Assistant Controller

The Taggart Group of Companies•Ottawa, ON

1d•CA$110,000 - CA$130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting, and key finance activities at Taggart Construction. This role is responsible for the day-to-day management, preparation, and first-level review of core accounting functions, including accounts payable and receivable, equipment and project accounting, job costing, and monthly general ledger accounting. The Assistant Controller provides direct supervision to the accounts payable and project accounting teams, supports the preparation of internal reporting and audit deliverables, and partners with operational stakeholders to help ensure accurate and timely financial information. Success in this role requires strong technical accounting knowledge, sound judgment, leadership capability, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Requirements

Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience
Prior people management experience required.
Strong knowledge of full-cycle accounting, financial statement preparation, and month-end close processes.
Proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
Clear and professional communication skills with a high degree of discretion.

Nice To Haves

construction or project-based experience is an asset
CPA designation is preferred
public accounting experience is considered a strong asset
Experience working with ERP systems and multi-company environments preferred.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate the full accounting cycle and month-end close process, including preparation and first-level review of key reconciliations, journal entries, and schedules for Controller review.
Review reconciliations, journal entries, and financial outputs prepared by the team to ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
Prepare or review equipment reporting and month-end review files, identifying issues and recommending corrective action where needed.
Compile and review internal financial statements and related analysis for management review.
Support the Controller with monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements, including T5108 and other statistical reporting, and year-end audit files and financial statement support for auditor review.
Act as a delegate for the Controller as required, helping ensure continuity across core finance activities.
Support consistent application of accounting policies and internal controls across accounts and financial reporting activities.
Oversee day-to-day project accounting activities, including billings, accounts receivable, collections, and margin monitoring, with a focus on accuracy, completeness, and timely issue resolution within assigned operations.
Lead the accounts payable team and oversee equipment accounting to support accurate job costing and timely cost recognition.
Partner with Project Managers and operational leaders to ensure accurate project data, timely reforecasting, and proactive follow-up on project variances.
Manage and support direct reports, establishing clear expectations and ensuring monthly responsibilities are completed accurately and on schedule.
Provide day-to-day coaching, feedback, and performance input, while supporting cross-training, capability building, and team development.
Promote adherence to internal controls, company policies, and applicable accounting standards across day-to-day accounting activities.
Coordinate year-end audit preparation activities and support the controller with liaising with auditors and internal stakeholders to support an efficient audit process.
Identify and support implementation of approved opportunities to improve accounting processes, strengthen controls, and address gaps in process documentation.
Contribute analysis and operational support to budgeting, forecasting, and other accounting and finance priorities as needed.