Controller

Job Title: Controller

Location: Edmonton, Alberta (in-office) Job Type: Full-time

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

About Us:

Brownlee LLP (“the Firm”) is a mid-sized, regional law firm with offices in Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver, providing the breadth and depth of service of a full-service law firm throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories. Founded in 1935 by the late John E. Brownlee (the fifth premier of Alberta), Brownlee LLP offers a team of more than 80 lawyers who practice extensively in the core service areas of litigation, municipal and administrative, business, employment and labour, and privacy law.

The firm draws upon the skills and expertise of its many dedicated practice groups that have been created in response to our clients’ requirements. Working within these teams, and on a broader level as a firm built upon common history, purpose and principles, we service the extremely broad and diverse nature of legal services required by our clients and the diverse economic landscape of Western Canada and the territories. Today, this unique approach to legal services has helped to make Brownlee LLP a very trusted and recognizable name.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Controller is responsible for reconciling and analyzing general ledger accounts, preparing monthly reports by applying fundamental accounting practices and building relationships between departments and/or functional groups. The Controller will assist and support the COO with providing analytical reporting, advice and guidance on future financial plans. The Controller will provide advice and practical support to all internal stakeholders including developing, executing and managing focused accounting practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare full cycle financial reports and analysis in an accurate and timely manner.
• Complete reports for trust accounts, internal analysis, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and other customized needs for the organization.
• Ensure payroll and related benefits are fully updated with authorized changes prior to payroll being released. This will also include being a back-up for payroll.
• Prepare worksheets and reconciliations of accounts for period end reporting. Review similar work prepared by other support staff.
• Mentor and provide general support to bookkeeping and administrative team members.
• Assist COO in annual budget preparation and forecast initiatives.
• Support COO on special project and other assigned duties including change management and efficiency initiatives.
• Support the year end engagements with external accountants.
• Monitor obligations to professional regulators, government agencies, and other vendors.
• Liaise with financial institutions for managing treasury requirement of the organization.
• Act as gatekeeper for staff to access various software packages.
• Balance and prepare year-end payroll reports, including tax slips.
• Supervise and lead the accounting team (8). 

First Year Deliverables / Measures of Success

Success in the first year will be determined by the candidate’s ability to:

• Effectively integrate into the Firm and absorb a high volume of organizational and business process specific knowledge.
• Build collaborative and trusting working relationships within both the team and across the Firm.
• Successfully manage competing demands and meet targeted deadlines for both day-to-day accounting functions as well as projects.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate education in Finance, Commerce, Economics or a relevant field.
• CPA designation required.
• Post designation experience of 5 or more years, ideally with some as a controller or financial manager.
• Software knowledge including accounting, payroll, CRM, and document archiving.
• Knowledge of GAAP principles and ASPE financial reporting standards.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processing requirements, in line with standards and regulations 
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel and related product.

Other Skills and Attributes:

• Strong sense of professionalism including accepting ownership of assigned work.
• Acknowledge the reliance of seasoned professionals on the work you produce.
• Supportive of dedicated accounting and administrative staff regardless of professional accreditations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and transparently.
• Commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Proficient in critical thinking and meticulous attention to detail.
• Available to work overtime.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Fitness reimbursement, parking, and an RRSP matching program.
• Professional development and continuing education support

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter to snaeem@brownleelaw.com, highlighting your relevant experience and interests.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.