Controller at WSP in Montreal, QC, Canada

Controller

Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

DIVISIONAL CONTROLLER

Architecture has the power to transform, to unite and to inspire. It is the physical manifestation of an organization’s goals and objectives. More importantly, it can be a catalyst for new discoveries, academic discourse, business process improvement, cultural exploration, medical innovation or pushing the physical boundaries of sport.

Architecture49 boasts a history spanning over half a century of profoundly significant contributions to cities and communities across Canada and beyond. Our people share a depth of experience in designing award winning, high-profile projects around the globe. Together, we create inspiring spaces that elevate the health, social vitality and sustainability of our communities. At Architecture49 we thrive when we are bringing the built environment to life for our clients. We offer complete interdisciplinary Architectural Services from project inception long past opening day. We connect with our clients early through project feasibility, site and funding analysis and needs assessment. Workplace strategy and functional programming set the framework for complete design services. Through the lens of project first thinking, we strive to create a studio environment characterized by continual information sharing, resourcefulness, collaboration and efficient decision making.

OPPORTUNITY

Architecture49 is seeking a strategic and business-minded Divisional Controller to join our Finance team, reporting directly to the Vice President of Finance and the Executive Leadership Team. This leadership role plays a critical part in driving financial performance, strengthening project governance, and supporting sustainable growth across the Architecture49 business.

As a trusted finance partner to Project Directors, Project Managers, and senior business leaders, you will lead a team of Project Financial Advisors, ensuring financial excellence throughout the project lifecycle while delivering insights that support informed decision-making and operational success.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related discipline.

• CPA designation or equivalent professional accounting qualification preferred.

• Significant progressive financial leadership experience within professional services, consulting, engineering, architecture, or project-based environments.

• Demonstrated success leading and developing finance teams in a complex, multi-project business environment.

• Experience supporting cash management and treasury activities, including cash flow analysis, working capital visibility, and banking coordination

• Strong understanding of project accounting, forecasting, revenue recognition, budgeting, and financial performance management.

• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and build trusted relationships across operational and executive teams.

• Strong understanding of Joint Venture accounting, processes and taxation

• Advanced analytical capabilities with experience translating financial data into strategic business recommendations.

• Exceptional communication, leadership, and change management skills with a focus on collaboration and results.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key responsibilities of this position include senior financial leadership experience, strong project accounting expertise, disciplined financial governance, and the ability to translate complex financial information into practical business insight. You will have demonstrated success leading finance teams, strengthening controls and reporting, supporting cash forecasting and treasury activities, and partnering with operations to improve project performance across a national, multi-office professional services environment.

• Lead and develop a team of Project Accountants / Billing Coordinators / JV Accountant(s), fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Partner with Project Directors, Project Managers and operations to drive project profitability, financial forecasting, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Provide strategic financial leadership and actionable insights to support business planning and operational decision-making.

• Strengthen project governance by ensuring adherence to financial controls, policies, and best practices throughout project delivery.

• Oversee project performance reporting, analysing trends, identifying opportunities, and recommending corrective actions where required.

• Support the Senior Leadership in developing financial strategies that align with Architecture49's growth objectives and business priorities.

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance processes, reporting capabilities, and operational efficiency.

• Contribute to the development of high-performing regional practices and promote financial literacy across the business.

Core Competencies

At A49 we believe that clearly defining core competencies helps align our staff with the company's strategic goals. It provides a framework for hiring, training, and retaining talent that aligns with the skills and capabilities essential for our success. The following competencies are essential for the role of Divisional Controller:

• Effective Communicator able to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely in both verbal and written format ensuring that messages are easily understood by diverse audiences.

• Experienced Decision-Maker with strong decision-making skills and the ability to consider relevant information, analyze options, and choose the best course of action to achieve organizational goals.

• Adaptable with a demonstrated ability to be open to change, embrace new ideas, and adjust strategies to meet evolving business challenges.

• Strategic Thinker able to see the bigger picture, understand the long-term goals of the organization and develop and implement strategies to achieve those goals, considering both internal and external factors.

• Influencer and Motivator able to inspire and motivate team members by using effective persuasion, fostering a positive work environment, and leading by example to encourage high levels of commitment and performance.

• Emotional Intelligence demonstrated by self-awareness, empathy, and cultivating positive relationships.

• Team Builder that can create cohesive and high-performing teams, foster collaboration, and recognize and leverage individual strengths.

• Integrity and Ethics characterized by a history of honest, ethical behavior, and consistency in decision-making, serving as a role model for ethical conduct.

• Results Orientation focused on achieving measurable outcomes and driving performance while maintaining a commitment to quality.

Compensation:
AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $122,900 - $162,800
MB & ON: $112,100 - $154,400
NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $111,000 - $147,400

Disclosure:
The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The wage range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.