Controller - Canadian Division

Forvis Mazars US Executive Search Practice; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential construction company in Canada is seeking a Canadian Controller to lead the finance function for its growing operation and partner with executive leadership to drive strategic financial outcomes.

The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in WIP, project accounting, job costing, budgeting, and reporting, with a track record of building and mentoring accounting teams and improving internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA designation or equivalent preferred
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Experience in construction, manufacturing, engineering, industrial services, or other project-based environments
• Strong background in WIP accounting, project accounting, cost accounting, or job costing
• Proven ability to lead and develop accounting staff
• Strong analytical, communication, and Excel skills
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution

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

Skills

WIP accounting

project accounting

cost accounting

job costing

Excel skills

analytical skills

communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA designation or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Job description

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.

Lead Finance for a Growing Canadian Operation

We're partnering with a highly respected international construction and industrial services organization to identify a Canadian Controller who is ready to make a significant impact.

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, ideally an experienced Controller looking for growth and a change of pace with an international operation.

The position oversees the accounting and financial operations of the company's Canadian division while 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.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Ownership of finance and accounting for Canadian operations
• Ideal next step for a high-performing Assistant Controller or Accounting Manager
• Significant exposure to executive and operational leadership
• Opportunity to drive process improvements and financial strategy
• Strong focus on project accounting, job costing, and operational performance
• Stable, well-established organization with international resources and backing
• Platform for long-term career growth and advancement

What You'll Do

• 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

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA designation or equivalent preferred
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Experience in construction, manufacturing, engineering, industrial services, or other project-based environments
• Strong background in WIP accounting, project accounting, cost accounting, or job costing
• Proven ability to lead and develop accounting staff
• Strong analytical, communication, and Excel skills
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution

Ideal Background

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

All candidate inquiries and discussions will be held in strict confidence.