Controller

Employment Type: Full-Time Location: Remote (Canada) — GTA strongly preferred Salary: $180,000–$200,000 Industry: Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Services About the Opportunity Our client is a full-service contract research organization (CRO) with over two decades of independent operation and a strong foundation in biostatistics and data management. They support some of the world's leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies through the full lifecycle of clinical development — from study design and data management through to regulatory submission. With nearly 700 employees globally and operations spanning North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, this is an organization with meaningful scale, genuine complexity, and a strong track record for quality and client retention. Backed by institutional private equity and approaching an important growth inflection, the finance function has undergone significant transformation over the past five years — moving from a basic bookkeeping model to a multi-entity, multi-currency finance operation. We are looking for a Controller who can take the function to the next level: driving automation, building operational bridges between finance and the clinical business, and standardizing processes across a geographically dispersed subsidiary structure. This role reports directly to the CFO and owns the full controllership mandate. You'll lead a team of reports spanning Canada, Europe and growing APAC operations. The scope is deliberately focused to allow you to go deep: rather than spreading thin across all finance functions, you'll have the runway to truly own your mandate and drive change. Key Responsibilities Controllership & Reporting Manage the monthly and year-end financial close process, ensuring timely and accurate consolidated financial statements across all subsidiaries Oversee Billings, Accounts Payable, General Accounting, and Treasury functions, maintaining high-quality, customer-focused outcomes Monitor global cash flow, manage intercompany transactions, and oversee foreign currency processes across multiple jurisdictions Coordinate with international tax advisors to ensure tax returns and regulatory filings are completed on schedule; provide working knowledge of transfer pricing concepts across the entity structure Systems & Automation Drive automation initiatives across the finance function, identifying opportunities to reduce manual processing in a high-transaction-volume environment Enhance and expand the use of the company's ERP (NetSuite) and lead integrations with adjacent systems including HRIS/payroll, site payment tools, and clinical operations platforms Build the operational bridge between finance and clinical operations — translating patient visit and site payment data into accurate, timely financial transactions in NetSuite Standardize finance processes across all international subsidiaries, many of which were onboarded through acquisition and currently operate with inconsistent approaches Controls & Compliance Enhance documentation of finance policies, procedures, and internal controls and ensure compliance across all entities Research and analyze accounting issues; stay current on evolving accounting standards and their impact on company policy Coordinate with external auditors to deliver annual audited financial statements Partner with PwC on acquisition accounting as needed Team & Stakeholder Leadership Manage, coach, and develop a team of approximately twelve across Canada, Europe, and Asia Pacific, building delegation frameworks and team confidence Act as the finance point of contact for cross-functional stakeholders including clinical operations and project management teams — translating complex financial requirements for non-financially-oriented audiences Provide financial guidance and support on customer-facing matters, particularly in AP, where deliverables attract significant client scrutiny What You Bring CPA designation and 10+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, with time spent in both a structured large-company environment and a building-mode or high-growth organization Proven ERP or systems implementation experience — this is a critical requirement; the roadmap includes multiple automation projects and every acquisition brings an implementation cycle Demonstrated ability to manage, delegate to, and develop accounting teams across multiple locations; comfortable building team confidence rather than redoing their work Multi-entity consolidation experience across international subsidiaries, with exposure to multi-currency accounting, intercompany transactions, and transfer pricing concepts Working knowledge of ASPE; familiarity with or ability to migrate to US GAAP General knowledge of international tax concepts and experience coordinating with external tax advisors across multiple jurisdictions Strong cross-functional communication skills — able to work effectively with clinical, operational, and project management stakeholders who are not financially-oriented Comfortable operating in ambiguity — able to navigate shifting priorities, imperfect processes, and a business that continues to outpace its own infrastructure Nice to Have Background in a CRO, pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences environment Experience in a PE-backed company with PE reporting cadence and M&A activity Familiarity with NetSuite specifically Exposure to customer-facing finance functions, particularly AP in a project-based or contract services model Next Steps We do appreciate all interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Clarity Recruitment is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process and workplace. If you require accommodation, please let us know in advance and we will work with you to meet your needs. Please note: We use AI-assisted tools for notetaking during the screening process. JOB ID # 3608891 About Clarity Recruitment Clarity is an executive search and recruitment firm specializing in Finance & Accounting talent across Canada - from accountants to CFOs. Additionally, Clarity partners with organizations to hire exceptional talent in HR, Operations, and IT, helping build the teams that power business success. Our process is designed to minimize risk, maximize alignment, and move quickly. With dedicated practices in Executive Search, Full-Time Search, and Project & Interim Consulting, we help organizations grow with confidence. Visit findingclarity.ca to learn more!

The Controller will manage the global monthly and year-end financial close processes, overseeing multi-entity consolidations, treasury, and international tax compliance. Additionally, they will drive finance automation through NetSuite integrations and standardize financial processes across international subsidiaries.

Candidates must have a CPA designation and over 10 years of progressive finance experience, including expertise in multi-entity and multi-currency environments. Proven experience in ERP implementation and the ability to lead geographically dispersed teams is critical.

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Controllership
• Financial Reporting
• Consolidation
• NetSuite
• ERP Implementation
• Multi-currency Accounting
• Intercompany Transactions
• Transfer Pricing
• ASPE
• US GAAP
• Internal Controls
• Team Management
• Cash Flow Management
• Tax Compliance
• Audit Coordination
• Automation

• Finance & Accounting
• Management & Leadership
• Science & Research

Minimum education

Professional degree

Minimum experience

10+ years

Apply by

Aug 26, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Location requirements

Country, Ontario, Canada

Seniority

Director

Application method

Direct apply is available