Assistant Controller

Company Overview:

Onsite Engineering is a mid-sized consulting engineering and geoscience company with multiple offices across BC.  We are a diverse company that provides high quality engineering and geoscience services to government and industry in a professional yet casual work environment.  We understand that, as professionals in the engineering field, the work we do builds the places we live, work, and play for generations and we are proud to play our part.  We have purposely built our company to allow our professionals to do what they do best – top notch technical work.

Position Overview:

The Assistant Controller reports to the Business Manager and supports the oversight of financial operations through hands-on leadership of accounting activities, reinforcing internal controls, and contributing to timely and accurate financial reporting. The position will be based in the Salmon Arm head office and is a key member of the Accounting and Finance team. This role plays a hands‑on and ownership‑driven role in the organization’s financial operations, with responsibility for month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end processes, financial reporting, cost analysis, and budgeting support. The Assistant Controller assumes primary responsibility for assigned close, reporting, and analysis functions and serves as the key backup to the Business Manager for day‑to‑day finance operations. This position also provides functional support across Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll, acting as a senior accounting resource and supporting continuous improvement of financial processes and controls. This is a hands-on role designed to build finance depth and backup capacity in a growing multi-office firm.

Major Job Functions:

• Prepare and review financial statements and management reports
• Lead assigned components of monthly, quarterly, and year‑end close processes
• Prepare account reconciliations, analyses, and supporting schedules
• Analyze and report on project and departmental costs, including variance explanations
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and ongoing budget monitoring
• Review and support Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll activities
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and regulatory requirements
• Support internal and external audit processes, including preparation of audit documentation
• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to strengthen financial controls and cost efficiency
• Act as a technical accounting resource to internal stakeholders, including project managers and leadership
• Provide guidance and informal mentoring to junior accounting staff as appropriate
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned

Specific Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, particularly Excel (intermediate to advanced level)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight reporting deadlines
• Experience with accounting and time‑and‑billing systems
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross‑functional teams
• Proven ability to work cooperatively with staff, management, and external partners
• Strong analytical mindset with well‑developed problem‑solving and conceptual skills

Education and Experience:

• University degree or diploma in Business, Finance, Commerce, Accounting, or a related field
• CPA designation or near completion preferred
• Minimum 3-6 years of progressive accounting experience
• Prior experience in consulting, engineering, construction, or project‑based environments considered an asset
• Experience working with accounting software and financial systems
• Demonstrated experience supporting month‑end close and financial reporting processes

CPA Development Support

OEL supports ongoing professional development for Chartered Professional Accountants. Eligible employees may receive support that can include:

• CPA membership dues reimbursement
• Continuing professional development (CPD) support
• Access to mentorship and progressively responsible work aligned with CPA competency development

Eligibility and reimbursement levels are subject to company policy.

Salary:

$70,000-$100,000 annually, plus benefits.
Actual compensation within the range will be determined based on job‑related factors such as accounting experience, CPA‑level competencies, and scope of responsibility. The top end of the range is intended for CPA‑designated candidates assuming a high level of ownership and independence.

Benefits Summary:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• Competitive salary.
• Great career advancement opportunities.
• A full benefit package including extended health, vision, and dental coverage, and GRSP matching.
• Interesting and diverse project work.
• Relocation assistance.
• Continuous support for growth through both internal and external professional development opportunities.