professional communication skills with a high degree of discretion.

Physical/Sensory Effort and Work Environment

• Sitting or standing for long periods of time at workstation.
• Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• This role may require overtime at certain times of the year.

Accommodation Requests

The Taggart Group of Companies is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to citizenship, race, place of origin, ethnic origin, colour, ancestry, disability, age, creed, sex/pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

In accordance with Accessibility for Ontarians with a Disabilities Act, we’re committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation or special assistance, please send an email to [e-mail] with your request.

Salary Range

The salary range shown reflects expected total annual compensation, including base pay and bonuses.

Thank You for Considering Taggart Construction Limited

Thank you for your interest in joining Taggart Construction Limited. We appreciate every application, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. Any such submissions become the property of Taggart Construction Limited and are not eligible for compensation. AI may be used to screen and assess candidates.