Senior Accountant / Controller
The Wilson Group of Companies
Location: Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
About Us
The Wilson Group is a fourth-generation, family-owned business with over 100 years of earning the trust of communities across southwest Nova Scotia. What started as a general store has evolved into a dynamic, multi-location retail group operating under national banners including Home Hardware Building Centre, The Brick, and Bell, with a diversified portfolio spanning home improvement, building materials, furniture, appliances, electronics, floral, and property management.
The Opportunity
The Wilson Group of Companies is looking for a Senior Accountant or Controller to join our team in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. We're open to hiring at one of two levels, depending on the experience of the successful candidate:
Controller - takes full ownership of the accounting function, reporting directly to the CFO.
Senior Accountant - a strong individual contributor ready to grow into a Controller-level role over time, reporting to the CFO with mentorship along the way.
Don't rule yourself out based on the title. If you have solid accounting experience, strong business judgment, and the ambition to grow, we'd like to hear from you. Scope and compensation will be tailored to the level of the successful candidate.
More than an Accounting Role
This isn't an accounting role where you'll only record what happened.
You'll have the opportunity to understand the businesses behind the numbers, work directly with our CFO and management teams, and help provide the financial information and insight we need to make better business decisions.
Our operations span multiple companies and locations, making this an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, problem-solving, and seeing how different parts of a business come together.
Key Responsibilities
· Support the accounting function across multiple companies and locations - general ledger, AP/AR, payroll support, bank reconciliations, and month-end/year-end close.
· Prepare financial statements, account reconciliations, and variance analysis.
· Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash-flow planning.
· Ensure accurate, timely sales tax filings (HST/GST) and other regulatory remittances.
· Oversee inventory accounting across locations, including variances, margins, and shrinkage.
· Analyze store and department-level profitability and provide financial insight to management.
· Coordinate with external accountants on year-end statements and corporate tax filings.
· Maintain internal controls and support acquisitions, new locations, and capital projects.
At the Controller level, this role also includes owning the monthly close process end-to-end, supervising accounting/bookkeeping staff, leading annual budgeting and multi-year planning, improving accounting systems and internal controls, and advising the CFO and CEO on pricing, margin, and capital decisions.
What We're Looking For
Depending on the level of the successful candidate, we are looking for some combination of:
· Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 5+ years of progressive accounting experience is preferred.
- Strong Excel skills and comfort working with accounting and business systems.
- Ability to understand the numbers while also understanding the business behind them.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively with owners, managers, and employees across the organization.
- A professional accounting designation (CPA) is an asset but not necessarily required for the right candidate
The following are considered assets:
- Experience in a multi-location retail or inventory-based business.
- Experience with inventory accounting.
- Experience managing or reviewing the work of other accounting.
· Experience in hardware, home improvement, or general retail.
We're looking for someone who is more than a "numbers person."
You are someone who:
- Takes ownership and follows things through.
- Notices when something doesn't look right and investigates it.
- Can explain financial information in plain language.
- Is comfortable working in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment.
- Wants to understand how the business operates, not just record what happened.
- Can balance attention to detail with the ability to see the bigger picture.
- Is interested in improving systems and processes rather than simply maintaining them.
Why Join the Wilson Group?
You'll be joining an established local company with deep roots in southwest Nova Scotia and the opportunity to play an important role in where we go next.
We offer:
- Competitive compensation based on experience and the level of the position
- Performance bonuses
- Health and dental benefits
- RRSP matching
- Opportunity for professional growth and advancement
- Direct exposure to the CFO and senior leadership
- A varied role across multiple businesses and locations
- The opportunity to improve systems, processes, and financial reporting
- A practical, entrepreneurial environment where your work has a visible impact
- The stability of a fourth-generation family business combined with opportunities for continued growth
Compensation
Salary: $65,000-105,000, commensurate with experience and the level of the position. We encourage candidates at either level to apply – scope and compensation will be tailored accordingly.
Location
This position is an on-site position based out of our Yarmouth office location. Some travel to various locations may also be required.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and why you believe you would be a good fit for the role to careers@wilsonscorp.com
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $65,000.00-$105,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Yarmouth, NS B5A 4E5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
