Position Summary
The Controller- Construction & Capital Projects is responsible for the end-to-end financial management, accounting, reporting, compliance, and control of the Company's capital expansion and construction activities. This role will lead the full accounting lifecycle of major construction and infrastructure projects, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective cash management, regulatory compliance, cost control, and timely project funding.
The Controller will partner closely with executive leadership, operations, project management, procurement, legal, external auditors, lenders, consultants, and construction contractors to ensure financial stewardship of significant capital investments. The role requires deep expertise in construction accounting, project costing, contract administration, progress draw management, taxation, internal controls, and treasury management within a growing Canadian organization.
Key Responsibilities
Construction Project Accounting & Financial Management
- Lead the full-cycle accounting function for all capital construction and expansion projects.
- Develop and maintain project accounting structures, cost codes, and job cost reporting frameworks.
- Monitor project budgets, commitments, contingencies, and actual expenditures.
- Ensure accurate capitalization of project costs in accordance with ASPE.
- Track projects cost by project, phase, contractor
- Perform monthly project cost accruals and work-in-progress accounting.
- Analyze variances between budget, forecast, commitments, and actual spending.
- Prepare detailed project financial reports for executive leadership and project stakeholders.
- Support project closeout, asset capitalization, and transition to fixed asset accounting.
Draw Management & Lender Reporting
- Lead the preparation, submission, and administration of construction financing draws.
- Coordinate draw packages with project managers, contractors, lenders, quantity surveyors, and consultants.
- Validate supporting documentation including invoices, statutory declarations, lien waivers, progress reports, and certifications.
- Ensure timely collection of lender advances and reimbursement requests.
- Maintain draw schedules and cash flow forecasts.
- Monitor compliance with lending agreements, debt covenants, and reporting requirements.
- Act as the primary finance contract for project lenders and financial institutions.
Accounts Payable & Vendor Management
- Oversee all construction-related accounts payable activities.
- Ensure accurate coding and approval of invoices to appropriate construction projects and cost categories.
- Monitor holdbacks and release of holdbacks in compliance with provincial construction lien legislation.
- Manage payment schedules while optimizing working capital and preserving strong vendor relationships.
- Implement controls to prevent duplicate payments, overbilling, and unauthorized expenditures.
Treasury & Cash Management
- Develop and maintain detailed project cash flow forecasts.
- Monitor daily cash positions and funding requirements.
- Coordinate project financing activities with senior leadership and financial institutions.
- Identify risks associated with project spending, cost overruns, and liquidity requirements.
- Support strategic capital planning and long-range cash forecasting.
Financial Reporting
- Prepare monthly and annual project financial statements and management reports.
- Consolidate project financial information into corporate reporting packages.
Taxation & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all federal and Ontario tax regulations.
- Oversee GST/HST filings and recoveries related to construction activities.
- Manage tax treatment of capital expenditures and asset capitalization.
- Support corporate income tax reporting associated with major capital projects.
Contract Administration & Project Controls
- Review construction contracts, change orders, purchase orders, and subcontractor agreements from a financial perspective.
- Monitor change order financial impacts and budget implications.
- Maintain commitment and contract registers.
- Track contingencies, retainage/holdbacks, claims, and project exposures.
- Work closely with project management teams to ensure timely reporting of cost impacts and risks.
- Participate in project review meetings and capital steering committees.
Stakeholder Management
- Collaborate with internal project managers, procurement teams, operations leaders, legal counsel, and executive management.
- Establish strong working relationships with lenders, auditors, tax advisors, contractors, engineers, architects, and consultants.
- Serve as a trusted financial advisor to project teams throughout the project lifecycle.
- Communicate financial performance, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and develop construction accounting and finance personnel.
- Establish performance expectations and training programs.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Support implementation and optimization of ERP and project accounting systems.
Working Conditions:
Work occurs in both office and active construction environments. This role will regularly travel between sites, work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, and interact with trades, consultants, and clients. Construction sites involve noise, dust, equipment movement, and changing conditions, requiring constant awareness. Office work includes meetings, coordination, and computer‑based tasks.
Projects and responsibilities extend across Southern Ontario, with site locations ranging from Elora to Niagara Falls.
Advantages to being part of The Pearle Hospitality Team:
- Competitive wages
- Discounts at all Pearle Hospitality properties (restaurants, hotels and spas)
- Training and Development to support personal & professional growth
- A fun place to work with an amazing team & company culture!
Vacancy Status Disclosure: This job posting is related to an existing vacancy.
Pearle Hospitality Inc. accommodates the needs of job applicants throughout its recruitment and selection processes in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accommodation needs must be provided in advance. To discuss your needs, please contact the hiring manager.
Pay: From $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee assistance program
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)
Experience:
- Accounting: 10 years (required)
- Draw Management : 4 years (required)
- Construction Accounting: 5 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- CPA Designation (required)
Work Location: In person
