On-Site Controller for Project-Based Trades (Victoria)

Vaco by Highspring; Victoria; On-site; CAD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead the accounting team in Victoria, BC. You will manage full-cycle accounting, month-end close, and financial reporting, while guiding project accounting across multiple service lines.

The role requires ownership of audit-ready records and strong ERP/QuickBooks experience. A candidate with Big 4 exposure and private-equity environments will fit well in this fast-paced, multi-entity business.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 2+ years in a Controller or Assistant Controller role.
• Public accounting background (Big 4 or national firm) preferred
• Experience in trades, construction, field services, or other project-based businesses strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ownership of a full month-end close and external audit process
• Hands-on experience with job costing, WIP accounting, and inventory in a multi-segment operating business
• Background in private-equity-backed or multi-entity environments an asset
• Strong Excel and ERP proficiency (QuickBooks – Desktop and Online); experience implementing or improving ERP/job costing systems an asset

Skills

Month-end close

Audit process

Job costing

WIP accounting

Inventory

Excel

ERP systems

QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks Online

Tools

Excel

QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks Online

ERP systems

Job description

Job Type: Permanent position, 3-4 days on-site, Victoria, BC.

Job Salary: $125,000 - $145,000 depending on experience. (Some Flexibility)

Position Overview

The Controller is a hands-on accounting leader reporting to the CFO. The role owns the full cycle accounting including the month-end close, preparation of external and internal financial reporting, job costing and project reporting, forecast model builds, statutory and tax compliance, and the operational accounting processes that support segmented P&Ls and project accounting across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and refrigeration. The Controller leads the day-to-day finance team and is the principal point of accountability for accurate, timely, audit-ready financial records.

Must Haves

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 2+ years in a Controller or Assistant Controller role

• Public accounting background (Big 4 or national firm) preferred

• Experience in trades, construction, field services, or other project-based businesses strongly preferred

• Demonstrated ownership of a full month-end close and external audit process

• Hands-on experience with job costing, WIP accounting, and inventory in a multi-segment operating business

• Background in private-equity-backed or multi-entity environments an asset

• Strong Excel required; ERP proficiency required (QuickBooks – Desktop and Online); experience implementing or improving ERP/job costing systems an asset

Skills & Abilities

•Detail-oriented and disciplined, particularly around month-end close timing and accuracy

•Hands-on operator who is comfortable doing the work and leading the team that does it

•Operationally curious - willing to leave the desk to understand how jobs run

•High ownership and accountability; sees gaps in process or controls and fixes them rather than waiting to be asked

•Strong communicator who can partner credibly with the CFO, the CEO, and operational leads