Job Title: Controller – CanadaLocation: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Reports To: VP Finance (Huntersville, NC)
Door Systems ASSA ABLOY is looking for an experienced Controller. The position will report directly to the VP of Finance, Door Systems with additional reporting and support responsibilities to the Swedish parent organization ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems.
The Controller will be a key financial leader responsible for overseeing the finance and accounting operations within a designated region. This role will serve as a trusted business partner to the regional General Manager, leadership teams, and the parent company, ensuring the integrity of financial processes, systems, and reporting. The successful candidate will oversee all accounting activities for the Eastern Canadian entity, lead organizational and process improvements, and ensure timely, accurate, and compliant financial reporting. This position requires a hands-on leader with a strong technical foundation, a process improvement mindset, and the ability to navigate change in a complex environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Regional Finance Team: Direct and develop a skilled finance team, including Billing, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, General Ledger, Payroll, and Fixed Assets. Provide guidance on task prioritization, delegation, and professional development to maximize team effectiveness.
Financial Planning & Analysis: Manage the annual budgeting and forecasting process; provide insights and financial analysis to regional and corporate leadership, highlighting trends, variances, and areas for improvement. Deliver high-accuracy financial forecasts and identify strategic levers to enhance operational efficiency and financial outcomes. Improve forecasting process using advanced Excel modelling and Power BI dashboards.
Month-End and Year-End Close: Oversee and ensure timely and accurate completion of the month-end and year-end close processes. Manage all related activities to produce accurate financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements within tight deadlines.
Internal Controls & Compliance: Develop, implement, and enforce strong internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and other legal requirements. Ensure timely submission of regulatory filings and compliance reports.
Financial Reporting: Prepare and present detailed financial reports for internal stakeholders, including leadership teams and the parent company. Ensure accurate and timely reporting of financial performance, including variance analysis against budget and prior periods.
Strategic Financial Partner: Serve as a key financial advisor to General Managers and operations leaders by providing data-driven insights into business drivers, cost control, and profitability. Support strategic decision-making related to business growth, pricing, and capital investment planning. Collaborate closely with finance team members across Canada and the U.S. to ensure consistency in financial reporting, forecasting methodologies, and process alignment, fostering a unified approach to regional performance management and strategic execution.
External Audits & Tax Compliance: Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors during year-end audits. Coordinate and prepare documentation required for audits, tax filings, and other regulatory requirements.
Treasury & Banking: Oversee daily banking operations, including cash management, bank covenant compliance, and treasury activities. Ensure accurate reporting and compliance with banking requirements.
Working Capital Optimization: Monitor and improve key working capital metrics, including DSO and DPO, by partnering with regional operations and finance teams to enhance cash flow, accelerate collections, and optimize vendor payment strategies.
Continuous Improvement: Lead process improvements to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of financial operations. Evaluate and streamline financial workflows, systems, and reporting processes
Team Leadership & Development: Build a high-performing finance team through mentoring, training, and fostering a collaborative work environment. Provide guidance on career development and growth opportunities.
ERP Automation & Optimization: Lead initiatives to automate financial processes and improve data accuracy by enhancing ERP system functionality; partner with IT and cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, reduce manual tasks, and increase reporting efficiency.
Ad Hoc Analysis & Reporting: Provide timely ad hoc financial analysis and reports as required by senior leadership and other departments.
Requirements:
CPA designation (CA, CMA, CGA) or equivalent required.
10+ years of relevant accounting or financial management experience, including at least 5 years in a managerial role.
Proven expertise in financial reporting, analysis, and accounting processes, with a strong understanding of GAAP and internal control frameworks.
Experience managing a partially remote or geographically dispersed finance team.
Strong technical accounting expertise, with solid knowledge of IFRS and Canadian regulatory requirements.
Excellent leadership, communication, and change management skills.
Experience with ERP systems (e.g., JDE, SAP, One Stream) and other financial technologies.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Ability to travel ~50%
Additional Skills and Experience:
A collaborative, hands-on approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
Experience with financial project management and strategic financial planning.
We are the ASSA ABLOY Group
Our people have made us the global leader in access solutions. In return, we open doors for them wherever they go. With nearly 63,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries, we help billions of people experience a more open world. Our innovations make all sorts of spaces – physical and virtual – safer, more secure, and easier to access.
As an employer, we value results – not titles, or backgrounds. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions – supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally.
As we welcome new people on board, it’s important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.