Controller

Some Controllers close the books. Others build financial operations that help an entire company perform better. If you're energized by creating structure, strengthening controls, developing people and giving leadership real financial clarity, not just historical results, this role will feel different.

At ISL, Finance & Operations is more than a support function. We help enable the delivery of infrastructure projects that shape communities across Western Canada.

We're looking for a Controller who thrives in a growing organization, enjoys improving how finance works and believes strong financial processes should make life easier for the business, not more complicated. You'll own the integrity of our financial reporting, lead a talented accounting team and partner closely with our CFO and senior managers to help the business make confident decisions.

A Little About Us

ISL is comprised of just over 600 employees including award-winning engineers, technologists, planners, landscape architects, scientists, and profesionals that work together to deliver infrastructure projects that minimize environmental impacts and maximize benefits to the community. Learn more about our work by visiting us on Instagram @islengineering / LinkedIn and feel free to join our ISL newsletter on LinkedIn: Inside ISL.

More About What We Do

• We deliver on a variety of multidisciplinary projects.
• We have extensive expertise – We have a variety of expertise and are comprised of five sectors specializing in Transportation, Municipal and Community, Bridges, Building and Structures and Land and Environment. Learn more about our areas of practice.
• We are award winning and recognized in industry – Visit our #ISLLife blog and learn

About

ISL’s Finance & Operations Team is passionate about what they do. Key to our team’s success is the working environment that we create, which is:

• Supportive - everyone on the team is ready to jump in and lend a helping hand wherever they can; someone will always have your back!
• Encouraging and enthusiastic – we love what we do and are part of the larger ISL team who help to deliver infrastructure projects across Western Canada
• Continuous Improvement Focused - we have a culture of mentorship and leverage hands on and formal training opportunities, as well as the ability to learn from errors

About The Role

As Controller, you'll lead ISL's financial accounting function while supporting a growing organization of approximately 650 employees. Working closely with the CFO and senior managers, you'll make sure financial information is accurate, timely and meaningful while improving the processes, controls and reporting behind it.

What You'll Own

Financial Reporting and Close

• Leading the month-end and year-end close, including timelines and workload across the finance team
• Preparing monthly financial statements and management reporting for the CFO
• Analyzing revenue, profitability and net income performance, and explaining variances to leadership
• Overseeing the annual external audit and coordinating audit deliverables

Planning and Analysis

• Partnering with the CFO on short and long-term financial and business planning, including tax planning and capital asset strategy
• Owning the annual budget and rolling forecast process, monitoring variances and presenting recommendations to senior leadership
• Reviewing indirect labour, fringe benefits and overhead forecasts
• Identifying financial risks and opportunities, and recommending action
• Turning financial and project data into insight the business can act on, including dashboards and reporting that equip leaders to make informed decisions

Controls, Compliance and Cash

• Owning the general ledger — its structure, account design and mapping across projects, time codes and financial statements
• Maintaining strong internal controls and ensuring compliance with accounting standards
• Developing and monitoring controls over project coding, timesheets, overtime and payroll accuracy and data integrity
• Managing cash flow, working capital and balance sheet reconciliations, and implementing strategies to optimize cash and mitigate financial loss
• Overseeing accounts payable and accounts receivable, including vendor payments, collections and working capital cycles
• Overseeing tax accruals, GST remittance timing and payroll-related tax compliance
• Reviewing employee expense claims and overhead invoices

Systems and Process Improvement

• Leading financial system testing and ERP enhancements, including timesheet and coding structure redesign
• Evaluating automation and data upload opportunities across accounting workflows
• Exploring how AI and emerging technology can improve efficiency and reporting
• Leading continuous improvement initiatives across Finance & Operations

Team Leadership

• Leading, coaching and developing our accounting team: Senior Accountant, Junior Accountant, Accounts Payable and Payroll
• Assigning work, setting clear expectations and reviewing team output
• Building cross-training and continuity planning into how the team operates
• There's more, but these are the responsibilities that will define your day-to-day impact.

Ready to throw your name in?

Who Will Thrive In This Role

You’ll do well here if you:

• See the story behind the numbers

• Financial statements aren't just reports to you. You look for trends, risks and opportunities before others notice them, and you use data to answer the questions the business is actually asking.

• Lead with both accountability and support

• You enjoy coaching people, setting clear expectations and creating an environment where your team can succeed.

Balance accuracy with practicality

• Strong controls matter, but you know they have to work in the real world for operational teams.

Build better systems

• Streamlining workflows, improving reporting, leveraging AI, building dashboards — you're always looking for a better way to work.

Take ownership naturally

• When something doesn't look right, you investigate. You don't wait for someone else to notice.

Stay calm in complexity

• Multiple deadlines, competing priorities, audits, acquisitions, organizational growth. You bring order without losing perspective.

• Think like a business partner

• You work alongside leaders across the organization, helping them understand financial performance and supporting sound business decisions.

This is a role for someone who wants to influence how Finance operates, not simply maintain it.

Your Application Should Demonstrate The Following

CPA designation

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field
• 8 years of Controller level experience, including leadership responsibilities
• Strong knowledge of Canadian accounting standards and financial reporting
• Experience leading month-end close, financial statement preparation and external audits
• Proven experience developing and mentoring accounting staff
• Strong understanding of payroll, general ledger management, reconciliations and internal controls
• Experience improving financial processes within a growing organization
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with a track record of working with large volumes of financial and operational data and translating results into recommendations senior leaders can act on
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a high degree of confidentiality, professionalism and integrity

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

• Experience with ERP systems (BST or similar experience is considered a strong asset)

Assets Would Include

• Experience within engineering, consulting, construction or other professional services organizations
• Experience building dashboards and financial reporting using Power BI or similar tools
• Familiarity with AI tools that improve accounting workflows, reporting or process automation
• Experience supporting organizations through growth and operational change

What ISL Offers

We value you for your contributions and want to ensure that your personal success is intertwined with your professional success. Our wellness philosophy encompasses the four pillars of physical, mental, financial and spiritual wellbeing which is why our benefits package is comprehensive and offers you some of the best available tools to maximize your career and lifestyle.

Here Are Some Of The Amazing Benefits We Provide

Flexible working hours

Hybrid model of work

Excellent mentorship

• Employer paid benefits including health, dental and extensive paramedical services
• Healthcare Spending and Lifestyle Option Accounts

Group RRSP

Parental leave top ups

Annual bonus incentives

• Paid professional development opportunities and memberships
• 24/7/365 Employee Family Assistance program

Location

ISL is proudly located in over 16 offices across Western Canada.

• This position is open to candidates in Edmonton.

At ISL your identity is part of our identity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) speaks to our core values and provides space for our teams to bring their authentic selves to work. ISL believes DEI creates the best outcomes for our clients while sustaining a happy and thriving work environment that allows for career development and opportunities for all staff. ISL is committed to a focused effort on continuous improvement and development of a respectful and safe workplace.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position. Only those who will be selected for an interview will be contacted.