Assistant Controller

CEM Benchmarking; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global data and insights firm is seeking an Assistant Controller to manage all day-to-day accounting operations including payroll and tax compliance. The ideal candidate will have strong QuickBooks skills and 3-5 years of relevant experience. This position offers a hybrid work environment and emphasizes collaboration and continuous learning. Join a team committed to improving performance and financial well-being globally.

Benefits

Hybrid work environment

Opportunities for continuous learning

Inclusive and collaborative culture

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a finance/accounting role.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate records in QuickBooks Online and complete month-end close.
• Support budget and forecast preparation.
• Manage Dext workflow for expense reports.

Skills

QuickBooks Online proficiency

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Diploma in Finance or Accounting

Certified Professional Bookkeeper or CPA in progress

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Rippling (Payroll)

Job description

We are CEM Benchmarking, a global data and insights firm for institutional investors including pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations, family offices and sovereign wealth funds.

Our blue-chip corporate and government clients represent $14 trillion in assets under management and over 50 million members.We provide them with objective insights to maximize value for money in both investments and pension administration. This helps our clients better understand where they stand and how to improve their performance. By improving our clients' performance, we, in turn, improve the financial well-being of pensioners globally.

How do we provide unique and actionable insight?By coupling the most extensive global database in the pension arena with unrivalled industry knowledge.All of this comes from experience - we have been at this since 1992.We were founded in Toronto, Canada and expanded to the UK more than a decade ago.

We work together in a small company ambiance where your contributions will be appreciated and your progress will be directly related to your ability and effort. Working at CEM, you will stretch your creative and analytical abilities while participating in the growth of a headline-making business.

What are we looking for?

As the Assistant Controller, you will own all day-to-day accounting operations, including payables, receivables, payroll, tax compliance, and the complete month-end close. You will also strengthen internal controls, drive process improvements, and deliver decision ready financials. We nurture a collaborative, people first culture where continuous learning, respect, and a sense of fun are part of everyday work.

Key Responsibilities

• Record Keeping & Month-End Close : Maintain accurate records in Quickbooks Online, post transactions, complete bank reconciliations and reconcile accounts, as well as support the preparation of consolidated financials under ASPE.
• Budgeting & Decision Support: Support budget and forecast preparation; create variance analyses and dashboards to flag financial risks and opportunities.
• Expense & Payables Management: Manage Dext workflow for expense reports and oversee vendor payments via Plooto.
• Receivables & Cash Management: Handle invoicing, collections and update cash forecasts based on A/R aging.
• Payroll & Benefits (Canada, US, UK): Process payroll in Rippling, ensure multi-country compliance, and reconcile deductions and benefits.
• Compliance & Audit Support: Maintain internal control documentation and coordinate annual audits, including preparation of supporting schedules.
• Cross-Functional Financial Operations: Ensure alignment and accuracy across all financial processes to support informed business decisions.

You bring:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a finance/accounting role.
• A diploma in Finance, Accounting, or a related field or Certified Professional Bookkeeper. CPA in progress or equivalent would be an asset.
• Required proficiency in QuickBooks Online (or related software) and payroll administration.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

If You Seek:

• The entrepreneurialism of a smaller venture married with the stability of an established firm.
• Opportunities to work with complex dataset to draw elegant insights.
• A hybrid work environment with both in-office and at-home flexibility.
• A curiosity-driven culture founded on a desire to improve lives.
• A team that is stronger for its gender, cultural and intellectual diversity.
• Camaraderie, collaboration, open communication and a high-trust environment.