Chief Accountant jobs

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Chief Accountant to oversee the day-to-day accounting and financial operations of an established residential home-building company.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, managing accounts payable and payroll, ensuring compliance with tax and regulatory requirements, and overseeing the year-end accounting process.

This is a hands-on position requiring strong technical accounting knowledge, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work independently while supporting ownership with timely and reliable financial information.

The ideal candidate will have extensive full-cycle accounting experience and preferably hold a CPA designation.

Key Responsibilities

1. General Accounting & Financial Management

• Oversee daily bookkeeping and general accounting activities, ensuring accuracy and completeness of financial records.
• Maintain the general ledger, including journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations.
• Perform monthly bank and credit card reconciliations.
• Monitor cash flow, outstanding liabilities, and upcoming financial obligations.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and management reports for ownership.
• Maintain proper accounting records and supporting documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, financial controls, and operational efficiency.

2. Accounts Payable & Cash Management

• Manage the weekly accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate vendor payments.
• Review supplier invoices and supporting documentation.
• Monitor vendor accounts and reconcile supplier statements.
• Coordinate payment schedules based on available cash flow and business priorities.
• Maintain accurate records of business expenditures and related transactions.
• Assist ownership with cash flow planning and upcoming payment requirements.

3. Payroll & Employee Benefits

• Manage payroll processing, ensuring accurate and timely payment of employee wages.
• Prepare and submit statutory payroll remittances, including income tax, CPP, and EI.
• Maintain payroll records and coordinate year-end T4 preparation.
• Administer payroll-related reporting and documentation.
• Support the administration of employee group benefits and pension programs, as required.

4. Taxation & Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare and file HST returns accurately and on time.
• Coordinate payment of corporate tax instalments and other statutory obligations.
• Maintain compliance with applicable federal and provincial tax regulations.
• Oversee required corporate, legal, and regulatory reporting and filings.
• Coordinate business-related registrations, applications, and renewals as required.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and records to support regulatory compliance.

5. Financial Analysis & Operational Support

• Monitor and analyze operating expenses and financial performance.
• Prepare financial summaries and reports to support management decision-making.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis as required.
• Review financial transactions to ensure accurate allocation and reporting.
• Work closely with ownership to identify financial risks and opportunities for operational improvements.

6. Year-End Accounting & External Accountant Coordination

• Manage the year-end accounting close process, including reconciliations, accruals, and adjusting entries.
• Prepare working papers and supporting schedules for external accountants.
• Coordinate with external accountants on annual financial statements and corporate tax filings.
• Respond to accounting and tax-related inquiries and provide supporting documentation.
• Ensure accounting records are complete, accurate, and ready for year-end review.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience, including responsibility for full-cycle accounting.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian accounting principles, payroll regulations, HST, and corporate tax compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and computerized accounting systems.
• Experience managing accounts payable, payroll, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing deadlines, and take ownership of the accounting function.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA designation or active progress toward obtaining a CPA designation.
• Previous accounting experience in home building or a related industry would be an asset.
• Experience in a privately owned business or multi-entity environment.
• Experience preparing management reports, budgets, and financial forecasts.
• Experience working directly with business owners and external accounting professionals.

Pay: $100,000.00-$120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Dental care
• Extended health care

Work Location: In person