Financial Controller

Simpson Notaries; Chilliwack; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative leadership

Impactful work in growth firm

Job summary

Simpson Notaries is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee all accounting operations, including corporate and trust accounting, payroll, and regulatory compliance. This leadership role focuses on strong internal controls, process improvements, and strategic financial planning to support growth across three BC locations.

The successful candidate will manage budgeting, financial reporting, and KPIs while collaborating with ownership and management to ensure financial health and compliance.

Qualifications

• CPA designation preferred; equivalent senior accounting experience considered.
• Minimum five years of progressive accounting experience, with leadership responsibilities.
• Controller or senior accounting management experience preferred.
• Experience with trust accounting in a legal or notary environment is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian accounting principles and payroll legislation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all corporate accounting functions and prepare financial statements.
• Maintain general ledger, reconciliations, and cash flow monitoring.
• Lead payroll administration, year-end activities, and remittances.
• Ensure trust accounting compliance and coordinate audits and regulatory reviews.
• Develop budgets, forecasts, and financial reports for ownership and management.
• Mentor accounting staff and drive process improvements across multiple locations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Strategic thinking

Confidentiality

Education

CPA designation preferred

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Payroll software

Trust/accounting software

Job description

Simpson Notaries is a growing professional services firm with 35 employees operating from three locations in British Columbia. We are seeking an experienced Controller to oversee all aspects of our accounting operations, including corporate and trust accounting, payroll, financial reporting, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. This is a leadership position requiring someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable improving financial processes while supporting the firm's continued growth.

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for the overall financial management of the firm, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with trust accounting requirements, strong internal controls, and efficient accounting operations. The successful candidate will work closely with ownership and management to provide financial insight, oversee accounting functions, and ensure the firm's financial health. The Controller will also provide leadership in payroll administration, financial planning, and process improvement while supporting strategic business initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all corporate accounting functions.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure timely account reconciliations.
• Monitor cash flow, banking relationships, and working capital.
• Develop annual budgets and financial forecasts.
• Analyze financial performance and provide recommendations to leadership.
• Prepare management reports and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Support strategic planning and business growth initiatives.

Trust Accounting

• Oversee all trust accounting functions in accordance with applicable legislation and professional regulations.
• Ensure accurate daily, monthly, and annual trust reconciliations.
• Review and resolve trust shortages or discrepancies.
• Maintain compliance with trust accounting rules and internal policies.
• Coordinate trust audits and regulatory reviews.
• Develop and maintain trust accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees.
• Ensure compliance with federal and provincial payroll legislation.
• Review payroll, vacation accruals, statutory deductions, and employee earnings for accuracy.
• Administer employee benefit plans, RRSP/pension programs, and payroll-related reconciliations.
• Prepare and submit CRA payroll remittances.
• Coordinate year-end payroll activities, including T4s, Records of Employment, and other statutory reporting.
• Support managers with payroll-related questions and reporting.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with CRA requirements and applicable financial legislation.
• Prepare and file GST/PST returns and other required government remittances.
• Coordinate annual corporate tax preparation with external accountants.
• Liaise with external accountants, auditors, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies.
• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls.
• Develop policies and procedures to reduce financial risk.

Leadership

• Provide leadership and guidance for the accounting function.
• Establish and maintain consistent accounting policies and procedures.
• Mentor and train accounting staff as the department grows.
• Participate as a member of the leadership team.
• Provide financial information and recommendations to owners and managers.
• Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable

• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
• Review vendor payments and approve payment runs.
• Monitor collections and outstanding receivables.
• Ensure timely reconciliation of bank and credit card accounts.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve financial systems and workflows.
• Assist with accounting software implementation, upgrades, and optimization.
• Standardize accounting processes across all three office locations.
• Develop efficiencies through automation and improved reporting.

Qualifications

• CPA designation preferred; equivalent senior accounting experience will be considered.
• Minimum five years of progressive accounting experience, with leadership responsibilities.
• Previous Controller or senior accounting management experience preferred.
• Experience with trust accounting in a legal or notary environment is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian accounting principles and payroll legislation.
• Experience with payroll systems and financial software.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience overseeing accounting operations for multiple locations is an asset.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and financial reporting skills.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Leadership and coaching ability.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strategic thinker with sound business judgment.

What We Offer

• Collaborative and supportive leadership team.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing organization.