Full Job Description
Position Overview:
The Assistant Controller reports to the Business Manager and supports the oversight of financial operations through hands-on leadership of accounting activities, reinforcing internal controls, and contributing to timely and accurate financial reporting. The position will be based in the Salmon Arm head office and is a key member of the Accounting and Finance team. This role plays a hands-on and ownership-driven role in the organization's financial operations, with responsibility for month-end, quarter-end, and year-end processes, financial reporting, cost analysis, and budgeting support. The Assistant Controller assumes primary responsibility for assigned close, reporting, and analysis functions and serves as the key backup to the Business Manager for day-to-day finance operations. This position also provides functional support across Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll, acting as a senior accounting resource and supporting continuous improvement of financial processes and controls. This is a hands-on role designed to build finance depth and backup capacity in a growing multi-office firm.
Major Job Functions:
3 Prepare and review financial statements and management reports3 Lead assigned components of monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes3 Prepare account reconciliations, analyses, and supporting schedules3 Analyze and report on project and departmental costs, including variance explanations3 Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and ongoing budget monitoring3 Review and support Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll activities3 Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and regulatory requirements3 Support internal and external audit processes, including preparation of audit documentation3 Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to strengthen financial controls and cost efficiency3 Act as a technical accounting resource to internal stakeholders, including project managers and leadership3 Provide guidance and informal mentoring to junior accounting staff as appropriate3 Perform other duties and tasks as assigned
Specific Skills and Knowledge:
3 Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, particularly Excel (intermediate to advanced level)3 Excellent verbal and written communication skills3 Strong organizational skills with attention to detail3 Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight reporting deadlines3 Experience with accounting and time-and-billing systems3 Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams3 Proven ability to work cooperatively with staff, management, and external partners3 Strong analytical mindset with well-developed problem-solving and conceptual skills
Education and Experience:
3 University degree or diploma in Business, Finance, Commerce, Accounting, or a related field3 CPA designation or near completion preferred3 Minimum 3-6 years of progressive accounting experience3 Prior experience in consulting, engineering, construction, or project-based environments considered an asset3 Experience working with accounting software and financial systems3 Demonstrated experience supporting month-end close and financial reporting processes
CPA Development Support
OEL supports ongoing professional development for Chartered Professional Accountants. Eligible employees may receive support that can include:
3 CPA membership dues reimbursement3 Continuing professional development (CPD) support3 Access to mentorship and progressively responsible work aligned with CPA competency development
Eligibility and reimbursement levels are subject to company policy.
Salary:
$70,000-$100,000 annually, plus benefits.
Actual compensation within the range will be determined based on job-related factors such as accounting experience, CPA-level competencies, and scope of responsibility. The top end of the range is intended for CPA-designated candidates assuming a high level of ownership and independence.
Benefits Summary:
3 Flexible working arrangements.3 Competitive salary.3 Great career advancement opportunities.3 A full benefit package including extended health, vision, and dental coverage, and GRSP matching.3 Interesting and diverse project work.3 Relocation assistance.3 Continuous support for growth through both internal and external professional development opportunities.