Assistant Controller - Temporary

Founded in 1977, the Westbow Group of Companies is made up of high-quality businesses throughout various industries. Based in Chilliwack, BC with operations in Western Canada and Guatemala City, our companies tackle construction, investing, agriculture and non-profit causes, constantly aiming to produce Quality for Generations. We are a company that prides itself on its values:

• We are creative and innovative
• We have fun
• We act with integrity

As the Assistant Controller, you will play a key leadership role within our finance team. Reporting directly to the Controller, you will be responsible for supporting the financial operations of the company, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, maintaining internal controls, and helping to lead the accounting team in alignment with company goals and values. This role is both strategic and hands‑on, requiring a strong grasp of technical accounting, people leadership, and systems thinking.

This is a temporary, full-time contract position with an initial term of 14–18 months.

Annual Salary Range: $90,000-$125,000

• Maintaining high attention to detail while meeting tight deadlines.
• Communicating financial information clearly both written and verbal.
• Working independently and collaborating across departments.
• Demonstrating integrity and discretion with sensitive information.
• Managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Solve problems creatively and analytically.
• Strong leader with a high level of emotional intelligence.
• Upholding Westbow’s core values in all aspects of your work.

• Oversee day‑to‑day accounting operations including A/P, A/R, cash management, payroll, and general ledger entries, managing timelines and assisting the accounting team when issues arise.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and company policies.
• Assist the Controller in cash planning, corporate loan administration, and financial risk management. Review and prepare complex accounting adjustments, reconciliations, and monthly/quarterly/annual financial statements.
• Lead preparation and review of GST/PST returns.
• Research and resolve complex accounting issues.

• Drive the development and implementation of new accounting policies, systems, and procedures.
• Participate in onboarding acquired companies into the accounting structure.
• Recommend and implement operational improvements to optimize financial reporting and workflow efficiency.
• Lead accounting system upgrades and integrations. Assist the Controller in managing growth by ensuring processes are scalable and considering internal control needs.
• Supervise and mentor junior and senior accounting staff.
• Manage team workloads and project timelines.
• Provide ongoing coaching, training, and performance support.
• Lead team meetings and support departmental communication.

• Manage preparation and review of all Year End (YE) files and ensure timely submission.
• Prepare more complex YE files; review those completed by junior/senior accountants.
• Propose and manage the accounting team’s annual budget in consultation with the Controller.
• Confirm accounting accuracy through queue reviews (e.g., Dexter Queues).
• Monitor the organization’s financial information needs and manage change by making recommendations for improvements.

• 5+ years experience in an accounting role.
• Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and frameworks (ASPE and IFRS) and advanced understanding of GAAP.
• Advanced understanding of Canadian GST/PST regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to stay current with accounting standards, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Detail‑oriented, analytical, and highly organized, with a commitment to accuracy and continuous improvement.

At Westbow our vision is to create a world where every person has the skills and opportunities to reach their greatest potential. We value our employees; we are creative and innovative, and we strive to build lasting value in all that we do. We offer a casual and flexible work environment, growth and development opportunities, investment matching and new home discounts.

If this sounds like an opportunity for you, apply today and join in on our fun and inclusive culture! Get the chance to volunteer and work on meaningful initiatives and build a career that builds you.