Job Description

Controller (Finance Lead) - CABN
Location: Canada (Flexible/Hybrid) - Preferred Ottawa / Kingston / Brockville region
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Type: Full-time
About CABN
CABN is a leading innovator in sustainable, prefabricated housing. Our mission is to revolutionize housing by combining advanced manufacturing with climate-conscious design to address the housing and climate crises. Backed by institutional investors, we are entering a period of scale-up and now need a strong Controller (Finance Lead) to provide reliable financial leadership and operational discipline as we grow.
Role Overview
The Controller (Finance Lead) is the senior finance professional at CABN, responsible for overseeing all financial operations, reporting, and controls. This hands-on role ensures accuracy, transparency, and compliance across all accounting functions while providing the CEO and Board with financial insights to support sound decision-making. The successful candidate will combine a strong technical accounting foundation with the ability to manage grants, budgets, and reporting in a fast-moving, impact-driven manufacturing environment.
Financial Leadership & Reporting
Serve as the company's senior financial leader, responsible for the overall accuracy and integrity of CABN's financial operations.
Partner with the CEO and leadership team to provide timely insights on financial performance, cash flow, and operating trends.
Prepare management reports, forecasts, and board packages that clearly communicate financial results and business implications.
Lead the budgeting and forecasting process, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
Maintain and improve financial dashboards and KPIs to support decision-making across the business.
Support investor and board communications with accurate financial data and variance analysis.
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Manage the full accounting cycle, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and general ledger maintenance.
Perform monthly and year-end close procedures, including reconciliations, accruals, and journal entries.
Maintain accurate records for inventory, fixed assets, and project-based costs.
Ensure financial statements are prepared accurately and on time in accordance with Canadian GAAP or IFRS.
Oversee bookkeeping accuracy and provide review and approval of journal entries and reconciliations.
Financial Governance & Compliance
Oversee all tax, regulatory, and statutory compliance requirements, including HST/GST, payroll remittances, and corporate filings.
Manage day-to-day banking relationships, cash flow, and working capital to ensure financial stability.
Maintain effective internal controls and implement process improvements to strengthen financial governance.
Support annual reviews or audits by preparing documentation, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
Ensure CABN's financial practices comply with investor, lender, and funding program requirements.
Grant Management & Reporting
Coordinate the preparation and submission of grant applications in collaboration with the CEO and leadership team.
Track and report on the use of grant funds to ensure compliance with funding guidelines and reporting deadlines.
Maintain detailed schedules of grant receipts, expenditures, and commitments.
Prepare progress and financial reports for granting agencies, ensuring audit readiness.
Provide financial support for new grant applications by supplying accurate data and forecasts.
Cost Tracking & Manufacturing Interface
Work closely with operations and manufacturing teams to ensure accurate tracking of modular build costs, materials, labour, and overhead.
Support the development of cost models to monitor project profitability and unit economics.
Analyze variances in materials, labour, and logistics costs to identify improvement opportunities.
Collaborate with supply chain and operations leaders to maintain accurate and timely cost reporting.
Systems, Tools & Team Development
Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of accounting or ERP systems suitable for modular manufacturing and project-based accounting.
Manage external accounting and bookkeeping resources, ensuring efficient workflows and timely deliverables.
Build scalable processes and documentation to support CABN's growth and prepare the finance function for future expansion.
Qualifications
CPA designation required.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, ideally as a Controller or senior accounting leader.
Must have finance experience in the construction industry, with a strong understanding of project-based accounting, job costing, and progress billing.
Proven ability to manage full-cycle accounting, reporting, and compliance within a small or scaling organization.
Experience with grant accounting, cost tracking, and financial reporting for manufacturing, construction, or government-funded projects.
Strong understanding of GAAP/IFRS, internal controls, and financial statement preparation.
Advanced Excel and accounting system proficiency (QuickBooks Online, Xero, or ERP platforms).
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
Preferred Attributes
Experience in modular construction or prefabricated manufacturing.
Familiarity with investor or board-level financial reporting.
Track record of improving processes and implementing systems in a high-growth environment.
Passion for sustainability and impact-driven innovation.

Skills Required