Controller

Forvis Mazars US Executive Search Practice; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Forvis Mazars US Executive Search Practice is assisting a Canadian construction and industrial services client in Ottawa to appoint a Controller for the Canadian division. The role requires leadership of a small accounting team and close collaboration with executive and operational leaders to guide financial strategy.

Ideal candidates will bring WIP, project accounting or cost accounting experience and a track record of driving process improvements and robust internal controls within a

Qualifications

• WIP accounting expertise and project-based cost accounting are essential.
• Experience with project costing and profitability reporting is required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop accounting staff in a fast-paced environment.
• Construction/manufacturing/engineering project contexts are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Canadian accounting team.
• Manage month-end and year-end financial close processes.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Drive project costing, job cost analysis, and profitability reporting.
• Manage WIP calculations and cost accounting activities.
• Strengthen internal controls and accounting processes.
• Coordinate audit and compliance requirements.
• Partner with operational leaders to improve financial performance.

Skills

WIP accounting

Project accounting

Cost accounting

Staff leadership

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting

Master's in Finance

Job description

Careers with our Clients through Forvis Mazars Executive Search

We’ve partnered with a well-respected international construction and industrial services company to identify a Canadian Controller who is ready to make a significant impact.

The Controller will oversee accounting and financial operations for the company's Canadian division, managing a small team and partnering closely with executive and operational leadership. The ideal candidate will bring strong Work-in-Progress (WIP), project accounting, job costing, or cost accounting experience and a desire to become a strategic business partner.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced ambitious Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager looking to take the next step into a senior finance leadership role. Or an experienced Controller looking for growth and a change of pace with an international operation.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Ownership over finance and accounting for Canadian operations for a stable, well-established organization with international resources and backing
• Significant exposure to executive and operational leadership with opportunity to drive process improvements and financial strategy
• Ideal next step for a high-performing Assistant Controller or Accounting Manager and offers platform for long-term career growth and advancement

This role is particularly well-suited for:

• Experienced Controllers ready for more growth and team leadership
• Construction accounting professionals with WIP expertise
• Manufacturing accounting leaders with strong cost accounting experience
• Project accounting professionals looking to move into business leadership

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Canadian accounting team
• Manage month-end and year-end financial close processes
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Drive project costing, job cost analysis, and profitability reporting
• Manage Work-in-Progress (WIP) calculations and cost accounting activities
• Strengthen internal controls and accounting processes
• Coordinate audit and compliance requirements
• Partner with operational leaders to improve financial performance and decision-making

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• CPA designation or equivalent preferred
• Construction, manufacturing, engineering or related project-based environments
• Expertise in WIP accounting, project accounting, cost accounting or job costing
• Proven ability to lead and develop accounting staff
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution

Please Note: This opportunity is with a client of Forvis Mazars and is not a position with Forvis Mazars directly. Our Executive Search team is assisting a dynamic construction company in its next phase of growth and has been retained to identify exceptional accounting and finance talent for this confidential search. All candidate inquiries and discussions will be held in strict confidence.