Cost controller Jobs in Ottawa, ON

Position Title: Controller
Salary: $80,000 - $95,000
Position Status: New Position
Location: Ottawa, ON
Work Model: Onsite
Additional Notes:
Our client is a well-established Ottawa-based construction company with a proven track record delivering high-quality residential and commercial projects, including custom homes, renovations, and complex project turnarounds. Known for their tenured workforce, and excellent client relationships, this organization is small but impactful.

As a growing company, we are seeking a detail-oriented Accountant / Controller to manage the accounting, support project finances, and assist with office operations. This hands-on role offers variety and visibility, allowing the successful candidate to ensure financial & accounting accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across the business. We are seeing someone who can not only do the numbers, but tell the story behind the accounting, while working directly with stakeholder.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting & Compliance

• Handle full-cycle accounting: AR, AP, payroll, general ledger, and job costing
• Process payroll and manage timesheets
• Prepare and file government remittances (HST, WSIB, EHT, payroll)
• Coordinate year-end with external accountants
• Manage insurance renewals, including Tarion

Project Accounting

• Prepare monthly progress billings
• Work with project managers to capture all billable items
• Track project expenses, WIP, job codes, and committed costs
• Review subcontractor invoices, delivery slips, and POs for accuracy
• Organize and maintain project financial documents

Processes & Technology

• Maintain data integrity with consistent naming, coding, and documentation
• Support integration of QuickBooks Online and construction software
• Identify ways to streamline workflows and reduce administrative tasks

Office & HR Support

• Oversee office operations: supplies, equipment, mail, and cleaning schedules
• Support HR tasks: contracts, onboarding, employee files, vacation tracking, and benefits

The ideal candidate for this role is a hands-on, experienced accountant with at least 5 years of progressive bookkeeping or accounting experience, preferably in custom residential construction or a project-based environment. They are proficient in full-cycle accounting, including AR, AP, payroll, reconciliations, job costing, and project billing, and have a solid grasp of statutory remittances (HST, WSIB, EHT, payroll). Beyond technical skills, you bring strong business acumen, are proactive, detail-oriented, and thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment where you can take initiative, bring structure to evolving processes, and improve workflows. Proficiency in QuickBooks Online and Excel is essential, and experience with financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting is a plus.

What will make you stand out:

• Hands-on experience with project billing, progress claims, and job costing in a project-based work environment
• Proven ability to anticipate needs and solve problems proactively
• Comfortable managing multiple responsibilities and supporting both accounting and office/HR tasks
• Strong interest in streamlining processes and improving workflow efficiency
• Entrepreneurial mindset to support a small business owner

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AI may be used to support certain administrative aspects of our recruitment process. However, all applications and resumes are reviewed by qualified human reviewers, and all screening and hiring decisions are made solely by the hiring team.

The posted salary range reflects expected compensation for this role in accordance with Ontario pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications and may fall anywhere within the range.