Controller in Ottawa, ON

Controller Job Description

A Controller is a pivotal leader ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and operational efficiency of an organization's financial reporting and operations. This role provides comprehensive oversight of general ledger activities, robust internal controls, and strict compliance with Canadian accounting standards (ASPE and IFRS). The Controller delivers critical financial insights, guides the finance and accounting team, and requires strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills. Candidates need a minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including management. A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance is essential, with a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation highly preferred. Experience in complex Canadian accounting environments and tax knowledge is paramount; public accounting experience is highly valued.

Typical controller duties:

Oversee all general ledger activities, ensuring accurate and timely financial close processes.

Prepare and analyze comprehensive financial statements in compliance with Canadian accounting standards (ASPE/IFRS).

Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team.

Establish and maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures.

Ensure timely and accurate compliance with all Canadian tax regulations and other statutory reporting requirements.

Coordinate and manage external audits.

Provide financial analysis and support for budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.

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Salary for Controller in Ottawa, ON

115324 - 173363

Low

115324

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

Mid

142208

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferrable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

High

173363

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialized certifications.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

Low

Mid

High

Chief Financial Officer

181151

229140

295219

Director of Accounting

129394

147735

176126

Corporate Controller

129143

156529

182659

Assistant Controller

90450

109294

127886

Accounting Manager

93716

109545

132660

Senior Accountant – Financial Services

95978

121354

129896

Accountant – Financial Services

82661

90701

101756

Senior Accountant

76631

90953

106530

Accountant

58290

69094

79646

Junior Accountant

50501

56029

60803

Cost Accounting Manager

98239

118841

132158

Senior Cost Accountant

86430

95224

107033

Cost Accountant

63315

76883

90701

Property Accountant

64069

74621

90450

Director of Financial Reporting

130901

154016

179393

Financial Reporting Manager

115073

138941

160549

Senior Financial Reporting Accountant

93214

109545

116831

Financial Reporting Accountant

72863

86430

95475

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Our starting salary projections come from a rigorous, multistep process so that our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the country and third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use to independently validate the salary levels.

Starting compensation—pay for someone new to a role—can vary significantly based on a candidate’s skills, experience and certifications, as well as other factors including industry, company size and revenue, and demand for the role. To reflect this variability, we report our salary data in three levels: low, mid and high.