Business Unit Controller

Coleman Lew Canny Bowen; United States; Remote; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Coleman Lew Canny Bowen is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee Canadian accounting and financial operations from a US-based leadership position. The role partners with executive management to ensure GAAP compliance, tax compliance, and robust financial reporting across US and Canada, with occasional Canada travel.

You will lead a team across locations, manage budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, audits, payroll, and cash flow, while driving process improvements and ERP system

Qualifications

• The candidate must have 5+ years in accounting leadership, preferably in PE-backed, branch-based services or manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with project accounting and forecasting, including WIP and POC revenue recognition.
• Experience with acquisitions integration is a plus.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial reporting and analysis per US GAAP.
• Lead budgeting, rolling forecasts, and variance analysis.
• Manage internal controls and CRA/Canadian tax compliance.
• Coordinate audits and ensure data security across systems.
• Supervise payroll and benefits processing.
• Monitor cash flow and working capital; provide weekly reports.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

GAAP knowledge

Communication

ERP systems

Consolidation

Strategic partner

Tax compliance

Forecasting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Master’s degree or CPA/ CMA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Private equity-backed specialty provider of mission-critical inspection, maintenance, repair and engineering services to industrial customers across the United States and Canada.

REPORTS/RELATIONSHIPS:

This position will report directly to the corporate Chief Financial Officer and will supervise a team of seven accounting professionals across multiple locations in the US and Canada. This position will serve as the finance business partner to the Managing Director, Canada. While the position is remote, it will require travelling to the Greater Toronto Area one to two times per month.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

The Controller is a pivotal senior financial leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's Canadian accounting and financial operations from a US-based leadership position. Acting as a steward of financial integrity, the Controller ensures compliance with applicable US and Canadian accounting standards, tax regulations, and statutory requirements while providing strategic financial support to executive management.

Specific duties will include, but not necessarily be limited to:

Financial reporting and analysis

• Prepare timely and accurate financial statements in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Conduct detailed financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for optimization.
• Develop and deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for management and external stakeholders.
• Oversee the consolidation and reporting of subsidiary or branch operations across operations, as necessary.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process, working closely with department heads to set and monitor financial goals.
• Prepare rolling forecasts and update them regularly based on changing economic and business conditions.
• Analyze budget-to-actual results and provide actionable recommendations.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Implement and monitor internal controls to ensure the integrity of financial data and safeguard company assets.
• Maintain compliance with the requirements of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and other regulatory bodies.
• Oversee and coordinate audits – internal, external, and government-mandated.
• Stay updated on changes in accounting standards, federal and provincial tax laws, and regulations relevant to the business.

Payroll and Benefits Administration

• Supervise payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal and provincial employment standards.
• Ensure proper remittance of payroll taxes and deductions.

Cash Flow Management

• Monitor daily cash flow and funding requirements. Provide a weekly cash report as well as a 13-week cash forecast.
• Optimize working capital by managing accounts receivable, accounts payable, and inventory levels.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and finance staff.
• Set performance objectives, conduct evaluations, and provide training opportunities.
• Promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the department.

Strategic Support

• Partner with executive leadership in strategic planning and decision-making processes.
• Support due diligence and integration processes for additional Canadian acquisitions.
• Advise management on financial risk, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of accounting software and ERP systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation and process redesign.
• Ensure data security and confidentiality in all financial systems and transactions.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 5+ years of experience in an accounting leadership role; preference for a fast-paced and acquisitive private equity-backed business in a related industry (branch-based services and/or manufacturing).
• Hands-on experience with project accounting and forecasting, including WIP reporting and percentage-of-completion (POC) revenue recognition standards.
• Acquisition integration experience is a plus.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and ethical judgment.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding and hands-on experience of various financial ERP and consolidation systems.
• Effective business partnership skills, with an ability to work with operators across all levels of an organization.
• Ability to develop, motivate, and influence others.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting is required; master’s degree and/or Chartered Management Accountant or Certified Public Accountant preferred.

COMPENSATION:

Compensation will be commensurate with experience including a competitive base salary, bonus opportunity, and a competitive benefits package.