Senior Manager, Private Enterprise

Distinct | North America; Markham; Hybrid; CAD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Distinct | North America in Markham is seeking a Senior Manager for Private Enterprise to lead engagements, manage client relationships and help shape the practice's direction.

You will oversee compilation and review engagements, mentor junior staff, support business development, and work closely with Partners on complex client matters; hybrid 3 days in office as typical.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Canadian CPA firm/public accounting experience.
• 5+ years reviewing compilation engagements and related financial statements.
• Strong T2 corporate tax knowledge.
• Experience dealing directly with business owners and senior client contacts.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor and develop accounting professionals.
• U.S./cross-border experience would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead compilation and review engagements from planning through completion.
• Review Notice to Reader/compilation and review engagement files.
• Review financial statements and working papers prepared by staff.
• Identify and resolve complex accounting and financial reporting issues.
• Manage workflow, deadlines and file progress for a Private Enterprise portfolio.
• Lead client meetings, presentations and onboarding of new clients.
• Mentor and develop junior staff.
• Support recruitment and internal training initiatives.
• Build relationships with referral sources and participate in networking.
• Contribute to growth of the Private Enterprise practice.
• Collaborate with Partners on complex client and commercial matters.

Skills

Public accounting experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Business advisory

Staff mentoring

Education

CPA designation (Canada)

Tools

TaxCycle

CaseWare

Sage

QuickBooks

Job description

Senior Manager, Private Enterprise | $150,000–$190,000 | Markham (Hybrid)

At Senior Manager level, progression is no longer about being given more files.

It’s about having more influence over the clients, the team and eventually the direction of the practice.

This Senior Manager opportunity is with a growing CPA firm in Markham, helping lead its Private Enterprise practice across owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurs and privately held companies.

You’ll oversee compilation and review engagements, manage senior client relationships and become increasingly involved in planning, business development and practice growth. It’s a genuine step toward becoming part of the firm’s future leadership rather than simply remaining at Senior Manager indefinitely.

Why this role stands out:

• Markham location
• Senior leadership position within a growing Private Enterprise practice
• Strong owner-managed and privately held business portfolio
• Compilation and review engagement exposure
• Direct involvement with the Partners
• Opportunity to lead and develop accounting staff
• Involvement in recruitment, training and practice development
• Business development and referral-source exposure
• Genuine longer-term progression toward Partner
• U.S./cross-border exposure available for someone with the relevant background

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead compilation and review engagements from planning through completion
• Review Notice to Reader/compilation and review engagement files
• Review financial statements and working papers prepared by junior and intermediate staff
• Identify and resolve more complex accounting and financial reporting issues
• Manage workflow, deadlines and file progress across a portfolio of Private Enterprise clients
• Review T2 corporate tax returns and related schedules
• Review T1 returns for owner-managers, high-net-worth individuals and family groups
• Act as a trusted advisor to privately owned businesses and entrepreneurs
• Identify tax, accounting and broader planning opportunities
• Lead client meetings, presentations and new-client onboarding
• Mentor and develop junior, intermediate and senior staff
• Support recruitment and internal training initiatives
• Build relationships with referral sources and participate in networking
• Contribute to the continued development and growth of the Private Enterprise practice
• Work closely with the Partners on more complex client and commercial matters

What they’re looking for:

• 10+ years of progressive Canadian CPA firm/public accounting experience
• Strong Private Enterprise / owner-managed business experience
• 5+ years reviewing compilation engagements and related financial statements
• Strong experience reviewing staff work
• Strong T2 corporate tax knowledge
• Experience dealing directly with business owners and senior client contacts
• Proven ability to coach, mentor and develop accounting professionals
• Comfortable operating as a senior point of contact beneath the Partners
• Commercial mindset with an interest in business development and practice growth
• TaxCycle, CaseWare, Sage, QuickBooks or similar software experience
• U.S./cross-border experience would be a significant asset
• U.S. CPA license would also be advantageous but is not required

The usual schedule is around 3 days per week in office, with greater attendance during heavier periods and busy season. The firm is looking for someone who can be a visible senior member of the team rather than operating remotely.

We support the CPA firms we partner with in building diverse, inclusive and equitable workplaces, and even if this role isn’t the right fit, there may be another one that is.