ROLE
The Controller is responsible for overall integrity, timeliness, and effectiveness of the accounting and financial reporting functions. This role provides hands-on leadership of accounting operations, ensures compliance with relevant accounting standards and company policies, and serves as a trusted financial partner to executive leadership and operations.
The Controller balances strong financial discipline with the practical, fast-paced needs of the business, with particular focus on project accounting, cash flow, and working capital management.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Financial Leadership & Reporting
- Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close.
- Prepare monthly financial statements including consolidations, supporting schedules and journal entries.
- Oversee chart of accounts, track and monitor financial information.
- Ensure accurate, timely GAAP‑compliant financial statements and internal reporting.
- Collaborate with the Finance Directors to present financial results, trends, risks, and judgment areas to executive leadership.
- Maintain accounting policies and ensure consistent application across various entities.
- Analyze and resolve complex accounting issues.
- Construction & Project Accounting Oversight
- Lead construction accounting, including:
- Percentage of completion revenue recognition
- Job cost controls, margin analysis, and forecasting
- Change orders, claims, contingencies, and WIP reporting.
- Partner with operations to:
- Review project performance and financial forecasts
- Identify and address financial risks early
- Ensure alignment between operational execution and financial outcomes.
- Cash Flow & Working Capital Management
- Manage billing, collections, retainage, and cost accrual processes.
- Oversee cash management and bank covenant requirements.
- Support bonding, banking, and lender reporting requirements.
- Drive disciplined working capital management.
- Internal Controls, Compliance & Risk
- Monitor and make recommendations on potential improvements to internal financial controls and processes to increase efficiency.
- Design and maintain practical internal controls.
- Work with the Finance Directors to ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, domestic and international tax requirements, and contractual obligations.
- Coordinate external audits, tax reviews, and liaise with external advisors.
- Maintain robust documentation supporting accounting judgments.
- Ensure corporate accounting and tax requirements are delivered.
- Systems, Process Improvement & Scalability
- Own ERP and accounting system integrity.
- Lead accounting, tax and intercompany process improvements.
- Support system enhancements required to manage reporting and controls.
- Strategic Support
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range financial planning.
- Provide ad hoc analysis to executive leadership.
Note: In addition to these duties, personnel are required to carry out such other duties as may be reasonably required in order to support the objectives of the company.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications
- CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) Designation
Experience
- Minimum of eight years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in the construction or project-based industries.
- Five or more years of post-designation experience with accounting and financial reporting experience preferred.
- Prior experience working in and a thorough knowledge of both U.S. GAAP and Canadian Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises.
Skills and Knowledge
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
- Ability to take initiative when there is limited structure or direction.
- Ability to maintain strictest confidentiality.
- Critical thinking, logical analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficient with MS Office Suite (especially Excel).
- Understanding of the pipeline construction industry is considered an asset.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is based in our Calgary head office. Extended work hours may be required to meet fixed reporting deadlines. Travel within Canada and the United States will be required.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Controller reports to the Director of Finance, FP&A for Surerus Murphy North America.
We thank all applicants in advance. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 