Controller

Spend your days surrounded by the beauty of Lake Simcoe. With opportunities across the Resort in both guest facing and behind the scenes roles, we have something for everyone.

Some of our guest facing opportunities include working on the Food and Beverage or Recreation and Leisure teams. Our Guest Services and Shuttle teams, or the FH Fine Food and Starbucks teams are also great opportunities to be in guest facing roles. During the summer months you could join the Marina or the Nest Golf Club.

If you are looking for a job that ensures the fundamental operations of our Resort run smoothly and typically work away from guests, our Culinary, Security, Maintenance, Landscaping, and Housekeeping teams would be a great fit for you.

Working at Friday Harbour is unlike anywhere else. Be a part of the action, contributing to this one-of-a-kind Resort.

Colleague Perks
- Complimentary golf (friends and family rates for your Guests)
- Complimentary use of recreational equipment (canoeing, kayaking, Fat Bikes, snowshoes, skates, etc.)
-  Discounts at Friday Harbour retailers and restaurants
- Group medical and dental benefit coverage*
- Company matched pension plan and optional savings plans*
- Employee Assistance Program and free Headspace membership
- Exclusive Friday Harbour corporate partner discounts
- Training and development opportunities
- Colleague events and appreciation activities
 
 * Privileges are subject to review and change.

Role Summary

The Controller is responsible for the management of the Friday Harbour finance function. This department covers the breadth of; development, real estate sales, hospitality & amenity operations and the Big Bay Resort Association (BBRA - Homeowner Association). The role oversees all management accounts, audit, reporting, business partnering, tax, cash & treasury functions along with internal controls. While working closely with the FP&A Manager on budget & forecasts and assisting with the implementation of technology to increase accuracy, speed & efficiency. The Controller is responsible for ensuring that all financial transactions are properly recorded, for ensuring that an adequate system of internal financial controls is in place, for maintaining the general ledger and preparing financial reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Controller develops and implements financial policies and procedures and works with Executive Management to ensure that proper communications are maintained between departments.

Success Indicators

•  Short-Term: You will stabilize the team during the transition from our current Controller. They are retiring and have been in the business for nearly ten years. The key elements of the team remain unaffected & are smoothly processed during this transition. Including the monthly close processes, payroll, development accounting, the audit process, the cashflow management & internal controls.
• Medium-Term: You will lead an assessment of our current financial tech stack, identifying and executing upgrades to improve efficiency, specifically reviewing the current Inventory management system. You will drive the controls & process implementation in terms of the new Hotel & Conference Centre – ensuring success from day one of opening.
• Strategic: You will continue the process of evolving the finance function from a scorecard-keeping department to a strategic & tactical advisory hub.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the financial management of Friday Harbour & the BBRA, their resources, and shall exercise authority over all matters and functions pertaining to accounting operations and approved resources, in an efficient and financially sound manner consistent with the policies and procedures approved by the CFO.
• Manage all transactional elements of accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and cashbook.
• Manage a team of 7; give regular feedback and conduct annual performance evaluations. Direct, supervise, coach, council and guide team members. Provide appropriate orientation and identify professional development opportunities, setting bi-annual objectives for team members.
• Establish high financial standards and manage a process of continual improvements in control of assets, better accounting procedures, systems & reporting.
• Work under the guidance and direction of the CFO and keep them informed on a continuous basis of important matters or events relating to the Resort’s operation.
• Ensuring appropriate accounting controls and procedures are in place for accurate and complete financial reporting.
• Maintain general ledger for the Resort. Ensure that accounting transactions are recorded in a timely manner.
• Organization, coordination and preparation of annual operating and capital budgets, and measurement of results against those budgets – in collaboration with the FP&A Manager.
• Manage the Resort’s group cash flow & treasury function, ensuring continuity of operations, where surplus funds are invested appropriately and borrowings are minimized.
• Organize and coordinate annual audit in collaboration with the FP&A Manager. Act as liaison with external auditors, responding to their reports and recommendations.
• Responsible for tax planning and compliance with Federal, Provincial and local corporate, payroll, and other applicable taxes.
• Monitoring and administration of taxes and/or other governmental requests. Ensure that all statutory obligations (payroll deductions, tax remittances etc.) are fulfilled.
• Oversee all payments & AP processes, ensuring efficient AP management for cashflow & verifying payment to vendors.
• Review all cheques/wires and backup prior to sending for authorized signatures.
• Act as liaison for all departments providing monthly financial reports, reforecasting information and responding to information requests.
• Partnering with operational leaders to analyze department-specific KPIs and provide actionable financial insights that drive profitability and efficiency.
• Spearheading the implementation or optimization of our ERP systems and financial software to streamline reporting, reduce manual errors, and improve data accuracy.
• Attend all regular and required meetings and prepare the necessary information for the relevant parties.
• Compliance with all safety regulations of assigned tasks and ensure a clean and safe working environment with active participation in the health and safety program.
• Adhere to all environmental policies and programs as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

 On a monthly basis:

• Prepare/Post journal entries
• Run trial balance
• Produce accurate financial statements and statements of changes in cash position
• Produce departmental P/L for operating departments showing results vs. budget and previous year, and provide information important to the efficient operation of their area.
• Oversee the development accounting process, along with the group consolidations.
• Complete analysis and comments on financial statements, while business partnering the leadership teams.
• Complete account analysis and reconciliation of major accounts, specifically focused upon the balance sheet.
• Maintain entrance fees receivable sub-ledger and reconcile to GL.
• Oversee the payroll process.
• Reconcile A/P and A/R sub ledger to control account and all balance sheet accounts.
• Reconcile bank accounts.
• Review all HST returns.

 Requirements

• Professional accounting designation (CA/CPA/CMA/CGA) required.
• Previously worked in the hospitality space, specifically in hotels or resorts a requirement.
• Previously trained within the big 4 accounting firms, holding positions in audit – seen as advantageous.
• Working knowledge of commercial lease agreements, rent schedules, and communication with commercial tenants
• Be experienced with complex group structures & multi-unit operations.
• Must be computer literate. Preferred candidate will have previous experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 - Business Central, Microsoft Office, Dayforce – Ceridian, Power BI and an understanding of AI technology.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented and works with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be extremely responsible with integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Must be on site 3 days per week, with a hybrid working model, we have two days of remote working per week.
• Required to move, lift, carry, pull and place objects weighing less than or equal to 25 pounds without assistance.
• Stand, sit or walk for an extended period of time or for an entire shift.
• Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting and pulling.

Join our team and make every day feel like Friday. 

*All candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Friday Harbour is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization. 

*Friday Harbour is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce. Friday Harbour is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. Upon request by the applicant, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Please contact the Human Resources department with any accommodation requests.