Controller

Our client is a global organization that acquires, operates, and grows software companies specializing in the Travel and Leisure industry. With a decentralized business model, they focus on operational excellence, seamless integration of acquisitions, and long-term growth through continuous investment and innovation.

They are seeking a Financial Controller to report to the Director of Finance and oversee financial reporting, period-end close, budgeting, forecasting, and statutory compliance across a portfolio of acquired companies. This individual will lead accounting-related projects, provide guidance on complex accounting matters, and collaborate closely with the finance team, Portfolio Managers, and Managing Directors to ensure accurate financial reporting and support the continued growth of the business.

Responsibilities of the Controller is as follows but not limited to:

• Monitor and analyze the performance strategies to identify areas of opportunity and respond with action plans to ensure execution to meet and exceed financial targets
• Drive the financial planning of the company by analyzing the performance and risks of the portfolio by applying the KPI framework
• Prepare monthly and quarterly business reviews for portfolio companies that highlight results, remediation plans for underperformers, and strategic initiatives to drive organic growth to the senior management team
• Build and manage monthly, quarterly, and annual forecasts and track KPIs
• Monitor the financial health of a portfolio and ensure positive cash flow
• Develop strategies to increase return on investment and profitability
• Maintain high-level interaction with the corporate finance department
• Actively participate in the processes related to the sale or acquisition of companies
• Application of company Finance best practices to all companies within Portfolio
• Ownership of all things finance for companies acquired into the Portfolio
• Oversee and review accounting tasks including tax and compliance
• Own monthly financial close process for Portfolio companies
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports
• Build processes and ensure compliance with Corporate policies and reporting requirements. Identify and manage differences between corporate consolidation accounting policies and local statutory reporting requirements
• Ensure effective financial internal controls and continually evaluate established policies and procedures
• Optimize internal reporting processes for efficiency
• Prepare for and support the corporate audit by providing necessary documentation
• Lead and organize the annual statutory audits and ensure all fillings are complete
• Set targets for and supervise all accounting and finance personnel (Accounting, FP&A, AR, AP)
• Provide leadership and develop a high-performing scalable finance team in a decentralized finance environment, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Train and coach teams to ensure they have the knowledge and resources necessary to be successful
• Support NetSuite rollout activities to Portfolio companies by ensuring data integrity
• Conduct situational assessments, identify gaps and opportunities for automation, make recommendations, and direct the implementation of such changes as required to improve financial systems and related processes

Requirements

• A qualified financial accountant (ACCA) with at least a bachelor's degree or above in Accounting, Finance, Economics or similar is essential; CPA preferred
• 5+ years of experience in a similar role, including at least 2+ years in team management
• Ability to manage risks by ensuring that effective and efficient internal controls are in place without compromising operational efficiency and flexibility
• Strong understanding of financial processes, with the ability to navigate and resolve conflicting goals of diverse stakeholders
• Extensive knowledge and skill in multiple disciplines to be able to support business integration activities effectively and a capacity to understand and interpret conflicting goals and needs of diverse groups
• Ability to manage risks by ensuring that effective and efficient internal controls are in place without compromising operational efficiency and flexibility
• Fast learner and adaptable – time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Working knowledge of Oracle NetSuite ERP (or similar) is considered an asset
• Ability to visualize efficient processes and implement them
• Excellent organizational skills and time management
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced knowledge of MS Excel
• Expertise in streamlining and implementing efficient financial processes
• Prior experience managing a finance team is advantageous
• Being fluent in the English language, both written and verbal, is essential
• Must be legally authorized to work in Canada
• Knowledge of applicable provincial and local legislation, government policies, funding requirements, and reporting practices relevant to the services provided by the organization
• Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, networking, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive and confidential financial information
• Proven ability to build effective, collaborative relationships with colleagues, organizational leadership, the Board of Directors, government and funding representatives, and other external stakeholders
• Takes responsibility for assigned tasks and shows initiative to suggest improvements to systems, processes, and procedures.
• Highly organized, the ideal candidate manages his/her time well and brings projects in on time and on budget. He/She will have excellent communication skills and will be adept at explaining complex ideas and concepts in simple terms and ensuring open lines of communication throughout the organization
• He/She is not afraid to ask new questions and challenge the status quo in the best interests of the business and is skilled at persuading experienced managers to think about the business differently

Personal Characteristics

• Trustworthy, high integrity
• Strong communicator, sets the tone for openness, transparency, and respect
• Possesses a high degree of resiliency and is energized by a fast paced, dynamic growth
• environment, innovative mindset
• Understand what needs to be done to continue to mature the organization's financial acumen
• and processes
• Makes sounds decisions, is focused and explicit in his/her decision making
• Consultative and collaborative - rolls up sleeves!
• Values teamwork and inspires achievement in others
• Is respected for his/her technical expertise, valued guidance, and track record
• Strategic mindset: drives change effectively

Additional Information:

The Mason Group is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible recruitment process. We welcome applicants from all qualified candidates. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all stages of the recruitment process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

This role is for an immediate vacancy, and we are actively hiring.

Technology-assisted screening tools including AI may be used during the recruitment process; however, all applications are reviewed by our Consultants.

If you are already registered with The Mason Group, please contact your Recruiting Consultant directly with reference to job #21344.