Controller – 15-month Mat Leave

Northern Trust

. Lead all accounting operations as a key strategic partner to the VP of Finance & Operations .

Posted 9/18/2026contractRemote • CanadaSeniorLead💰 CA$120,000 - CA$150,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, and compliance with GAAP and tax regulations. Proven ability to lead and mentor teams while optimizing financial processes and managing audits.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Full-Cycle AccountingGAAP ComplianceFinancial ReportingTeam LeadershipQuickBooks Administration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial ModelingVariance AnalysisCash Flow ManagementTreasury ManagementInternal ControlsMonth-End Close ProcessesTax ComplianceSR&ED Claims ManagementAdvanced Excel SkillsAP/AR Process Optimization

Soft Skills

MentoringStrategic PartnershipCommunication

Tools & Technologies

QuickBooksEnspire ERP

Certifications & Qualifications

CPA Designation (CA, CMA, or Equivalent)

Industry Keywords

Financial StatementsExternal AuditsHST/GST ComplianceU.S. State Tax ComplianceM&A Post-Close Accounting

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead all accounting operations as a key strategic partner to the VP of Finance & Operations
Own full-cycle accounting
Lead and mentor the payroll and accounting team
Own month-end, quarter-end, and annual close cycles
Deliver timely, accurate consolidated financial statements, reconciliations, and variance analyses
Prepare consolidated three-statement financial models
Provide ad hoc FP&A support for executive decision-making
Oversee QuickBooks financial system administration, Enspire ERP integration, and credit card programs
Lead annual audits and act as the primary contact for the external audit team
Assist with tax schedules and annual filings
Manage SR&ED claims and Canadian and U.S. state tax and regulatory compliance
Oversee rolling 13-week cash forecasts, AP/AR process optimization, AR aging, payroll coordination, and debt schedules and covenant compliance
Manage, mentor, and foster growth for the payroll and accounting team
Coordinate post-close financial integration for acquired entities
Execute efficient month-end close processes within 6 business days
Remediate legacy internal control weaknesses
Establish sustainable solutions for cross-border U.S./Canada tax exposures
Optimize working capital and maintain AR aging under 8%

Requirements

What you’ll need

7+ years of total accounting/finance experience
3–5 years in a Controller or senior accounting management role
Experience leading teams while executing hands-on technical accounting work
Deep knowledge of GAAP compliance
Knowledge of internal controls, including the COSO framework
Experience with full close processes
Experience with financial reporting platforms
Advanced Excel skills
Cash flow and treasury management experience
Proven success managing external audits
Experience with Canadian HST/GST
Experience with U.S. state tax compliance with external advisors
CPA designation (CA, CMA, or equivalent) is a nice-to-have
Experience with Quickbooks or similar accounting software is a nice-to-have
Background in M&A post-close accounting is a nice-to-have
SR&ED claims management experience is a nice-to-have
Ability to work Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm ET, with periodic overtime during month-end and year-end close cycles
Occasional travel may be required for audits or strategic meetings

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health Spending Account ($500)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Fitness Reimbursement ($500)
Vet Care Program
Referral Bonuses
Team meals
Company social events
Remote, hybrid, or in-office work arrangements
Free onsite parking in London, ON
Health and dental benefits
RRSP matching
Profit sharing
Accommodations available at every stage of the hiring process