Controller (15-month Mat Leave)

Northern

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Northern, headquartered in London, Ontario, Canada, is an integrated digital solutions agency that partners with leading Commercial and Public Service organizations to navigate digital change. We bring together strategy, experience design, data, marketing, and technology to create connected digital experiences that help our clients engage their audiences, accelerate growth, and achieve meaningful business outcomes. Since our founding in 2015, Northern has grown into a team of 150+ digital experts, receiving multiple recognitions in employee engagement from Great Place to Work® Canada, including Best Workplaces™ for Inclusion, Women, Mental Health, Hybrid Work, and more. The Opportunity - Controller (15-month maternity leave coverage) We are seeking a Controller to lead all accounting operations as a key strategic partner to the VP of Finance & Operations. This is a dynamic "Player Coach" role that balances direct contributions to monthly accounting tasks alongside leading and mentoring a high-performing payroll and accounting team. You will own full-cycle accounting, consolidated financial reporting, audit and tax compliance, cash and treasury management, debt schedules, internal controls, and M&A financial integration. Note: Target start date Late Oct - Early November. This position is a 15-month contract providing 1-year maternity leave coverage, complete with structured overlap for seamless onboarding, training, and offboarding. Our Connected Workplace Program offers the flexibility of remote, hybrid, or in-office work arrangements. Preference will be given to candidates within driving distance of our Head Office in London, ON for periodic in-person collaboration.

Requirements

7+ years of total accounting/finance experience with at least 3–5 years in a Controller or senior accounting management role leading teams while executing hands-on technical accounting work.
Deep knowledge of GAAP compliance, internal controls (COSO framework), full close processes, financial reporting platforms, advanced Excel skills, and cash flow/treasury management.
Proven success managing external audits, Canadian HST/GST, and U.S. state tax compliance with external advisors.

Nice To Haves

CPA designation (CA, CMA, or equivalent)
experience with Quickbooks or similar accounting software
background in M&A post-close accounting
SR&ED claims management experience

Responsibilities

Own the full month-end, quarter-end, and annual close cycles to deliver timely, accurate consolidated financial statements, reconciliations, and variance analyses.
Prepare consolidated, three-statement financial model and provide ad hoc FP&A support to inform executive decision-making.
Oversee financial system administration (Quickbooks), integration with homegrown ERP (Enspire), and credit card programs.
Lead annual audits, acting as the primary contact for external audit team, assist with the preparation of tax schedules and annual filings, manage SR&ED claims, and ensure full Canadian and U.S. state tax & regulatory compliance.
Oversee rolling 13-week cash forecasts, AP/AR process optimization (maintaining AR aging), payroll coordination, and debt schedules and covenant compliance.
Manage, mentor, and foster growth for the existing payroll and accounting team while coordinating post-close financial integration for acquired entities.