Financial Controller

Vontas•Cedar Rapids, MI

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled Financial Controller with deep technical accounting expertise to serve as the accounting leader for our business. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who has built their foundation in public accounting and is ready to apply that rigor to drive financial excellence in a dynamic operating environment. Vontas helps agencies make public transit the desired mode of transportation in their communities. Through real-time technology, we help create smart, safe, reliable, accessible, and more connected public transit experiences for all. As Financial Controller, you will own the integrity of our financial reporting, lead complex accounting matters, and serve as a trusted advisor to operational leadership. You will bring the discipline of Big 4 audit methodology to everything from month-end close to technical accounting research, while also developing a high-performing team.

Requirements

An active CPA or CA designation is strictly required.
Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience, with 3-4 years of Big 4 public accounting audit experience and at least 3-5 years in full-cycle controllership role with the industry.
Proven expertise in IFRS reporting and technical accounting, including revenue recognition, lease and inventory accounting.
Proficiency in ERP systems and implementation, with NetSuite and Adaptive Workday experience strongly preferred.
Strong understanding of internal controls frameworks, experience in a public company environment is strongly preferred.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with meticulous attention to detail.
Excellent verbal and written skills, with a proven ability to translate complex accounting concepts for non-financial stakeholders and ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership.
Advanced proficiency in accounting systems and controls. Preference for experience with NetSuite.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
Ability to gather data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and propose solutions
Ability to work closely with a senior management team as well as effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail timeliness on delivering commitments and the ability to handle multiple tasks.
Knowledge of relevant industry trends, regulations, and best practices in financial analysis and planning.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software(s).
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer/laptop.
Ability to travel up to 10% of the time (including domestic and international), sometimes for extended periods, which may involve sitting during transit and walking at various locations.
Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds at a time.
Must be able to handle high utilization of hand and wrist dexterity.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Technology (SaaS/Hardware) and Manufacturing sectors is preferred.
Experience with Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains, BPC, OpenAir, and/or SuiteProjects Pro an added asset.

Responsibilities

Partner with operational leads to provide financial insights including through deep-dive Income Statement and Balance Sheet reviews and driving cash flow excellence via working capital analysis.
Lead in talent acquisition systems and processes, including recruitment activities and decisions on selections.
Identify and nurture talent within the team for future leadership roles.
Collaborate with the team to drive, develop, and execute innovation in our current products and solutions.
Establish and communicate performance expectations.
Identify performance gaps and monitor performance to ensure development plans are met.
Ensure fair and equal treatment of employees, avoiding favoritism, addressing difficult issues (with assistance from Human Resources), and practices empathy and compassion.
Promote Company policies, procedures, mission, and values by training and providing direction to direct reports in their use and application.
Other duties as assigned.
Oversee the full-cycle accounting function including AR, AP, inventory, compensation, and revenue, with a specific focus on hardware manufacturing and software.
Serve as the technical accounting expert, researching and documenting positions on complex transactions including complex revenue arrangements (IFRS 15) and lease accounting (IFRS 16)
Own the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close, driving a " first-time right" close cycle (targeting 3–5 days) through automation and disciplined checklists
Maintain complete ownership of the balance sheet, including review of all journal entries, account reconciliations, consolidation and preparation of group reporting packages in compliance with financial policies
Lead the evaluation and implementation of new accounting standards, assessing their impact on the business and preparing technical accounting memoranda
Lead the finance-side implementation and optimization of NetSuite, ensuring modules (such as ARM, SuiteProjects and SuiteBilling) are configured to support IFRS compliance and automated reporting.
Identify and execute opportunities to automate manual journal entries and reconciliations within the ERP to reduce human error.
Ensure the ERP serves as a single source of truth for both financial and operational KPIs.
Manage North American indirect tax obligations (GST/HST/PST and U.S. Sales Tax) while coordinating with the in-house tax team to support corporate tax initiatives including transfer pricing documentation, FDII reporting, and state revenue allocations.
Design and maintain a robust internal control environment, including the regular update of the Risk Control Matrix (RCM) to ensure compliance with parent company governance.
Serve as the primary contact for external auditors, ensuring audit readiness year-round and driving the timely resolution of all inquiries.
Build and maintain a robust internal control environment, focusing on segregation of duties, physical inventory safeguards, and financial approval hierarchies
Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors for both our year end audit and quarterly reviews, ensuring "audit-readiness" year-round through proactive documentation, preparation and review of PBC (Prepared by Client) items
Monitor and enforce company policies for financial approvals, delegations of authority, and segregation of duties.