Controller

About the Company

A leading professional services firm in the legal sector is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Controller to join their finance team. This strategic role reports directly to the CFO and serves as a critical business partner to the firm’s operations, particularly the partners. This position offers a unique blend of financial management, human resources leadership, and operational support, making it ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, multifaceted environment.

Selling Features

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Engaging, socially-active, and family-oriented company culture.
• Casual business attire and a positive workplace environment.
• Growing company, just completed their first acquisition!

Job Overview

In the bustling legal sector of Toronto, a well-respected professional services firm is on the lookout for a Controller to join its finance team. This role, which reports directly to the CFO, is perfect for a finance professional skilled in both detailed financial management and strategic business collaboration.

The Controller will be closely involved with the firm’s partners and operations team, providing essential financial insights that help shape business decisions and improve operational efficiency. This position requires a proactive approach to managing the entire accounting cycle, including the accurate preparation of financial statements and effective management of billing and revenue processes.

The Controller will also oversee the firm’s accounts payable and receivable staff and lead the human resources functions concerning benefits and policies. This role is well-suited for someone who is comfortable handling both financial and HR tasks, ensuring that all aspects of compliance and efficiency are met. Key responsibilities include developing financial strategies, creating budget and forecasting models, and enhancing the financial and HR operations of the firm. This opportunity is ideal for someone looking to grow their financial management skills and make a significant impact in a competitive industry.

Responsibilities

• Act as a key business partner to the operations team and firm partners, providing strategic financial insights that influence decision-making processes.
• Lead and manage the full cycle accounting process, ensuring accuracy and compliance in financial reporting.
• Directly manage and oversee the preparation and completion of financial statements.
• Take charge of revenue management, including billing and client contract documentation, to ensure optimal financial operations.
• Develop and oversee budgeting and forecasting processes, focusing on operating costs as well as cash flow and liquidity planning.
• Supervise accounts payable and receivable staff, ensuring efficient and accurate processing of transactions.
• Lead the human resources functions, including overseeing benefits personnel and ensuring the firm’s HR policies align with its strategic goals.
• Provide documents for expense approvals, reconciliation to contracts, analysis and reductions.
• Manage and maintain accounting reconciliations for sales, accounts receivable/payable (AR/AP) ledgers, payroll, bank accounts/recs, and accounting procedures, producing reports as requested.
• Ensure all AR/AP issues are resolved and communicated in a timely manner to internal and external parties.
• Collaborate with CFO on Financial Management strategy and documentation needed to produce monthly financial statements and forecasts.
• Manage all compliance and government reporting, filings, and remittances, including payroll, HST, EHT, as well as calculation of quarterly bank compliance covenants.
• Reconcile monthly activity working closely with the CFO.
• Participate in special projects and transformation initiatives of the firm.

About the Candidate

• CPA designation.
• Preference for candidates with experience in the professional services/legal services industry.
• Proven experience producing full financial statements and managing the full-cycle accounting process.
• Strong experience in cash-flow and liquidity management.
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, financial modeling, and compliance management.
• Financial/project management experience in tech/SaaS industry is a plus.
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Zoho) and Microsoft Excel; familiarity with ERP systems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.