Controller / VP Finance

About SYLVIS 

SYLVIS is an established residuals management firm committed to providing industry-leading environmental operational and consulting services to a wide range of clients in both the private and public sectors. We are a group of highly experienced professionals pioneering innovative solutions to beneficially use residuals. Headquartered in Metro Vancouver, we have been Making Waste History for more than 35 years. SYLVIS is looking to expand its reach by growing across North America and is looking for employees that approach life with a desire to always learn, evolve, and grow. Join a forward-thinking, environmentally conscious team that values innovation, sustainability, and professional growth.

Position Description

The Metro Vancouver based Controller / VP Finance (title will depend on experience) is a rare opportunity for a CPA who thrives in both tactical financial operations and strategic leadership. As the Controller / VP Finance, you will take charge of the company’s financial health—overseeing daily accounting activities—while also collaborating on the company’s long-term growth strategies as part of the Executive Leadership Team. With proven financial experience and reporting directly to the General Manager, this role will be responsible to manage all aspects of the company finances and accounting as well as overseeing administration and HR functions. As part of a small company, the Controller / VP Finance is hands-on with day-to-day functions making this a great role for a CPA who has financial and accounting expertise but is equally passionate strategically about shaping the future of a growing company.

Functions and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Financial and Accounting Operations

• General ledger and chart of accounts
• Accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll management
• Prepare and track annual company budget
• Cash flow management
• Monthly and annual financial statement preparation and reporting
• Bank reporting
• Develop and implement tax strategies, ensuring full compliance with tax regulations, and optimizing the company’s tax position
• Develop and implement internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
• Optimize all aspects of financial management including insurance and assets
• Coordinate and manage external review engagement financial reporting, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory reporting requirements

Strategic Leadership

• Prepare, review, and present accurate financial reports to senior management and investors, ensuring insights into financial performance and KPI tracking
• Participate in strategic planning with the Executive Leadership Team
• Drive financial decisions that align with operational efficiencies and growth
• Lead company Administration, IT, and HR functions
• Serve as the primary point of contact for financial matters with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, and regulatory bodies

Qualifications

• A professional accounting designation (CPA or equivalent)
• Masters Degree in Finance and Accounting or an MBA is an asset

Skills and Experience

• Minimum of five years experience as a Controller or equivalent role
• Minimum of two years experience supervising staff
• Bank reporting is an asset
• Investor and Board of Directors reporting is an asset
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Managing cash flow to support financial stability and growth
• In-depth knowledge of financial regulations and tax laws; direct experience with environmental or consulting sectors is an asset
• Proven track record of driving process improvements to optimize financial operations and organizational efficiency
• Proven experience in scaling a company through a growth period
• A can-do attitude and superior attention to detail and quality
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and inter-personal skills
• Experience implementing and using an ERP is an asset
• Experience managing Administrative, HR, and IT functions is an asset
• Experience with mergers and acquisitions is an asset
• Experience in the environmental services, consulting, or similar industry is an asset, with a strong understanding of project and/or consulting-based businesses

Benefits

SYLVIS is committed to offering best-in-class benefits for its employees and is highly focused on employee satisfaction and retention. Should the successful candidate transition to full-time work, benefits available to permanent employees include:

• Annual profit-share program
• Laptop, cell phone and monthly plan
• Life insurance and extended health benefits, including a healthcare spending account of $1,000 per dependent
• Lifestyle spending account - $400 per year to support active living and sustainable behaviours (e.g. fitness memberships, public transit passes, exercise gear)
• Field gear allowance up to $475 per year
• Professional dues reimbursement for a relevant professional designation
• Professional development support and training opportunities
• Three weeks paid annual leave to start
• 13 paid statutory holidays
• Flexibility to work from home one day per week
• A fun and supportive work environment including all-staff meetings, social activities, and celebrating personal and professional accomplishments

To Apply for BC Controller Position

If you are a strategic and detail-oriented CPA looking to make a real difference in an environmentally focused company, apply now to become a part of SYLVIS’s mission to Make Waste History. We are looking for someone who will help us grow sustainably while contributing innovative ideas to our executive leadership.

Submit a resume and cover letter via our website at www.sylvis.com/our-company/careers 

We are looking to fill this position for a January 2025 start. Applications will be reviewed starting October 31, 2024. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.