Controller

Full Job Description

Our client is one of the largest privately owned restoration companies in BC, which means decisions are made locally and they invest in long-term people, systems and quality. Based in Coquitlam, they serve all of Metro Vancouver and have built a motivated team known for finishing projects efficiently and to a high standard.

The Opportunity

This role combines the financial leadership of a Controller with the operational insight of a Project Accountant. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of accounting, reporting and forecasting while ensuring real-time visibility into job performance and profitability.

It's an ideal position for a finance professional with strong project-based accounting experience who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team, fostering accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Project Managers, JPMs, PMAs and Operations leadership to align financial and operational performance goals.
• Communicate financial results and insights in a way that supports informed operational decisions.

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Oversee full-cycle accounting, month-end close and the preparation of accurate, timely financial statements.
• Maintain documented systems, policies and internal controls to ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Provide consolidated and divisional P&Ls, KPI dashboards and variance reports for ownership and management.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, CRA and tax reporting requirements and support external audits.
• Demonstrate proven experience as a Controller in a private company managing both reporting and operational finance.
• Apply thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures, including WIP, unearned revenue, percentage-of-completion and completed-contract revenue recognition.

Project Accounting and Job Costing

• Collaborate with Operations on WIP schedules, cost-to-complete reconciliations, progress billing and earned-revenue accuracy.
• Monitor project profitability, budgets versus actuals and margin performance by phase or division.
• Conduct variance analysis and identify drivers of project performance.
• Support accurate and timely insurance billing, invoicing and collections.

Cash Flow and Operational Finance

• Strengthen accounts receivable, invoicing and collections processes for disciplined cash management.
• Oversee accounts payable and purchasing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and cost optimization.
• Develop weekly and monthly cash-flow forecasts and manage liquidity planning.
• Support financial analysis for pricing, capital investments and contract negotiations.

Strategic Planning and Systems Improvement

• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process and support strategic financial planning with ownership and senior leadership.
• Deliver financial insights, KPIs and recommendations that guide business decisions.
• Improve accounting systems and job-costing integrations (Sage preferred; restoration/job-management software or ERP experience an asset).
• Participate in systems migrations and implementations as required.

Qualifications

• CPA designation (or equivalent professional accounting qualification) strongly preferred.
• Proven experience as a Controller in a private company, ideally in restoration, construction, or other project-based industries.
• Minimum 5+ years of progressive accounting or financial management experience.
• Strong background in job costing, WIP management, progress billing, and revenue recognition methods (percentage-of-completion and completed-contract).
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures focused on WIP, unearned revenue and construction-style revenue recognition.
• Demonstrated success improving AR/AP processes and cash-flow management.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, analytical and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Advanced Excel proficiency and strong working knowledge of Sage accounting software; ERP or job-management platform experience an asset.
• Experience with accounting or ERP systems integrations, migrations and implementations considered an important asset.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to balance strategic oversight and hands-on execution.