Assistant Controller Jobs in Kitchener Waterloo, ON

The Controller leads the accounting and financial reporting function for Samuel Automation, an engineered-to-order and project-based business. This hands-on role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information, while providing leadership over month-end close, project accounting, inventory management, and internal controls.

The Controller partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Project Management, and Shared Services to drive financial performance, enhance reporting, and support strategic decision-making. This role also plays a key part in continuous improvement of systems, processes, and controls across the accounting environments. 

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close

• Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely reporting
• Prepare and analyze percent complete revenue recognition calculations
• Perform and oversee variance analysis, identifying key business drivers and risks
• Ensure compliance with corporate accounting policies and internal controls

Project & Cost Accounting

• Oversee project accounting, including cost tracking, WIP, and percent-complete revenue recognition
• Provide financial insight into project performance, margins, and cost forecasts
• Ensure accurate accounting for project-related accruals and revenue recognition
• Oversee inventory accounting (raw materials, WIP, finished goods) and related controls, where applicable

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team 
• Establish clear performance expectations and support professional development
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative team environment

Business Partnership

• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and Project Management teams to support decision-making
• Provide financial guidance on project execution, cost management, and profitability
• Act as a key finance liaison to Shared Services and Corporate Finance

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Support the budgeting and forecasting processes, including annual operating plans and regular reforecasts  
• Analyze financial performance against budget and forecast, providing actionable insights and recommendations to improve profitability, cash flow, and working capital 
• Oversee development of management reporting, dashboards, and KPIs to track business performance 

Systems & Process Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement in accounting processes, ERP systems (Encompix), and reporting tools like Power BI
• Support optimization of systems such as ERP platforms and reporting tools like Power BI
• Enhance financial reporting dashboards and analytics capabilities

Audit & Compliance

• Coordinate internal and external audit processes
• Ensure strong internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR)
• Maintain compliance with regulatory and corporate requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• CPA designation (required) 
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in automation, project-based environments or manufacturing
• Strong expertise in project accounting, percent complete revenue recognition, and inventory accounting 
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Encompix, Oracle FCC, and/or IFS) 
• Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills; experience with Power BI or similar tools is an asset 
• Experience leading teams and managing financial close processes

Qualifications & Experience

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities 
• High level of accuracy, integrity, and attention to detail 
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment 
• Effective communication skills across cross-functional teams 
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on process optimization

The expected compensation range for this position is $114,240- $157,080. This range includes base pay and target variable pay. Actual compensation will depend on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and experience. We also consider internal equity to ensure fair and consistent pay practices. This range reflects the expected full compensation range for the role; most offers will fall within the range and not at the maximum in order to allow for future growth. 

#LI-UTT

At Samuel, we believe every team member brings unique and valuable skills, experiences and knowledge to our thriving business - enabling us to build on over 170 years of success in the metals industry. We offer countless opportunities for our team members to develop and grow in their careers, empower them to make decisions on the job and be a part of driving positive change - within our organization and in the communities where we live and work. If you're seeking a dynamic, supportive and welcoming workplace to make your mark and grow your career, we have the programs, culture and opportunities to make it happen. We're stronger together.
At Samuel we believe in a culture of equality. Respect and integrity are at our core. We are committed to building and creating an environment that is open and welcoming for everyone. This job posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization

Samuel is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In the United States, we utilize E-Verify.