Interim Controller

Job summary

Own bookkeeping and month-end close while stabilizing finance operations, reducing the franchisee remittance backlog, and rebuilding key multi-entity workflows. Document close procedures and critical processes, assess outsourcing and ERP configuration issues, and support resolution of in-flight and prior-period accounting issues for a smooth handoff to the permanent Controller.

Job details

Role: Interim Controller Employment Type: Contract (3 months) Location: Oakville, hybrid Rate: 100-110/hr Industry: Commercial Services Position Type: Existing Vacancy About the Opportunity Our client is a PE-backed franchised commercial services organization with a multi-entity footprint across Canada and the U.S. This Interim Controller role reports to the VP, Finance and is designed to stabilize and rebuild core finance operations while a permanent Controller search runs in parallel. This is a true “roll-up-your-sleeves” engagement: you’ll step into an environment in active cleanup mode following a leadership transition, with a recently implemented mid-market ERP and several critical workflows still heavily manual. You’ll partner closely with the VP, Finance (and collaborate with senior leadership as needed) to create structure, reduce risk, and leave behind documentation and repeatable processes that set the team up for long-term success. Key Responsibilities Own hands-on bookkeeping and month-end close, including journal entries, reconciliations, and internal reporting (execution-focused, not review-only). Create and maintain a complete task inventory across the finance function, clarifying what is being done today and by whom. Triage and reduce the franchisee remittance backlog, improving the process to minimize manual errors and recurring disputes. Help rebuild remittance workflows with an eye toward enabling a future move from bi-weekly to monthly remittances once stabilized. Untangle and re-establish key processes, including: - Region buyback/amortization tracking (separating it from AR and fixed assets into a distinct workflow). - Franchisee-to-franchisee finder’s fee chargebacks. - Intercompany chargebacks between entities that should be occurring but currently are not. - Cleanup of duplicate customer records across franchisee relationships. Assess the current outsourcing footprint (including external reporting support) and document what each provider does, identifying what can be brought in-house. Build a durable “bible” of the close process and critical workflows to support a clean handoff to the permanent hire. Identify and clearly describe ERP configuration issues and the desired target state (without being expected to act as an implementation specialist). Support in-flight reviews and recommend pragmatic resolutions (including clean write-offs where appropriate) when prior-period issues can’t be efficiently untangled. What You Bring Proven Interim/Controller-level capability with a hands-on mindset—comfortable doing the work, not simply reviewing it. Experience in a system implementation or recent ERP transition (ideally Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central; other Dynamics products or a comparable mid-market ERP such as NetSuite are also suitable). Strong fit for franchise environments and/or complex multi-entity structures with intercompany and consolidation complexity. Demonstrated ability as a process builder and documenter—able to assess current-state workflows, implement improvements, and leave behind usable documentation. Comfortable operating in a high-pressure cleanup environment with manual workarounds, disputes, and incomplete processes. CPA preferred. 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. 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! JOB ID # 3682575

What you’ll do

Own bookkeeping and month-end close while stabilizing finance operations, reducing the franchisee remittance backlog, and rebuilding key multi-entity workflows. Document close procedures and critical processes, assess outsourcing and ERP configuration issues, and support resolution of in-flight and prior-period accounting issues for a smooth handoff to the permanent Controller.

Requirements

The role requires proven Controller-level capability and a hands-on approach, ideally with experience in an ERP implementation or transition such as Dynamics 365 Business Central, another Dynamics product, or NetSuite. Experience with franchise operations or complex multi-entity accounting, process improvement and documentation, and high-pressure cleanup environments is sought; a CPA is preferred.

Listed skills

• Month-End Close · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Hands-On Bookkeeping
• Month-End Close
• Journal Entries
• Account Reconciliations
• Internal Reporting
• Finance Process Improvement
• Franchisee Remittance Management
• Intercompany Accounting
• Multi-Entity Accounting
• Consolidation
• ERP Transition
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• NetSuite
• Workflow Documentation
• Outsourcing Assessment
• Financial Cleanup

Job areas

• Finance & Accounting
• Management & Leadership
• Consulting

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