Job Description

Take the next step in your career as an Accounting Manager with a respected downtown Hamilton firm known for its collaborative culture and strong community reputation. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll mentor a small team, work closely with Partners, and enjoy competitive compensation, generous vacation, and great work-life perks.
About the Client
A prominent downtown Hamilton professional services firm (legal) with a busy, collaborative environment and strong community reputation. The finance function is lean and hands-on, partnering closely with Partners and practice groups.
About the Role
Reporting to the Treasurer (Partner) and the Finance Committee, the Accounting Manager will lead a small team while owning higher-level financial operations: monthly reporting, audit, budgeting, payroll oversight, treasury/wires, and board-level presentations (with support from the Treasurer). You'll review day-to-day transactional work, elevate controls, and coach the team-driving process improvements and accountability in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop an accounting/collections team; set priorities, review work, and elevate processes/controls.
• Own month-end and year-end close (journals, reconciliations, accruals/prepaids, HST), and prepare monthly financial statements; partner with the Treasurer on reviews and board reporting.
• Manage cash/treasury activities including wire approvals; maintain daily cash statements and bank rec details ahead of month-end.
• Coordinate the annual audit; compile schedules, support internal audits, and provide information to external auditors.
• Oversee payroll & remittances (inputs provided by HR/Operations), statutory filings, and tax remittances.
• Drive budget preparation/analysis, monitor performance vs. plan, and produce ad-hoc reporting for Partners/Finance Committee.
• Maintain and update accounting policies/procedures; educate users on systems and best practices; steward data integrity and compliance.

Requirements

• 3-5+ years in an Accounting Manager (or similar leadership) role; prior experience in legal/professional services is a strong asset.
• Proven team leadership: coaching, workload planning, reviews, and raising the bar on controls/process.
• Comfortable owning higher-level finance (reporting, audit, budgeting, payroll oversight, treasury/wires) while reviewing transactional work.
• Systems: Soluno (nice-to-have) and/or similar practice-management ERPs; FileLine exposure helpful. Advanced Excel (lookups, SUMIFS, pivots); ability to learn quickly and drive change.
• Education in accounting (Diploma/BA). CPA not required (considered an asset; experience trumps).

Compensation

• Base Salary: $80,000-$100,000 (depending on experience).
• Bonus: Discretionary (project-based + year-end/holiday).
• Benefits: Extended health; RRSP matching up to $1,500/year.
• Vacation: 3-4 weeks (negotiable; program max up to 5 weeks over tenure).
• Sick Leave: 10 days (with carryover depending on usage).
• Parking/Transit: Paid secure parking available; excellent transit access (GO nearby).

David Aplin & Associates Inc., operating as Aplin, and its associated brands, CompuStaff and Impact Recruitment, is an award-winning employment agency connecting diverse, top-tier talent with exceptional organizations across North America. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and charge no fees to apply or engage with our recruiters. Our clients partner with us to help expand and diversify their teams. Please note that all applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, including holding any necessary work permits.

Skills Required