Controller

Recruiting In Motion - Eastern Ontario; Markham; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruiting In Motion - Eastern Ontario is seeking an experienced Controller to own the accounting and finance function for our Canadian operation in Markham. This hands-on leadership role requires multilingual capability (English, Mandarin) and a strategic focus on processes, systems, and controls.

You will partner with local leadership and overseas operations to ensure strong financial reporting and compliance.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• At least 3 years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager or similar leadership capacity.
• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, trading or multinational environment is highly valued.
• Strong knowledge of full-cycle accounting and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations of the Canadian business.
• Lead, mentor and develop a small accounting team.
• Review and oversee AP/AR, invoicing, reconciliations, GL and payroll-related accounting.
• Take ownership of month-end and year-end close activities and financial reporting.
• Prepare and review financial information for senior leadership and overseas parent company.
• Manage intercompany accounting, foreign currency transactions and international reporting requirements.
• Monitor cash position, working capital and liquidity; provide visibility to leadership.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.
• Strengthen accounting policies, controls and procedures as the business evolves.

Skills

English language

Mandarin language

Leadership

Financial analysis

ERP/GAAP knowledge

Advanced Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA designation (preferred)

Tools

Sage/ACCPAC

QuickBooks

Oracle

Excel (Advanced)

Job description

Controller Opportunity! Trilingual- English, Mandarin and Cantonese!

Our client is a well-established multinational organization with operations across North America and Asia. As the Canadian business continues to evolve, they are looking for an experienced Controller to take ownership of the accounting and finance function and play an important role in supporting the local leadership team. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an accounting professional who is comfortable working independently, improving processes and systems, and serving as a key connection between the accounting team, senior leadership and overseas operations.

The Opportunity

The Controller will oversee the day-to-day accounting function while providing financial oversight and guidance to the business. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys being close to the details but can also step back and look at the bigger picture. This role will suit someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves while also taking a strategic view of processes, systems and financial operations. You will work closely with the local team, overseas operations and senior leadership to ensure the Canadian business has strong financial controls, accurate reporting and effective processes in place.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the Canadian business
• Lead, mentor and develop a small accounting team
• Review and oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, reconciliations, general ledger and payroll-related accounting
• Take ownership of month-end and year-end close activities and financial reporting
• Prepare and review financial information for senior leadership and the overseas parent company
• Manage intercompany accounting, foreign currency transactions and international reporting requirements
• Monitor cash position, working capital and liquidity and provide meaningful visibility to leadership
• Support Canadian tax, HST/GST and other regulatory requirements
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis
• Strengthen accounting policies, controls and procedures as the business evolves
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiencies and enhance financial reporting
• Partner with operational leaders to better understand business needs and provide practical financial guidance
• Work with international finance teams and overseas manufacturing operations
• Lead the finance component of a future accounting system transformation
• Assess current finance processes and help identify the technology and systems required to support the next stage of growth
• Participate in ERP/accounting system selection, implementation, data migration, testing and process optimization
• Provide hands-on support to the accounting team and step in where required

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience
• At least 3 years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager or similar leadership capacity
• Experience within manufacturing, distribution, trading or another multinational environment is highly valued
• Strong knowledge of full‑cycle accounting and financial reporting
• Experience managing intercompany transactions and working with an international parent company
• Exposure to foreign currency, cross-border transactions and international reporting
• Strong understanding of Canadian corporate tax and HST/GST requirements
• Experience with ERP and accounting platforms such as Sage/ACCPAC, QuickBooks or Oracle
• Advanced Excel skills
• Experience participating in or leading an accounting system implementation or transition is highly valued
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both local and international stakeholders
• A confident leader who enjoys coaching and developing others
• Strong business judgment, organization and problem‑solving ability
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline
• CPA designation is strongly preferred

Language Requirements

Professional fluency in both English and Mandarin, written and spoken, is required Cantonese is preferred Ability to communicate effectively with local leadership, the accounting team and overseas operations is essential

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to join an established international organization while having a significant impact on the Canadian operation. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence processes, improve systems and help shape the finance function as the business continues to grow. The company is looking for someone who takes ownership, operates with integrity and is willing to understand the business from the ground up.

The role will initially be fully on‑site in Markham. As the successful candidate becomes established, builds trust and develops a strong understanding of the business, there may be an opportunity for a hybrid arrangement.

If you are an experienced accounting leader looking for a hands‑on Controller opportunity where you can make a meaningful impact, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

AI may be used to support certain administrative aspects of our recruitment process. However, all applications and resumes are reviewed by qualified human reviewers, and all screening and hiring decisions are made solely by the hiring team. The posted salary range reflects expected compensation for this role in accordance with Ontario pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications and may fall anywhere within the range.