As the Controller for the Fire Group, with matrix reporting to the President of the Fire Protection Group, this role is a key business partner supporting short- and long-term operational strategies by providing solid financial information and insights. Direct reports include 2-3 accounting assistants.

You and your team have ownership of the accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and successful execution of key financial processes including budgeting, forecasting, account reconciliations and monthly close procedures.

This role will appeal to you if you are driven by accountability, thrive in a continuous improvement environment (embrace change), and have a passion for learning. You possess strong accounting skills and business acumen, with an ability to understand both systems and business perspectives. You excel at mastering accounting software/ERP systems and bring a balance of great people skills to enhance your profile.

Our Client...

You will work out of their London locale and will work across the group of companies referred to as the Fire Group who have demonstrated a people first culture with many tenured employees. The nature of the work is fire protection in both commercial and industrial settings. They are in turn part of the RPS Industrial Group owned by a respected private Canadian Capital Corp.

What You Will Do....

Financial Reporting:

- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Oversee journal entries and ensure timely and accurate monthly reporting.

Accounting Operations:

- Oversee billing, A/R, A/P, GL, cost accounting, inventory accounting, and revenue recognition.
- Perform reconciliations and manage the preparation and review of journal entries.
- Provide supervision, coaching, and performance management of direct reports.

Internal Controls and Compliance:

- Establish and maintain internal controls and procedures, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
- Manage and comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

- Coordinate and direct the preparation of budgets and financial forecasts, reporting variances.

Financial Analysis:

- Partner with Analytics Team to analyze financial data and performance metrics to identify trends, variances,



and opportunities for improvement.
- Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.

Cash Management:

- Monitor and manage cash flow, ensuring liquidity and financial stability.
- Maintain monthly cashflow and cash forecast reports.
- Collaborate with Treasury on various functions, including banking relationships, investments, and financing activities.

Compliance and Risk Management:

- Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and financial standards.
- Identify and mitigate financial risks through effective risk management strategies.

Operational Efficiency:

- Develop and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Utilize financial metrics and KPIs to drive performance improvements.

Strategic Planning:

- Collaborate with senior management to develop and execute the company’s financial strategy.
- Support and provide details for budgeting, long-term planning and forecasting efforts.

Process Improvement:

- Implement changes and continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes.

ERP System Management:

- Key role in ERP system implementation/transitions to Microsoft Business Central.
- Maintain and update general ledger accounts, pricing and costing in the ERP system.

Audit Support:

- Assist with and participate in the annual external audit.

Special Projects:

- Lead or participate in special projects as required.

Communicates With, Key Relationships…

Communicates With

- Senior management team
- Accounting and finance team members
- Analytics Team
- External auditors
- Business unit leaders

Key Relationships:
- CFO and other senior leaders on the team
- Business Analyst

What You Will Bring....

Education:

- Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business.
- Professional accounting designation ( CPA or equivalent).

Experience:

- Over 5 years of relevant experience in corporate accounting,



serving as a Controller or Senior Accountant, with a strong background in managing and leading accounting teams.
- Previous experience in the manufacturing or construction sector is a strong asset.
- Experience with financial software and ERP systems.
- Proven expertise in handling intricate accounting functions for multiple legal entities across US and Canadian operations, including intercompany transactions and consolidation.

Technical Skills:

- Strong MS Office skills with advanced Excel skills.
- Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
- Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year-end close process.

Core Skills:

- Excellent people and communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to see the larger picture and trends.
- Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills.

Supervisory & Team Management Skills:

- Ability to create a high performing team, coach, performance manage and develop others.

Additional:

- Knowledge of Canadian and US accounting standards and intercompany processes preferred.
- Knowledge of financial statement preparation, budget and forecast preparation, and variance analysis.

Environmental Conditions:

- Primarily office-based work environment (London, ON).
- Occasional travel to other company sites or for audits as needed.
- Potential for work from home or flexible working hours.

This role may be expected to travel occasionally to meet business needs.

Levels of Authority…

- As delegated in the authority matrix.
- Approve journal entries and financial reports.
- Implement and enforce internal controls and procedures.
- Manage and oversee the Fire Group accounting team.
- Participate in decision-making processes for financial strategies and policies.

Expected Outcomes....

- Accurate and timely financial reporting and statements.
- Effective management and consolidation of financial data across entities.
- Streamlined and improved financial processes and internal controls.
- Successful ERP system transitions and implementations.
- Compliance with all relevant accounting standards and regulations.
- Enhanced financial reporting processes and systems.
- Positive and collaborative working relationships across the organization.

📌 Financial Controller (London)
🏢 Mandrake
📍 London