Controller

Stewart McKelvey; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Wellness allowance

Pension plan

Vacation + flex days

Dress for your Day

Education assistance

Staff retreats

Job summary

Stewart McKelvey in Halifax, Nova Scotia, seeks an experienced Controller to lead financial reporting, treasury, trust accounting, and accounts payable within the Finance team. Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will manage a team of professionals, implement internal controls, and drive modernization initiatives to support growth across Atlantic Canada.

This role offers a collaborative, client-focused environment with flexible work arrangements and a competitive compensation package.

Qualifications

• CPA designation with senior finance leadership experience.
• Strong technical accounting, internal controls and risk management.
• Proven track record in leading teams and complex financial operations.
• Experience enhancing processes with technology and automation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management across org levels.

Responsibilities

• Oversee monthly/ quarterly/ annual financial statements and board reports.
• Lead treasury, trust accounting, and accounts payable operations.
• Strengthen internal controls and data governance for client funds.
• Drive modernization initiatives and finance process improvements.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing finance team.

Skills

CPA designation

Financial reporting

Team leadership

Process improvement

Excel proficiency

Stakeholder management

Education

CPA certification

Tools

ERP systems

BI tools

Job description

Stewart McKelvey is proud to celebrate decades of leadership as Atlantic Canada's first and largest regional law firm with more than 550 teammates across six offices. With a distinguished heritage reaching back to Canada's Confederation, the firm has established an international reputation for delivering results. Today, Stewart McKelvey is one of the 20 largest law firms in the country. While honouring its history, the firm continues to lead the way forward for clients throughout Atlantic Canada, across the country, and around the globe.

Meridia Recruitment Solutions is pleased to partner with Stewart McKelvey in the recruitment of a Controller to join its Finance team in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Controller will play a key leadership role in overseeing the firm's financial reporting, treasury management, trust accounting, accounts payable, and financial data governance functions. Working closely with senior leadership and leading an experienced team of finance professionals, the Controller will be responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining strong internal controls, and driving operational excellence across the finance function.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced finance leader to drive financial excellence, lead key modernization initiatives, and influence the continued growth and success of one of Atlantic Canada's premier professional services firms.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management reports, budgets, and board materials.
• Collaborate with the Financial Planning & Analysis team to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information supporting budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.
• Enhance financial reporting and analytics capabilities, providing meaningful insights that support strategic decision-making.
• Manage treasury functions, including cash flow, debt, investments, banking relationships, and CRA matters, while ensuring compliance with established policies and risk management practices.
• Oversee trust accounting and reporting, ensuring compliance with Law Society requirements, internal policies, and client obligations.
• Ensure effective internal controls, reconciliations, and financial processes to safeguard client funds and maintain financial integrity.
• Provide oversight of accounts payable operations, ensuring timely, accurate, and service-oriented processing of invoices and payments.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and coaching to a high-performing team responsible for financial reporting, trust accounting, and accounts payable while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Champion technology, automation, and process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reporting capabilities, and financial operations.
• Strengthen financial systems, controls, and data governance while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and mitigate organizational risk.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• CPA designation paired with 10+ years of progressive finance and accounting leadership experience.
• Strong technical accounting expertise, financial reporting capabilities, and knowledge of internal controls and financial risk management.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams while overseeing complex financial operations.
• Demonstrated success leading process improvement initiatives, streamlining operations, and leveraging technology to enhance financial performance and reporting capabilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial systems, with experience using ERP systems or business intelligence tools considered an asset.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented approach, sound business judgment, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Experience overseeing trust accounting, treasury functions, or finance operations within a regulated or professional services environment would be considered a strong asset.
• Experience in a professional services environment would be considered an asset but is not required

Stewart McKelvey offers a culture that supports flexible work arrangements, mental and physical wellness and we provide a competitive compensation and benefits package. A few things they offer:

• Flexible work arrangements for many positions, including work from home options
• A generous vacation allowance, as well as two "flex days" per year
• Top rate flexible health and dental plan
• Group Retirement Plan with employer contribution matching
• An annual wellness allowance, for a broad range of eligible expenses, such as fitness memberships and fees, fitness equipment, general health & wellness support, personal development courses, home office expenses
• A "Dress for your Day" policy
• Assistance for continuing education
• Social events and staff retreats
• A positive and fun work environment where we value inclusion and mutual respect

If you are a collaborative and forward-thinking finance leader looking to make a meaningful impact, this is an opportunity to join one of Atlantic Canada's most respected professional services firms. As Controller, you will play a critical role in guiding financial operations, supporting strategic decision-making, developing a talented team, and contributing to the continued evolution and success of the organization.

For more information about this exciting opportunity please contact Heather Labucki, Partner, or Jason Ozon, Senior Consultant at [e-mail]. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let Jason Ozon know.