Controller – Western Canada (Industrial Processing and Operations)

Lock Search Group; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 135,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP matching

Extended benefits

Annual bonus

Job summary

Lock Search Group is engaged to recruit a Controller for Western Canada. This is an in-office, Lower Mainland, BC based leadership role overseeing regional accounting and financial reporting.

You will mentor a finance team, manage general ledger, budgeting, forecasts, audits, and drive internal controls and inventory management. CPA preferred; 7+ years of manufacturing finance experience; travel within Western Canada required.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive accounting and financial management in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Direct experience with cost accounting and cost control.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and ability to mentor a finance team.
• Strong Excel skills and data analysis of large datasets.
• Experience with ERP integrations and BI tools is an asset.
• CPA is desired; candidates pursuing CPA will be considered.
• Willingness to travel within Western Canada.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting functions across Western Canada to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Lead and mentor the accounting and administrative team.
• Monitor monthly material flow reporting and inventory accuracy.
• Manage general ledger and journal entries.
• Coordinate audits and support external audit processes.
• Partner with Plant Managers and Finance Director to provide insights.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting for regional operations.
• Oversee revenue recognition and cash flow management.
• Review PO activity and ensure policy compliance.

Skills

Cost accounting

Team leadership

Excel expertise

Data analytics

ERP integrations

Process improvement

Communication skills

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting

CPA designation

Tools

ERP systems

BI tools

Cost accounting software

Job description

Controller – Western Canada (Industrial Processing and Operations)

Lower Mainland, BC (In Office Position)

Our client is a leader in their sector, operating at the intersection of inbound logistics, environmental stewardship, and industrial manufacturing. Operating facilities across Western Canada, our client plays a critical role across the provinces, while delivering operational excellence to its customers and stakeholders.

They have engaged Cameron Lappin of Lock Search Group to uncover a Controller for Western Canada.

The Controller will oversee all regional accounting and financial reporting activities for operations across Western Canada. This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective accounting controls, financial processes, and reporting standards to ensure accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency. As a key business partner, the Controller will provide financial leadership, support regional operations, and deliver actionable insights that drive business performance. This position is a full-time in-office role, based out of the Lower Mainland, in British Columbia.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, oversee and manage accounting functions across Western Canada’s operations, in accordance to compliance standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting and administrative team, including leading an Assistant Controller, and a team responsible for Cost Accountanting, AP/AR, Payroll, and administration.
• Monitor and reconcile monthly material flow reporting, tracking inbound, in-process, and outbound product to ensure inventory accuracy and operational accountability.
• Manage general ledger activities, including the review and approval of journal entries to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records.
• Prepare capital expenditure requests and supporting financial analyses to evaluate project feasibility and support investment decisions.
• Coordinate and support internal and external audit activities, ensuring compliance and the timely resolution of audit findings.
• Partner with Plant Managers, executive team members, along with working closely with the Finance Director to provide financial insights, operational analysis, and recommendations that drive business performance.
• Establish, implement, and maintain strong internal control frameworks across all regional locations to safeguard assets, mitigate risk, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Oversee the full revenue cycle, ensuring accurate billing, timely revenue recognition, effective collections, and strong cash flow management.
• Review and approve purchase order activity to ensure timely issuance, policy compliance, and alignment with operational requirements.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process for regional operations in partnership with operational leadership teams
• Oversee inventory accounting processes, verifying inventory balances and ensuring accurate valuation, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Review monthly operating results and provide detailed variance analyses against budget, forecast, and prior-year performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Commerce, Finance, or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
• CPA designation is desired, but candidates actively pursuing their CPA will also be considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, from manufacturing, production, industrial, or operational environments.
• Must have direct previous experience with Cost Accounting
• Previous experience, and track record of leading, coaching and mentoring a team is a must
• Experience working with accounting systems is integral.
• Exposure to data analytics, ERP integrations, business intelligence tools, and process improvement initiatives is considered an asset.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel is critical, with the ability to analyze and interpret large data sets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Positive, collaborative mindset with a strong commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, and a high degree of integrity in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to take initiative, drive results, and effectively support both finance and operational leadership teams.
• Adaptable and resourceful, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for process and performance improvements.
• Ability to travel within Western Canada

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $135 to 145K annually. The actual base salary for this position may depend on various factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience and work location. Base pay is only one part of your total compensation package. This position will also be supported with an annual bonus incentive plan, RRSP matching program and extended benefits.

Thank you in advance for your interest. Only those individuals deemed to have the skill set, track record and professional experience, as well reside in the British Columbia market, will be contacted for this leadership position.