Finance controller Jobs in St. Catharines, ON

Job description:

As Controller, you will own accounting and financial reporting for a multi-site Construction group and act as a hands-on finance leader who is visible, trusted, and engaged with the business.

This role is built for someone who enjoys being out in the operation, not just reviewing results after the fact.

Top 3 Reasons to Join1) Youll Be a True Business Partner - Not a Back-Office Accountant

This role is built for someone who wants to be in the business, not reacting after the fact.

Youll work closely with operational leaders, spend time on-site, and influence decisions that impact real projects, real teams, and real infrastructure. Your work will be visible, valued, and used.

2) Leadership, Stability, and Long-Term Thinking

This is a privately held, multi-generational organization that values stability, relationships, and doing things properly.

Theres no quarterly earnings pressure, no constant restructuring, and no fire-drill culture. Leaders invest in people who want to grow, stay, and build credibility over time.

If youre looking for a place where strong performance leads to trust and opportunity ... this is it.

3) A Well-Rounded Total Rewards Package (Thats Often Missed in This Market)

Beyond a competitive base salary, this role includes:

• 10% incentive bonus (clearly defined and achievable)
• Employer-funded pension (6% after one year - no employee contribution required)
• ~$11,000 annual car allowance, paid in cash
• Day-1 health benefits
• A realistic hybrid model after onboarding

Taken together, this is a material step up in overall value for the right candidate.

What Youll Be Responsible ForFinancial Leadership

• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting for the Construction group
• Deliver clear variance analysis, risk identification, and actionable insights
• Maintain accuracy and integrity of general and subsidiary ledgers
• Prepare year-end working papers and support audited financial statements

Planning & Controls

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and planning processes
• Strengthen and maintain internal controls
• Ensure accurate construction data within the ERP environment

Operations Partnership

• Build strong relationships with operational leaders
• Spend time on-site understanding how the business runs
• Participate in operational, financial, and leadership meetings
• Act as a financial partner - not a desk-bound reviewer

Compliance

• Prepare corporate tax filings and regulatory submissions (T5, T5018)
• Complete annual contractor rating and regulatory reporting
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop two direct reports
• Set expectations, provide feedback, and raise the quality bar
• Be visible, approachable, and invested in your teams success

What Success Looks Like in the First 6 Months

• Operations trust you and bring you in early
• Your team is confident, supported, and delivering strong work
• You understand the construction business well enough to challenge assumptions
• Reporting is accurate, timely, and decision-ready
• Youre viewed as part of the leadership team, not just finance

Qualifications:

• CPA designation
• 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience
• Proven people leadership experience
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, analysis, reporting)
• Comfort with driving, site visits, and monthly travel to Hanover
• Valid Ontario G drivers licence
• This is not a desk-only or remote-first role.

Assets (Nice to Have)

• Construction or project-based accounting
• Manufacturing or asset-intensive environments
• ERP experience (Oracle an asset; training provided)
• Industry background is less important than leadership mindset and comfort being in the field.

Why is This a Great Opportunity:

• Base salary: $100,000 - $125,000
• Annual incentive bonus: 10%
• Employer-funded pension: 6% after one year
• Car allowance: ~$11,000 annually (paid as cash)
• Health benefits from Day 1
• Paid volunteer days
• Long-term stability in a privately held, multi-generational organization

Final Word

This role is best suited for a CPA who:

• Enjoys being close to the business
• Is energized by people leadership
• Is comfortable traveling as part of their role - Monthly visits to Hanover, ON office
• Wants visibility, trust, and long-term stability

If youre looking for a highly remote, low-interaction role - this isnt it.

If you want to be in the business, not just reporting on it - this could be an excellent fit.