Controller

Wanted: Controller - 12 month contract 

Kelowna, BC or remote (West Coast Canada)

Do you enjoy turning financial complexity into clarity? Do you instinctively look around corners for risk, opportunity, and what the numbers are really telling you? Does understanding the details within the general ledger bring you joy? If so, we’re looking for you! 

You:

• Have pulled recyclables out of the trash
• Are really interested in circular economies
• Appreciate a good debate even with your boss
• Figure out how to fix it instead of who is to blame
• Aren’t afraid to jump in the deep end
• Are excited about unlocking empowered teams

We:

• Believe we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children
• Work to protect and restore the environment
• Aren't afraid to make mistakes as long as we learn
• Care more about your values and intelligence than your experience
• Are committed to creating team dynamics that create empowerment vs. entitlement

Our Core Values:

1. Commit to a culture that builds a strong COMMUNITY
2. Foster CREATIVITY to inspire fresh innovation
3. Embrace COURAGE by taking action despite uncertainty
4. Live with Awareness and CONSCIOUSNESS of our choices

We're a Kelowna-born, Certified B Corporation on a simple mission: make everyday products that help people waste less. With team members in Canada, the US, China and the Philippines, we're a small, scrappy crew doing big things! 

The Opportunity: 

As our Controller, you’ll help us maintain a close pulse on the business — cash, costs, margins, forecasts and risk — while ensuring our accounting fundamentals are exceptionally well managed. You’ll be comfortable getting into the details, questioning assumptions, identifying issues early and helping leaders understand the financial implications of the decisions in front of them.

Working through others to achieve timely and accurate results, this role will require an individual that thrives in an environment of continuous improvement and collaborative problem-solving. If you are a leader who is passionate about bringing clarity, control and sound financial judgment to a business, this role is for you.

The Responsibilities: 

Financial Management & Stewardship

• Maintain a strong and accurate financial foundation, ensuring leaders have clear visibility into the financial health of the business.
• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, cash management and the effective use of our accounting systems.
• Maintain and strengthen financial policies, processes and internal controls that safeguard company assets, improve accuracy and support disciplined financial management.
• Keep a close pulse on cash flow, working capital, expenses and financial commitments, identifying emerging risks or concerns early.
• Partner with department leaders to strengthen financial acumen, improve accountability to budgets and better understand how operational decisions impact the bottom line.
• Look for practical opportunities to simplify processes, reduce unnecessary costs and improve the quality and efficiency of financial operations.

Financial Reporting, Controls & Compliance

• Deliver accurate, timely and decision-useful monthly financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets and cash flow reporting.
• Own the monthly close process and preparation or review of supporting reconciliations, schedules and documentation.
• Analyze revenue, gross margin, operating expenses and balance sheet movements, identifying variances, trends and areas requiring attention.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax requirements and financial reporting obligations.
• Coordinate with external accountants, auditors and other financial partners, ensuring audit and year-end requirements are well prepared and efficiently managed.
• Oversee required tax, government and regulatory filings and ensure deadlines and financial obligations are consistently met.

Forecasting & Financial Planning

• Maintain practical, forward-looking financial forecasts that give leadership an early view of cash requirements, financial risks and changes in business performance.
• Support the annual budgeting process and regularly compare actual performance against budget and forecast.
• Pressure-test assumptions and help leadership understand the financial implications of business decisions before commitments are made.
• Translate financial results into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for the leadership team.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins, manage costs, strengthen cash position and increase operational efficiency.

Finance Team Leadership

• Provide clear direction, oversight and support to the Finance team, ensuring strong execution of core accounting responsibilities.
• Establish appropriate rhythms, accountabilities and controls so that financial work is accurate, timely and dependable.
• Coach and develop team members while remaining willing to step into the details when the business requires it.
• Foster a Finance function that is collaborative, responsive and comfortable asking thoughtful questions in service of better business decisions.

We’re flexible on what the right partnership looks like. This could be a part-time employee or a fractional/contract finance partner able to dedicate a consistent Controller who will get to know our business, our team and our numbers deeply.

Qualifications:

• CPA designation is required
• Proven experience as a Controller or similar role, preferably in a physical product, ecommerce or retail environment
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and variance analysis.
• Proficient in Netsuite, or similar large ERP and comfort with financial software systems and tools; 
• Desire to drive projects forward. 
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail.
• Strong leadership abilities with the ability to inspire and motivate a small  team.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating across diverse teams.

Commitment to Diversity 

Pela & Lomi are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We value unique perspectives and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Compensation Range dependent on hours agreement (85,000-120,000)