Controller

BCCPA; City of Langley; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Swim Recruiting is assisting a Langley-based construction firm in hiring a hands-on Controller to lead financial operations, reporting, compliance and strategic planning. This role combines strategic oversight with day-to-day accounting, budgeting, and cash flow management.

The contract is 3–6 months with a strong chance to convert to permanent. Ideal candidate has CPA, 10+ years’ experience, and construction/project-based background, with QuickBooks Online integration experience.

Qualifications

• CPA designation required.
• 10+ years accounting & finance experience, including at least 2 years at Controller level.
• Experience in construction/project-based environments is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian ASPE, GST/HST, PST, payroll and corporate tax.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting, cash flow management, payroll, budgeting, forecasting.
• Oversee financial reporting, systems integration, and compliance.
• Drive continuous process improvements to support growth.
• Manage and develop accounting staff and cross-functional partnerships.

Skills

Cash flow management

Financial reporting

Budgeting & forecasting

Leadership

Communication

ERP systems

Excel advanced

Education

CPA designation

Tools

QuickBooks Online

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Contract role with very good chance to convert to permanent. Interviews start immediately, and contract will commence as soon as possible. Seeking a hands-on Controller who loves to fix, improve, build, and integrate. Key technical strengths include cash management & cash flow reporting, financial reporting, financial system integration/optimization, and accounting process improvement. Based in Langley.

Who- the Company:

Our client is a mid-sized, growing, and entrepreneurial construction company headquartered in Langley. The company was established around a decade ago..

What- the Role:

On behalf of our client, Swim is seeking a new Controller who will be responsible for leading the company's financial operations, reporting, compliance, and strategic financial planning. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines strategic financial oversight with day-to-day operational management. The successful candidate will oversee accounting, cash flow management, payroll, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, financial systems, and compliance while driving continuous process improvements to support the organization's ongoing growth.

There is a permanent role available, but our client would like to hire someone to start with them very soon on a contract basis. They would like this contractor (who can become a full-time employee in future) to be able to quickly help with various improvements/fixes in the accounting & finance function, such as putting in place more frequent and detailed cash position reports, leading the ongoing integration of QuickBooks Online with a more industrial system (which is used for cost coding, project tracking, etc.), and addressing delayed invoicing. Hiring on contract will allow the company to move through the selection process quicker. The contractor can absolutely interview internally for the permanent role, and will of course have an advantage over external candidates in future, having already worked in the role for a while and demonstrated their skills. The contract term is to be determined, in the ballpark of 3 months to 6 months.

Swim Recruiting can provide interested and qualified candidates with a full job description outlining key responsibilities.

Who the Candidate:

We are seeking a hands-on finance leader who enjoys balancing strategic financial planning with day-to-day operations while continuously improving processes and driving business performance. Ideal candidates for this role will thrive in a fast-paced, project-based environment, will be comfortable managing multiple priorities, and will be able to build strong partnerships with operational leaders to provide meaningful financial insights. Longer-term, we are looking for a Controller who can lead a team (on that topic... know anyone great you’ve worked with in the past and want to hire again?), influence business decisions, and make a lasting impact within a growing organization.

• CPA designation is highly preferred.
• 10+ years of recent and relevant accounting & finance experience, including at least 2 years at Controller level.
• Experience working in a construction, contracting, manufacturing, or other project-based environment is highly preferred, almost required.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian ASPE, GST/HST, PST, payroll legislation, and corporate tax requirements.
• Strong background in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and internal controls.
• Experience with project accounting, job costing, and revenue recognition is considered an asset.
• Systems-
  • Experience with ERP systems and integrated accounting software.
  • Experience integrating QuickBooks Online with another system is particularly advantageous!
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing accounting or finance teams.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

How Much:

If/when this contract converts to permanent, the salary range is likely around $120,000 to $145,000, plus benefits, vacation time, RRSP match, etc. For the original contract, the direct hourly consulting rate will depend on the consultant’s skills, relevant work experience, and track record for fixing/improving. Please discuss your target hourly consulting rate with SWIM!

Where:

Based full time in a nice office in Langley, close to Hwy 1. This is a full-time in-office role. If you require some flexibility with hours, please discuss with SWIM!