Financial Controller

As a Financial Controller at REFINE, your responsibilities will encompass managing the full cycle accounting process, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and revenue recognition. You will also oversee budgeting and forecasting, prepare monthly and annual financial statements, and ensure compliance with Canadian GAAP and tax laws. Leadership is key, as you will be guiding a high-performing team while developing internal controls and recommending process improvements.

To qualify for the Financial Controller role at REFINE, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of accounting and finance experience in small to medium-sized businesses, as well as a CPA designation or equivalent credentials. You should possess advanced skills in QuickBooks Online and Excel, a strong grasp of Canadian accounting principles, and a proven track record of managing multiple corporations. Overall, we are looking for someone who can handle high-level financial tasks while nurturing team growth.

At REFINE, we believe in continuous improvement not just for our processes but also for our team members. As the Financial Controller, you will have the opportunity to support your team’s growth through mentoring and providing resources for professional development. This means you'll be responsible for cultivating an environment that encourages learning and innovation, while also regularly engaging with executives and stakeholders on strategic initiatives.

For the Financial Controller role at REFINE, strong interpersonal skills are crucial for building relationships across the team and with stakeholders. Additionally, a high level of detail orientation and strong organizational skills are necessary, as you will be handling complex financial data. Being tech-savvy with modern accounting systems and having the ability to effectively present to executives are also key qualifications. Your adaptability in a fast-paced environment will be essential in driving our competitive advantage.

The work culture at REFINE is built on values such as integrity, excellence, and strong client focus. As a Financial Controller, you'll find a supportive and collaborative environment where your ideas are valued. We encourage a proactive approach and foster entrepreneurial spirits among our team members. You'll be part of a dynamic team that celebrates client wins as our own and continuously strives to deliver impressive results. It's an environment where your impact will be felt and appreciated.

When answering this question, be sure to highlight specific experiences you've had with accounts receivable, accounts payable, revenue recognition, and month-end closing processes. Provide examples that demonstrate your ability to manage these tasks effectively and how you ensured compliance with relevant accounting standards.

Discuss your time management strategies and how you prioritize tasks when under pressure. Provide concrete examples of times you've met deadlines without compromising accuracy in your financial reports.

Talk about your experience with software tools, especially QuickBooks Online, and how you've used them to support the budgeting and forecasting process. Mention any advanced Excel skills that you've leveraged to create models or reports.

In your response, outline specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles to enhance internal controls, such as audit procedures, risk assessments, or compliance checks, and discuss the impact of those measures on financial integrity.

Explain your familiarity with Canadian GAAP and how you've ensured compliance in past roles. It’s beneficial to mention any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Describe your approach to variance analysis, including how you track budget versus actual performance and the steps you take to report and address variances effectively.

Use a specific example to illustrate a time when you recommended or implemented a process improvement and the benefits that resulted from that change, emphasizing your problem-solving skills.

Come prepared with examples of mentoring or training experiences you've had. Discuss how you cultivate an environment that supports team formation and skill development.

Consider discussing potential challenges such as staying compliant with constantly changing regulations or managing multiple entities simultaneously. Share how your skills and experiences make you the ideal candidate to address these challenges.

Share your experience presenting to various levels of management and stakeholders, emphasizing your communication skills and any successful outcomes from your presentations.