Controller (CPA) – 6-12 Month Contract

Engineering Search Firm Inc; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional recruitment agency is hiring a Controller (CPA) for a 6-12 month contract in Downtown Toronto. This role involves overseeing full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, and project accounting within the construction and real estate sectors. Candidates must have a CPA designation with 5-10 years of relevant experience, particularly in a leadership capacity. The position requires strong analytical skills and proficiency in accounting software, particularly Yardi. The firm offers a competitive rate and a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including Controller or Senior Manager roles.
• Direct experience in construction (WIP, job costing) and real‑estate accounting.
• Strong understanding of ASPE/IFRS, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full‑cycle accounting and financial reporting processes.
• Prepare financial statements and management reports.
• Supervise the accounting team and optimize accounting processes.

Skills

Financial management

Project accounting

Leadership

Budgeting and forecasting

Excellent communication skills

Education

CPA designation (CPA CA, CMA, or CGA)

Tools

Yardi

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Controller (CPA) – 6- 12 Month Contract

Location: Downtown Toronto, Ontario

Industry: Construction & Real Estate

Contract Length: 6 months (potential extension)

Start Date: ASAP / Flexible

• 6-month contract with potential for extension
• Competitive hourly or daily rate (commensurate with experience).
• On-site work, based in Downtown Toronto (5 days).

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Controller (CPA) to join our team on a 6-month contract. The ideal candidate brings strong accounting leadership, proven experience in the construction and real estate sectors, and the ability to oversee full-cycle financial management for a growing organization. This role is based in our Downtown Toronto office and requires hands‑on involvement in operations, reporting, and process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Management & Reporting

  • Oversee full‑cycle accounting, month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close processes.
  • Prepare and analyze financial statements, management reports, cash‑flow forecasts, and KPI dashboards.
  • Ensure compliance with ASPE/IFRS and internal accounting policies.
  • Manage budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.

• Construction & Real Estate Accounting

  • Oversee project accounting, job costing, WIP reporting, and project margin analysis.
  • Review and monitor project budgets, billings, progress draws, holdbacks, and subcontractor payments.
  • Manage accounting for property portfolios including leases, capital expenditures, depreciation, and property operating costs.

• Leadership & Operations

  • Supervise the accounting team; provide mentorship, coaching, and performance management.
  • Manage external audits, tax filings, and banking relationships.
  • Optimize accounting processes, internal controls, and financial systems.
  • Support senior leadership with financial insights for decision‑making.

Contract Details

• 6‑month contract with potential for extension
• Competitive hourly or daily rate (commensurate with experience).
• 5 days on‑site work, based out of Downtown Toronto.
• CPA designation required (CPA CA, CMA, or CGA).
• 5–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including Controller or Senior Manager roles.
• Direct experience in construction (WIP, job costing) and real‑estate accounting.
• Strong understanding of ASPE/IFRS, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Proficiency with accounting/ERP systems; Yardi a must.
• Advanced Excel skills; strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• CPA designation (CPA CA, CMA, or CGA).
• 5–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including Controller or Senior Manager roles.
• Experience in construction (WIP, job costing) and real‑estate accounting.
• Strong understanding of ASPE/IFRS, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Proficiency with accounting/ERP systems; Yardi a must.
• Advanced Excel skills; strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.