Assistant Controller

Our Firm:

Bryan & Company is a pre-eminent Western Canadian law firm dedicated to delivering a high level of legal service and acting as trusted advisors to our clients. We support our clients in achieving their goals by being practical, efficient, and responsive. We focus on the interplay that exists between business and legal disciplines in creating effective solutions for our clients.

Bryan & Company is a valued member of Ally Law, a global service network of 70+ independent law firms that help provide localized business intelligence and a global reach. Member firms are extended an invitation only after strict vetting and are continuously evaluated against rigorous service standards. Our membership with Ally Law is a testament to the quality of legal service we provide.

As we approach our centennial anniversary, the Firm is guided by a five-year strategic plan rooted in investing in talent, curating a compelling client roster and optimizing process and tools.

The Opportunity:

Title: Assistant Controller

Reports To: Controller

Location: Edmonton, AB

The Assistant Controller will oversee the day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance in accounting processes. They will lead a team of three Accounting Clerks, providing guidance and mentorship while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will display a combination of strong leadership skills and technical accounting expertise.

In addition to leading the accounting team, the Assistant Controller will support the Controller in achieving strategic priorities and executing special projects, including the upgrade of our accounting system.

At Bryan & Co, we pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit, team driven and forward-looking approach. We encourage a fun and inclusive work environment where individuals are empowered to be themselves while driving toward common goals. As we continue to grow and adapt, we are seeking an Assistant Controller who embodies these values to join our dynamic team.

Responsibilities

• Leadership
  • Lead, mentor and motivate a team of three Accounting Clerks ensuring on-going cross training and promoting professional development;
  • Provide direction on daily activities including general and trust deposits and payments, write-offs, disbursements, reviewing journal entries, accruals, invoicing, internal controls, and compliance reporting; and
  • Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external clients (including banking relationships) addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Accounting
  • Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable/receivable, general ledger entries, and month-end closing procedures;
  • Become the subject matter expert as it relates to all accounting software offering troubleshooting support, training and best practices as needed;
  • Ensure compliance with the Law Society of Alberta and all government and/or regulatory bodies;
  • Prepare a high volume of both credit card and bank reconciliations (including trust accounts);
  • Ensure all processes are documented accurately, updating as needed and ensuring compliance with Law Society of Alberta;
  • Offer analysis on variances in budget, reporting, internal controls and general accounting practices providing recommendations to the Controller as appropriate;
  • Assist the Controller in the preparation of:
    • financial reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual and ad hoc)
    • GST returns and financial statements;
    • year end processes for both general and trust accounting;
    • annual budget;
• Special Projects
  • In close collaboration with the Controller, support the upgrade of the accounting system, including coordinating implementation efforts and providing training to team members; and
  • Drive process improvements and automation initiatives to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.

Competencies:

• Entrepreneurial Spirit | Proactively seeks opportunities for process improvements and cost savings. Demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness in problem-solving.
• Team Collaboration | Fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, promoting open communication and idea-sharing. Builds strong relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual support. Actively contributes to team success and celebrates collective achievements.
• Fun and Engagement | Contributes to a positive and enjoyable workplace by fostering a sense of camaraderie.
• Pride in Work | Takes ownership of responsibilities and consistently delivers high-quality results. Demonstrates dedication and commitment to upholding the company’s reputation and ethos. Celebrates individual and team accomplishments with a sense of pride and fulfillment.
• Authenticity | Embraces individuality and brings an authentic self to the workplace. Values diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where everyone feels respected. Builds trust through honest communication and transparent leadership.
• Forward-Looking Vision | Embraces a forward-looking approach and anticipates the needs of colleagues and team members. Anticipates future trends and challenges. Encourages a culture of continuous learning and growth.
• Adaptability | Thrives in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, remaining flexible and resilient in the face of change. Demonstrates agility in adjusting priorities to meet business needs. Encourages a mindset of experimentation and learning to drive continuous improvement.

Education & Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role;
• Post-secondary education in Accounting, Finance, or related field;
• Demonstrated experience in a role with exposure to full cycle accounting (including banking and credit card reconciliation, preparing income statements) for an organization;
• Proven track record of documenting and improving internal processes and procedures;
• Strong technical accounting skills and proficiency with accounting software/systems including Microsoft Excel and Acumin;
• Excellent managerial, communication, and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities; and
• CPA Designation, or in process of obtaining CPA Designation, considered an asset.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to the attention of Veronica Odynski at hr@bryanco.com.

We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.