Assistant Controller

We are seeking to fill a newly created role of Assistant Controller.

Reporting to the Financial Controller, the Assistant Controller will play a key role in accounting operations, financial reporting, project financial oversight, internal controls and continuous improvement, while developing an in-depth understanding of Tatham’s project-based consulting engineering business and ERP system. 

During the first year, the Assistant Controller will carry an assigned portfolio of client billings alongside their core accounting responsibilities. This hands-on exposure will develop a strong understanding of Tatham’s projects, clients, ERP and project accounting processes. As that knowledge develops, responsibilities will increasingly shift toward financial reporting, budgeting, project financial monitoring, internal controls, and process improvement and oversight of accounting activities.

There is an option for this to be a hybrid role with a minimum of three days in office per week. The successful candidate can be based out of our Barrie, Collingwood, or Orillia office.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare and review client billings for an assigned portfolio of projects

Prepare and maintain reconciliations for key balance sheet accounts and project accounting balances

Support the preparation of monthly financial reporting, variance analysis and management reporting

Analyze labour utilization, direct labour multiplier, overhead rates, realization, and write-offs by department, and project

Review and preparation of year-end financial close processes, including journal entries, account reconciliations and supporting schedules

Preparation of year-end working papers, audit requests and external accountant requirements

Support the annual budgeting and forecasting processes and prepare budget-to-actual reporting and variance analysis for management

Prepare and enhance financial reports, dashboards and spreadsheets to support management decision-making

Support the oversight and continuous improvement of accounting processes, procedures and internal controls

Identify and implement opportunities to streamline accounting processes, reduce manual work and improve data quality

Review of accounts payable, accounts receivable and general accounting activities as required

Oversee the general ledger, ensuring accurate subledger reconciliations and account code maintenance

Provide guidance and support to accounting team members and assist with the review of accounting processes and transactions

Prepare, review and file periodic GST/HST returns, including reconciliation of tax collected, input tax credits and general ledger balances

Participate in the annual Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) filing

Review project setup and financial information to support accurate project accounting, billing and reporting

Key Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related discipline

CPA designation, or progress toward a CPA designation, is considered an asset. Equivalent relevant accounting experience will also be considered

Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including exposure to full-cycle accounting and financial reporting

Experience in a professional services, engineering, consulting or other project-based environment is considered an asset

Experience with enterprise-level ERP or project accounting systems; experience with Unanet is considered an asset

Experience using Microsoft Power BI to analyze ERP data and develop financial reports, dashboards and management insights is considered an asset

Experience with project accounting, billing, work-in-progress or revenue recognition is considered an asset

Previous experience providing guidance or oversight to accounting staff is considered an asset

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate financial results and identify underlying issues

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and an aptitude for learning financial systems

Strong attention to detail while maintaining an understanding of the broader business impact of financial information

Ability to manage competing priorities and meet recurring financial reporting and billing deadlines

Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with financial and non-financial staff

Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team