THE COMPANY:
Paul Davis is a leading North American network of contractors specializing in insurance restoration, with a rich history of growth and success. Founded in 1966 as a one-man operation, Paul Davis has since expanded into a vast network, with hundreds of offices now serving Canada and the United States. Our expertise lies in cleaning, preserving, and restoring properties and contents damaged by a wide range of perils, including fire, smoke, water, hail, wind, ground settlement, vehicle damage, vandalism, break-ins, and freezing, etc.
We pride ourselves on providing valuable, risk-free services to a wide array of insurance companies, both large and small, as well as individual adjusters and agents across North America.
OUR LOCATIONS
As part of the Paul Davis franchise network, our Company currently operates in the Windsor & Essex, Chatham-Kent, and Sarnia & Lambton territories. Collectively, these locations are referred to throughout this Job Description as Paul Davis of Windsor & Essex, Chatham-Kent and Sarnia & Lambton (the "Company"). References to the "Company" include all current and future locations operated by the Company.
OVERVIEW:
The Finance Controller is accountable for delivering, overseeing all financial and administrative functions across all Company locations. This role supports strategic decision-making by managing budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and financial reporting, with a strong focus on project profitability and cash flow management. The Controller is responsible for ensuring internal controls are effective and financial processes are executed efficiently. The controller provides financial insight into project performance by working closely with operations.
1. MAIN DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversee all accounting operations across all Company locations, including A/R, A/P, general ledger, payroll, cost accounting, WIP reporting, and revenue recognition.
- Prepare and deliver accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, providing insights to support strategic decision-making.
- Ensure compliance with Canadian GAAP (ASPE), CRA regulations, and industry-specific tax requirements such as GST/HST.
- Coordinate all audits and manage relationships with external accountants, auditors, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies.
- Oversee project financial performance, including job costing, variance analysis, and forecasting at both project and Company levels.
- Collaborate with project managers and operations to align financial reporting with project performance, change orders, and profitability targets.
- Monitor WIP, cash flow, credit card transactions and payroll processing to ensure strong financial position.
- Review closed job margins, expense coding, and financial trends to identify risks and opportunities.
- Develop, implement, and maintain internal controls, financial processes, and reporting systems tailored to construction and restoration operations.
- Perform and oversee monthly close activities, including reconciliations, accruals, depreciation, capital leases, and employee benefits reporting.
- Oversee the calculation of project management and Company-level incentive programs, ensuring alignment with financial results, KPIs and Company compensation structures.
- Lead, mentor, and supervise more than five (5) employees in A/R, A/P, payroll, accountant and administrative staff, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and professional development.
- Conduct performance reviews, support staff development, and manage disciplinary actions when required.
- Foster a positive, accountable team culture aligned with Company values.
- Oversee office operations, including coordination of IT service providers and administrative functions
- Oversee the insurance claim intake process and KPIs performance.
- Provide creative and practical solutions to financial and operational challenges.
- Operate effectively in a hands-on environment, including assisting with administrative tasks when required.
- Support customer satisfaction through accurate and timely financial and administrative processes.
- Other duties as assigned.
2. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Professional verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with customers, coworkers, vendors, and other stakeholders.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, demonstrate a strong sense of urgency in responding to operational needs, and adapt to changing business and customer requirements.
- Sound judgment, professionalism, and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong problem solving and critical thinking abilities.
- Commitment to providing professional and responsive customer service.
- Proficiency in budget management and financial acumen.
- Ability to analyze data, performance metrics (KPI), and operational reports.
- Manage customer escalations and complex situations.
- Lead organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Effectively communicate organizational goals, expectations, and performance standards.
- Ability to align departmental objectives with Company goals and strategic priorities.
- Ability to proofread written correspondence for accuracy and errors.
3. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Frequently sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling and reaching.
- Capability to handle repetitive physical movements.
- Regular use of computers, mobile devices, telephones, tools, equipment, and other workplace technology, as applicable.
- Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to twenty-two (22) kg.
- Maintain concentration and perform work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and competing priorities.
- Communicate professionally in person, by telephone, and electronically.
4. WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work in office or other locations as operational requirements dictate.
- Work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when necessary to meet operational requirements.
- Participate in the Company's emergency response and catastrophe (CAT)program.
- Respond to emergency situations, severe weather events, natural disasters, or other business disruptions.
5. HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Follow all health and safety policies.
- Use required personal protective equipment.
- Report hazards and incidents.
- Participate in safety training.
6. QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION:
a. Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance, or a related field.
- Professional Accounting Designation (CPA designation or equivalent).
b. Preferred:
- Master’s degree in Accounting and Finance, or a related field.
EXPERIENCE
a. Required:
- Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including 3+ years in a senior leadership role.
b. Preferred:
- High proficiency in construction software (e.g., PSA, Sage).
- Direct experience in construction, restoration, or project-based industries strongly preferred.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis, financial modelling).
CERTIFICATIONS / LICENCES
a. Required:
- Valid full G driver’s license with a clean driver abstract.
b. Preferred:
- Valid First Aid & CPR.
- Valid Joint Health and Safety Committee Part 1 and 2.
7. GENERAL PROVISIONS;
- This job description describes the general nature of the position.
- It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties.
- Duties may change based on operational requirements.
- Other duties may be assigned as required.
COMPENSATION
Total compensation for this position is anticipated to range from approximately $80,000 to $140,000 annually, depending on qualifications, experience, and overall performance. Total compensation includes base salary, employer-paid benefits, RRSP matching, and eligibility for bonuses and incentive programs in accordance with Company policies.
Hours of Work
Monday to Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm with one (1) hour unpaid lunch.
Benefits available after successfully passing the 6 months probational period.
We require employees to be available outside of regular hours occasionally (when weather events occur) with ample notice, as our business involves providing essential emergency services.
- Please Note : Only selected candidates will be contacted. Selected candidates will be asked to complete a series of skill tests at some point of the interview process.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $80,000.00-$140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Essex, ON N8M 3G8: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Is this an internal application? (An internal application means you are currently actively employed by Paul Davis of Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, or Sarnia-Lambton).
- Have you been referred by a current and active employee at any Paul Davis location in Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, or Sarnia-Lambton? If so, please provide the name of the employee who referred you.
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)
Experience:
- Accounting: 5 years (required)
- Finance: 5 years (required)
- Advanced MS Excel-macro, pivot table, financial modelling..: 5 years (required)
- Financial reporting: 5 years (required)
- management (5 or more employees): 5 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- CPA or equivalent designation (required)
Work Location: In person
