SENIOR CONTROLLER

Job description:

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Controller to lead financial accounting, reporting, controls, and accounting operations for the organization. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Finance, this is a senior finance leadership role with responsibility for ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, strong US GAAP and SOX compliance, and a high-performing Accounting team.

The successful candidate will bring significant financial management experience within a publicly traded, multi-location environment, along with the technical accounting expertise and leadership capability to strengthen processes, improve reporting, and provide senior leadership with clear financial insight.

Who Will Be Successful

You are a CPA, CA-designated finance leader who combines strong technical accounting expertise with a practical, operational mindset. You are comfortable owning the close and reporting cycle, navigating US GAAP and SOX requirements, leading audits, and translating complex financial information into actionable insights.

Just as importantly, you are an effective people leader. You set clear expectations, develop strong teams, communicate proactively with senior leadership, and are willing to challenge existing processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and accountability.

Location: Barrie, OntarioReports to: Sr. Director of FinanceCompensation: $150,000$180,000 base salary + 20% bonus opportunityWork Model: Primarily in-office, with up to 4 remote workdays per month

What Youll Do

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with US GAAP and Federal Signal practices and policies.
• Own and manage the full financial close cycle, including review of journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, close packages, and variance analyses.
• Maintain reporting calendars and ensure accounting deliverables are completed accurately and within established deadlines.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives designed to increase reporting accuracy and shorten close timelines.
• Reconcile accounts, investigate discrepancies, and ensure issues are resolved in a timely manner.
• Maintain strong quality controls over financial transactions and financial reporting.
• Perform and oversee profitability and operational analysis to support business decision-making.
• Respond to inquiries from Senior Leadership and departmental Senior Managers regarding financial performance and results.
• Support JJE's annual budgeting process and broader financial analysis and planning activities.
• Complete ad hoc financial analysis, reporting, and projects as required.

Internal Controls, SOX & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to SOX requirements, including appropriate documentation, testing support, and maintenance of internal controls.
• Develop, document, and continuously improve accounting policies and business processes to strengthen the organization's control environment.
• Ensure accounting practices and procedures remain compliant with applicable US GAAP requirements and Federal Signal policies.
• Proactively identify financial, reporting, and control risks and escalate material issues to senior leadership when decisions or executive attention are required.

Audit & Tax

• Lead and coordinate internal and external audit requirements, including year-end audit preparation.
• Serve as a key finance contact for auditors and other external parties.
• Oversee and coordinate tax-related information and requests.
• Ensure required supporting schedules, reconciliations, documentation, and financial information are accurate, complete, and delivered on time.

Finance Transformation & Process Improvement

• Lead ERP enhancements, automation initiatives, and accounting process redesign to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and strengthen reporting capabilities.
• Leverage ERP systems and advanced Excel capabilities to improve financial analysis and decision support.

Team Leadership

• Lead and oversee Finance and Accounting staff, including both direct and indirect reports.
• Set clear performance expectations and build accountability across the Accounting function.
• Coach and mentor team members and support their ongoing professional development.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Support hiring and development initiatives designed to build a high-performing finance organization.
• Champion JJE values and foster a cohesive, engaged, and transparent Accounting team.
• Hold regular team meetings and maintain clear, open communication channels.
• Ensure senior leadership receives timely communication regarding emerging financial issues, risks, blockers, and decisions requiring executive attention.
• Complete additional responsibilities and projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

What Were Looking For

Education & Designation

• Degree in Accounting.
• CPA, CA designation is mandatory.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in a senior-level accounting management role.
• Experience working within a publicly traded, multi-location company.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP, including consolidations and audit requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with SOX compliance and internal controls.
• Experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and strategic financial planning.
• Advanced experience working with ERP software; IntelliDealer experience is an asset.
• Advanced/expert proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Proven ability to effectively manage, coach, and develop a finance and accounting team.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking capabilities.
• Ability to independently plan, prioritize, and execute work while managing multiple projects and tight deadlines.
• Ability to interpret complex financial information and clearly communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and ability to handle confidential financial information.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Strong ERP and Excel capabilities.

Work Environment

• Office-based environment in Barrie, Ontario.
• Primarily in-office, with up to 4 remote workdays per month.
• Role includes supervision of Finance and Accounting staff, both directly and indirectly.

Why is This a Great Opportunity:

Why This Opportunity?

• Work alongside a talented, dedicated, and passionate team.
• Represent exceptional, best-in-class products and service offerings for customers.
• Participate in Charitable Giving Program.
• Educational Scholarship Program.
• Member of multiple provincial safety programs and COR certified.

Salary Type : Annual Salary

Salary Min : CA$ 150000

Salary Max : CA$ 180000

Currency Type : CAD