Finance Controller

Role overview

Our client operates a long-established transportation and logistics business with a significant presence in container handling, storage, and freight-related services. The organization serves customers who rely on dependable cargo movement, accurate records, disciplined expense management, and prompt support in a fast-moving transport setting.

This is an operations-focused environment where finance plays a direct role in daily business decisions. The selected professional will join a company that values strong accounting leadership, dependable reporting, cash flow discipline, and ongoing process improvement to support service quality, efficiency, and long-term expansion.

Compensation

A generous and well-rounded compensation package is available.

The opportunity

This is a permanent, full-time, on-site leadership role for a finance professional who wants to stay closely connected to operations. The controller will guide finance and accounting activities, oversee a team, tighten internal controls, enhance reporting, improve cash flow visibility, and give leadership the financial insight needed for stronger decision-making.

The role is a strong fit for someone with experience in transportation, trucking, logistics, container shipping, or another similarly fast-paced operational business. Success in this position will require precision, structure, sound judgment, urgency, clear communication, and the ability to give practical financial guidance to different departments.

Key accountabilities

The Finance Controller will lead the day-to-day finance and accounting function, covering accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, payroll, internal audit support, reconciliations, general ledger activity, journal entries, month-end close, year-end close, and financial reporting.

In addition, the role will produce monthly financial indicators, monthly/quarterly/annual financial statements, cash flow analysis, budget variance reporting, and other reporting tools used by leadership and operating teams. The controller will also monitor liquidity, flag possible shortfalls, and make sure management has timely visibility into financial risk, cost pressure, and operational results.

Another major focus will be strengthening finance processes and internal controls. This includes reviewing current procedures, finding duplicate reports or inefficient workflows, supporting cost management efforts, and recommending practical changes that improve how the business runs.

The position also includes people leadership responsibilities. The controller will coach team members, involve them in higher-level discussions when appropriate, support performance and development, and contribute to hiring, training, and retention of strong accounting staff.

The controller will prepare and present financial information to stakeholders such as leadership, auditors, and others involved in financial review or investment-related decisions.

Experience and qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring progressive finance and accounting experience, including direct leadership of a team.

• At least 5 years of experience in a Finance Manager, Controller, or similar senior finance position
• Proven experience leading an accounting or finance team independently
• Background in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and variance analysis
• Practical experience with financial statements, reconciliations, month-end and year-end close, general ledger postings, and journal entries
• Experience in cost control, financial reporting, internal controls, and process improvement
• Experience in transportation, trucking, logistics, shipping containers, or a similar operating environment is highly desirable
• Comfort working in a fast-paced setting with multiple priorities and tight reporting deadlines

The successful candidate should have strong technical accounting knowledge, the confidence to lead people and improve processes, and the ability to communicate financial information in a clear and professional way.

• Strong understanding of accounting practices, financial methods, local accounting standards, and tax obligations
• Solid knowledge of corporate tax regulations
• Ability to lead, mentor, and develop a multi-person accounting team
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word
• Excellent English communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong organization and attention to detail
• Ability to handle several priorities without sacrificing accuracy or efficiency
• Strong interpersonal ability and comfort working across departments
• Knowledge of TMW / TruckMate is an advantage
• Knowledge of QuickBooks is an advantage

Education

A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a closely related discipline is required. A professional accounting designation or certification such as CPA, CMA, ACCA, CA, or an equivalent credential is also required.

Additional information

• Job ID: 10576
• Work arrangement: on-site, permanent, full-time
• Industry: transportation / ground trucking
• Department: finance / accounting
• People management: yes
• Travel required: no
• Relocation support: no

Recruitment notes

The role is considered business-critical, and the selected candidate should expect a prompt offer after the recruitment and selection process is complete.

Applications will be reviewed by people, not automated candidate screening tools. Artificial intelligence may be used to help draft correspondence or job content, but not to decide candidate suitability.

About the organization

Stoakley-Stewart Consultants Ltd. is an executive search and recruiting firm with a long-standing domestic presence and international reach. Established in 1977, the firm has become one of Canada’s leading employment agencies and supports clients and candidates across many industries, functions, and regions.

The company emphasizes professional recruiting, industry expertise, and respect for individual career goals, with a focus on matching people to the right workplace culture.