Controller

Dentons; Montreal; On-site; CAD 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Dentons in Montreal, Canada, seeks a hands-on Controller to lead the Accounts Payable team and own the monthly balance sheet reconciliation process. You will partner with Finance and Operations, drive internal controls, and ensure timely, audit-ready financial reporting in a manufacturing setting.

The role requires significant experience in manufacturing accounting, strong leadership, and expertise with JD Edwards and Canadian GAAP. On-site with three days in office per week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Minimum 7 years of manufacturing accounting experience.
• Minimum 5 years leading accounting teams.
• Experience in a multi-site manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Experience with month-end close ownership and balance sheet reconciliation.
• Experience supporting external audits and internal control programs.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly balance sheet reconciliation process and ensure timely completion.
• Review, investigate and resolve reconciling items with supporting documentation.
• Prepare and review month-end journal entries.
• Ensure integrity of financial records in JD Edwards.
• Analyze variances and provide financial insights.
• Support monthly, quarterly and annual close per GAAP.
• Assist with tax reporting and statutory compliance.
• Support audits with schedules and explanations.
• Lead and develop Accounts Payable team of 3 staff.
• Ensure timely processing of vendor invoices and payments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Excel

JD Edwards

ERP systems

Job description

CA$95,000.00 yearly

Permanent, Full-time

Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, the Controller is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the Company's financial records through effective leadership of the Accounts Payable function, ownership of the monthly balance sheet reconciliation process, and continuous strengthening of internal controls. The Controller will ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, maintaining compliance with accounting standards and corporate policies, and driving continuous process improvements across the finance function while leading a team of accounting professionals. The position serves as a key business partner to both Finance and Operations by promoting financial discipline, accountability, and operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Own the monthly balance sheet reconciliation process and ensure all reconciliations are completed accurately and on time.

Review, investigate and resolve balance sheet reconciling items while ensuring appropriate supporting documentation.

Prepare and review month-end journal entries.

Ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial records in JD Edwards.

Analyze balance sheet and income statement variances and provide meaningful financial insights.

Support the monthly, quarterly and annual financial close processes in accordance with GAAP.

Assist with tax reporting and statutory compliance requirements.

Support internal and external audits by providing required schedules, documentation and explanations.

Maintain and continuously improve the Company's internal control framework.

Ensure compliance with corporate accounting policies and regulatory requirements.

Identify financial and operational control weaknesses and recommend practical improvements.

Develop and document accounting procedures and best practices.

Participate in process improvement initiatives focused on automation, standardization and operational efficiency.

Ensure proper segregation of duties and compliance with approval authorities.

Support implementation of new accounting systems and finance process improvements.

Lead, coach and develop the Accounts Payable team (3 employees), fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Establish clear performance expectations and support employee development through coaching and regular feedback.

Ensure timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices and payments.

Review and approve general ledger coding and accounting treatment for AP transactions.

Monitor AP performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and strengthen internal controls.

Collaborate with Procurement, Operations and other departments to resolve invoice and vendor issues.

COMPETENCY / PROFILE

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance.

Experience

Minimum of 7 years of manufacturing accounting experience required.

Minimum 5 years leading accounting teams.

Experience working in a multi-site manufacturing environment is considered an asset.

Experience with month-end close ownership and balance sheet reconciliation.

Experience supporting external audits and internal control programs.

Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of Canadian GAAP.

Advanced understanding of financial statement preparation.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Experience with JD Edwards or comparable ERP systems.

Experience with financial reporting and reconciliation tools.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

SUCCESS FACTORS

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing Controller who combines strong technical manufacturing accounting expertise with proven leadership.

This individual takes ownership of the integrity of the Company's financial records by proactively resolving reconciliation issues, maintaining audit-ready documentation, and strengthening internal controls. They are highly accountable, analytical, and detail-oriented, with a continuous improvement mindset and the ability to build strong partnerships across Finance and Operations.

They lead by example, developing the Accounts Payable team while remaining actively involved in key accounting activities, including reviewing AP GL coding, supporting month-end journal entries in JD Edwards, and ensuring the timely completion of balance sheet reconciliations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position will be located at the Montreal headquarters and will require minimum of 3 days’ on-site support