Controller, Financial Planning & Analysis and Financial Reporting

Norton Rose Fulbright•Montreal, QC

About The Position

The controller is a senior finance leader responsible for overseeing the firm’s financial planning and analysis (FP&A) as well as accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls. This role partners closely with executive leadership, practice group leaders, and operational teams to provide high‑quality financial insight, ensure the integrity of financial reporting, and support strategic decision‑making. The controller reports directly to the chief financial officer and plays a critical role in translating financial data into clear, actionable insights while maintaining strong governance, compliance, and financial discipline across the organization.

Requirements

CPA designation required.
15+ years of progressive experience in accounting, financial reporting, and FP&A, preferably within a professional services or partnership‑based environment.
Strong technical accounting knowledge combined with the ability to translate financial results into business insights.
Proven experience leading budgeting, forecasting, and performance management processes, including knowledge of Microsoft Power BI and Tableau.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing high‑performing finance teams.
Advanced proficiency in financial systems (including experience with SAP), Excel, and reporting/analytics tools.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non‑finance stakeholders.
Basic understanding of AI in finance functions.
French proficiency is highly valued.

Responsibilities

Oversee the annual budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range planning processes, ensuring alignment with firm strategy and leadership priorities.
Analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial results; identify trends, risks, and variances; and provide clear explanations and recommendations to leadership.
Partner with senior leaders, practice groups, and office leadership to support performance management, resource planning, pricing, and profitability analysis.
Oversee the development and maintenance of financial models, dashboards, and KPIs to support decision‑making at the executive and practice group levels.
Support strategic initiatives, including growth planning, scenario analysis, and evaluation of investments or new business opportunities.
Provide ad hoc financial analysis and decision support for leadership, including business cases and sensitivity analyses.
Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, month‑end and year‑end close, and financial statement preparation.
Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant financial reporting in accordance with applicable accounting standards (e.g., ASPE).
Manage the preparation of internal and external financial reports for leadership, partners, and other stakeholders.
Oversee the coordination of audits and reviews with external auditors; act as the primary point of contact and ensure efficient, well‑prepared audit processes.
Maintain and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure strong financial governance.
Oversee cash flow management, working capital, and balance sheet integrityincluding AR, WIP, and accruals.
Oversee all required tax submissions, including HST, partnership returns and other required forms (i.e. W8), ensuring alignment with federal and provincial legislation.
Work with the partnership office team, which includes review of the monthly partnership draw and other ad hoc needs (i.e., retirement from partnership forms, individual partner queries regarding compensation, taxes, capital contributions, etc.).
Support the management of day-to-day finance functions, as needed, which includes working with financial institutions on the firm’s needs and managing the release of wires.
Support ad hoc projects throughout the year in which the finance function is impacted or where the finance team can be supportive in project execution.
As a growing business, the successful candidate must be nimble and supportive of the evolving needs of the finance function, which may include changes in technology, team structure, incremental responsibilities to meet business needs, etc.
Lead, mentor, and develop the FP&A and accounting teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, providing clear, concise, and practical financial guidance.
Collaborate cross‑functionally with senior leadership team and practice leadership to ensure financial processes support business needs.
Drive process improvements and system enhancements to improve data quality, reporting efficiency, and analytical capability.