Controller - 12 Month Maternity Leave

Who we are

Founded in 1982 with two small seaplanes, Harbour Air is North America’s largest seaplane airline. What started as a service for BC’s forestry industry has grown into a quintessential West Coast experience - a fleet of more than 40 aircraft, up to 200 scheduled flights a day, scenic tours, adventure packages, private flights, and aircraft maintenance. Harbour Air is owned by Birch Hill Equity Partners.

On September 15, 2026, Harbour Air announced an agreement to acquire Pacific Coastal Airlines, forming a new regional airline group serving communities across Western Canada; the deal is subject to regulatory approval.

About the role

We’re looking for a CPA-designated accounting leader to lead our accounting team through a pivotal 12 months. You’ll own day-to-day accounting operations and the year-end audit, keep financial reporting accurate and IFRS-compliant, and lead a team of 6–7 across AR, AP, and general accounting. You’ll also play a central role in two major initiatives: supporting the integration of Pacific Coastal Airlines and preparing for significant system implementations in 2027. This is a hands-on leadership role - you’ll work closely with the CFO and senior leadership as a strategic partner and collaborate across the business to support financial performance.

Key responsibilities

• Own the month-end close process, ensuring accurate and timely reporting
• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable operations
• Lead annual financial statement preparation and manage the external audit relationship
• Provide technical guidance on complex accounting issues
• Lead accounting workstreams supporting the Pacific Coastal Airlines integration and the 2027 system implementations
• Build and develop a high-performing accounting team, strengthening controls, compliance, and reporting processes
• Partner with senior leadership and other departments to support overall business and financial performance

What Success Looks Like

During the 12 month contract, the successful candidate will:

• Deliver accurate and timely financial reporting across all entities.
• Lead a smooth and efficient year-end audit process.
• Successfully support acquisition integration activities and related accounting workstreams.
• Identify and implement meaningful process improvements that enhance efficiency and control.
• Strengthen documentation, internal controls, and scalability of accounting operations.
• Leave the finance function stronger, more efficient, and better positioned for future growth.

What you bring

Required

• CPA designation in good standing.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Minimum 5 years in a Controller, Accounting Manager, Senior Manager, or similar leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS and financial reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex external audits.
• Experience managing and developing accounting teams.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems expertise.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Strongly Preferred

• Public practice or Big Four audit background.
• Significant experience integrating acquired businesses.
• Experience leading ERP implementations or major finance transformation projects.
• Experience operating in a private equity-backed, multi-entity, or rapidly growing environment.
• Demonstrated success improving processes, controls, and reporting efficiency.
• Experience within aviation, transportation, hospitality, retail, or other operationally complex businesses.

ABOUT HARBOUR AIR GROUP

• Launched in 1982, Harbour Air is North America’s largest seaplane airline. With around 500 employees, it flies more than half a million passengers annually both within BC and to/from Seattle, USA.
• Our people are the backbone of our organization, and we are committed to creating a culture that inspires one another to achieve extraordinary success. We have regularly been honored as the recipient of numerous awards including BC’s Top 55 Employers, and Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures.

DEADLINE: October 9, 2026

• We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.