We are looking for an Assistant Controller to join our team in Scarborough, Ontario on a Long-term Contract basis. This role will support day-to-day accounting operations, payroll coordination, and month-end activities while helping maintain accuracy across payables, receivables, cash management, and financial reporting. The successful candidate will bring strong attention to detail, sound judgement, and the ability to manage multiple financial priorities in a fast-paced environment.<br><br>Responsibilities:<br>• Monitor incoming bank activity each day, identify customer payments, and share deposit details with the appropriate team member so receipts can be applied accurately.<br>• Examine accounts payable entries for accuracy by confirming supporting documentation, approvals, invoice details, taxes, totals, and general ledger coding before payments are processed.<br>• Arrange advance payments when required and schedule outgoing bill payments to ensure time-sensitive obligations are settled by their due dates.<br>• Review the weekly vendor payment schedule, coordinate cheque preparation and supporting documents, verify payment packages, and record cheque, bill, and wire transactions in the accounting system.<br>• Track outstanding receivables, assess aged balances, and follow up with internal stakeholders to clarify expected payment timing or resolve delays.<br>• Move funds between accounts as needed to maintain adequate cash levels and prevent overdrafts.<br>• Administer bi-monthly payroll for Canadian and U.S. office employees, including expense reimbursements at mid-period and commission payments at month-end.<br>• Prepare sales commission reporting for approval and support monthly close activities such as reconciliations, journal entries, tax filings, prepaids, fixed asset tracking, and general ledger cleanup.
<p>On behalf of our client, Robert Half is seeking an Assistant Controller to join a manufacturing organization based in St. Catharines, ON. This is an on-site position where you will support the financial operations and reporting functions of the company. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to the integrity of financial processes and support business decision-making within a dynamic environment.</p>
<strong>Job Responsibilities</strong>
<ul><li>Lead and enhance the monthly financial close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.</li><li>Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, government remittances, and banking transactions to ensure accuracy and timeliness.</li><li>Maintain the chart of accounts and accounting records with a structured, audit-ready filing system.</li><li>Monitor daily cash flow, prepare wire payments, and support liquidity management activities.</li><li>Provide backup support across the accounting team and document procedures to facilitate cross-training and reduce dependency on key individuals.</li><li>Prepare monthly financial statements and management reporting packages for internal stakeholders.</li><li>Develop and maintain KPI reporting with clear commentary on financial and operational performance.</li><li>Coordinate annual budgeting and forecasting processes, analyze variances, and recommend corrective actions as needed.</li><li>Support management with cost reporting, product costing, pricing, margin analysis, and inventory accuracy initiatives.</li><li>Maintain and improve accounting policies, internal controls, and compliance to safeguard company assets.</li><li>Identify gaps in controls, propose improvements, and verify implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions.</li><li>Prepare audit working papers and coordinate with external auditors during annual audits.</li><li>Ensure compliance with all relevant local, provincial, and federal reporting, tax filing, and payroll requirements.</li><li>Monitor debt levels and covenant compliance, ensuring all related reporting obligations are met.</li><li>Support the Controller in team organization, clarifying roles, and setting performance expectations.</li><li>Coach and mentor team members to strengthen capabilities and ensure effective coverage of critical processes.</li><li>Manage or coordinate outsourced finance functions when assigned.</li><li>Provide on-site support for Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision) through troubleshooting, training, and process improvement initiatives.</li><li>Participate as a finance representative on the health and safety team and other cross-functional projects.</li></ul>
<strong>Job Requirements</strong>
<ul><li>Minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting or finance roles, preferably within the manufacturing sector.</li><li>Demonstrated expertise in financial close processes, reconciliations, and preparation of financial statements.</li><li>Strong understanding of accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management functions.</li><li>Experience with budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and management reporting.</li><li>Ability to develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies, internal controls, and compliance frameworks.</li><li>Proficiency in supporting and coaching accounting teams and facilitating cross-training initiatives.</li><li>Capacity to manage relationships with external auditors and coordinate audit activities.</li><li>Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in maintaining accurate financial records and supporting documentation.</li></ul>