Controller

Controller, reporting to the VP Finance. Leading a team of 7 to 9 people, including operational accounting, AP, and AR. Well-established and reputable Vancouver-based company with impressive leadership. Fast-paced, high change, and entrepreneurial work environment, with a friendly and down-to-earth corporate culture. Flexible hybrid work. Downtown Vancouver.

Who- the Company:
Our client is a successful and reputable mid-size privately-held Canadian organization that was founded over 20 years ago. The company is broadly speaking in the financial services sector but is NOT a bank or credit union.  They provide warranty products, but they are NOT really an insurance company. The company is at the intersection of a few different sectors. In addition to their robust business model and corporate achievements, the organization promotes a culture of collaboration and employees are encouraged to contribute positively to the communities they live and work in through volunteering and philanthropy. Very values-based organization.

What- the Role:
Swim Recruiting is seeking a Controller, Operations. This is a newly created role. The Controller will report into the VP Finance who in turn reports into the CFO. The Controller, Operations will manage, mentor, and lead the operational accounting, AP, and AR functions, with a total team size of 7-9. They will have a peer (a Corporate Controller who leads an accounting team). The total accounting team under the VP team is around 14 people, and there are also FP&A and Treasury teams.

The Controller will spearhead process improvements for the operational accounting function, contribute business decision support, provide operational oversight, and lead a high-performance team. We are seeking a new Controller who can keep in mind the big picture of the business vision while still keeping on top of the day-to-day operations of their team.

The Controller, Operations can grow and develop in their career in tandem with the company’s growth.  The Controller will contribute positively to a healthy, engaged, and solutions-oriented corporate culture and to a work environment that supports teamwork and the achievement of results across all departments and business lines.
Using Excel, Power BI, SQL, and a financial system.  

SWIM will provide interested/qualified candidates with a full job description.

Who- the Candidate:

• Leadership- We are seeking a proven leader who has directly managed a team of at least 5 people, ideally including operational accounting, AP, and AR.
• Qualifications- Relevant post-secondary education and CPA designation are required. 
• Candidates will be business savvy and able to see the big picture while working on the details.

• Work experience with a growing, complex, and multi-entity private organization.
• Training in a national or international public practice accounting firm is preferred, not required.
• Systems- Qualified candidates will have hands-on experience using an ERP and will have advanced proficiency in Excel. Experience with financial system optimisation, customization, and system-use process improvements.

This is a great role for folks who thrive in a fast-paced, high-change, and entrepreneurial work environment! We are looking for folks who lead by example and who are friendly, humble yet confident, adaptable, resilient, ethical and honest, and who can have fun with their team while working hard.

Where:

• Downtown Vancouver
• Hybrid work schedule.

More presence required in the HQ in the first months on the job while establishing relationships with direct reports and senior leaders, and getting to know the company. Longer term, the Controller, Operations can choose to work from home 2 days a week, depending on what is going on at the office. There are frequent on-site team collaboration days and social events. The company has a beautiful headquarters in Vancouver with stunning views.

How Much:
Generous base salary commensurate with relevant work experience, education & qualifications, leadership, an accounting & finance skills, likely in the range of $125,000 to $145,000. Additionally, the total compensation will include an automatic employer-paid RRSP contribution, a performance-based bonus, paid health & wellness days, professional development support, robust health benefits, and some great industry-based perks.

When & How to Apply:
This search is moving very quickly, and SWIM is presenting the profiles of short-listed candidates directly to the hiring team for review. If you already have a Recruiter at SWIM, please reach out very soon. If you do not yet have a contact at Swim Recruiting, please hit 'APPLY NOW' to send us your resume (preferably in MS Word format as it works best with our internal systems). Thank you!