Controller

Firm Five; Canada; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary & Benefits

Fully Remote with Flexible Hours

Paid Holidays & Vacation

Paid Sick/Personal Days

Job summary

Firm Five is seeking an experienced Controller to lead client relationships and build robust financial processes in a fast-growing environment. You will oversee accounting teams, drive accuracy, and deliver clear financial insights to clients and management.

The role emphasizes FP&A involvement, process standardization, and cross-border coordination to ensure compliant, efficient financial operations for Canadian and US clients.

Qualifications

• Experience in an accounting firm managing multiple clients is an asset.
• Experience working in industry in an accounting role would be considered an asset.
• E-Commerce or manufacturing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Onboard new clients by thoroughly assessing and understanding their business operations and financial processes.
• Review historical financial data, lead cleanup efforts and ensure up-to-date bookkeeping.
• Establish standardized processes and procedures for Staff Accountants to follow.
• Take ownership of client relationships and ensure a seamless transition to Firm Five’s service model.
• Oversee the work of Staff Accountants, ensuring accuracy and completion.
• Present financial results to management and clients, offering insightful financial analysis to drive strategic decision-making.
• Support FP&A, including forecasting, budgeting, and scenario modelling.
• Monitor AR, AP, and Payroll processes to ensure accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Leverage technology and automation to streamline financial workflows and KPI reporting.
• Educate clients on financial concepts and performance metrics translating data into actionable insights.
• Guide clients through process transitions and system implementations.
• Manage the filing of Canadian sales tax returns and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Coordinate with US tax accountants and Canadian income tax professionals for integrated strategies.

Skills

Client management

Team leadership

Financial analysis

Automation mindset

Job description

At Firm Five, we modernize bookkeeping and fractional controllership. We serve a client base of emerging brands with $2M–$50M annual revenue in Canada and the US, helping them not only maintain their financial reporting but also optimize and automate their financial processes. Our clients rely on us for all things accounting and administration (we don’t do tax work), and we take pride in delivering clarity, efficiency, and financial insight.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, detail oriented and strategic Controller who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and is eager to lead client relationships, build strong financial processes, and simplify complexity.

Key Responsibilites

• Onboard new clients by thoroughly assessing and understanding their business operations and financial processes.
• Review historical financial data, lead cleanup efforts and ensure up-to-date bookkeeping.
• Establish standardized processes and procedures for Staff Accountants to follow.
• Take ownership of client relationships and ensure a seamless transition to Firm Five’s service model.
• Oversee the work of Staff Accountants, ensuring accuracy and completion.
• Present financial results to management and clients, offering insightful financial analysis to drive strategic decision-making.
• Support FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis), including forecasting, budgeting, and scenario modelling.
• Monitor AR, AP, and Payroll processes to ensure accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Leverage technology and automation to streamline financial workflows and KPI reporting.
• Educate clients on financial concepts and performance metrics translating data into actionable insights.
• Guide clients through process transitions and system implementations.
• Manage the filing of Canadian sales tax returns and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Coordinate with US tax accountants and Canadian income tax professionals for integrated strategies.

Qualifications

• Experience in an accounting firm managing multiple clients is an asset
• Experience working in industry in an accounting role would be considered an asset
• E-Commerce or manufacturing experience preferred

Characteristics to succeed

• Thrives in a high-pressure environment, excelling at problem-solving and navigating many competing priorities and challenges.
• Skilled at delegating tasks effectively and confidently leading a team to success.
• Proven track record in people management, with experience overseeing accounting teams in a firm or outsourced environment.
• Excellent communicator with a passion for educating clients and simplifying financial data.
• Takes ownership of projects and is energized by transforming disorganized financial situations into simplified, well-organized systems.
• Tech-savvy with a strong drive for automating workflows, enhancing efficiency, and refining KPI reporting.
• Strong understanding of servicing multiple clients and delivering results.

Why you will love working with us

• Competitive Salary & Benefits
• Fully Remote with Flexible Hours
• Paid Holidays & Vacation
• Paid Sick/Personal Days

Our commitment to equity & inclusion

At Firm Five, we are committed to fostering a culture of equity, inclusion, and respect. We value diversity in all its forms and believe that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and given equal opportunities to thrive. We strive to create an environment where all people feel welcome, supported, and empowered. We are dedicated to continuous learning, reflection, and improvement in our practices and policies.

“Working here feels like a win-win. Great clients, great team, and the freedom to work from wherever I’m happiest.”

Kayley

CPA

“Firm Five is the first place I’ve worked where I feel like I’m not just a number. I’m learning, growing, and still have time for my family.”

Paul Messina

Head of IT & Security

I love that my role lets me go beyond bookkeeping and really act as a financial partner for our clients. Helping founders see their numbers clearly and make smarter decisions is rewarding, and I still get the flexibility and balance I want in my own life.

Lauren

CONTROLLER