Hands-on Financial Controller (Turnaround Specialist)

Company: Versa Desk

Location: On-site |full time

Industry: Manufacturing (Standing Desks) and DTC E-Commerce

About Versa Desk

Versa Desk is the premier standing desk manufacturer and a patent holder with ambitious growth goals. We pride ourselves on rigorous processes, data-driven decision making, and a hands-on approach to turning around operations. We are looking for a resilient financial controller who thrives in challenging environments and enjoys fixing and optimizing processes from the ground up.

The Role

As our Hands-on Financial Controller, you will lead the financial health of the company through a critical turnaround phase and drive scalable growth across manufacturing and online marketing activities. You will work closely with leadership to implement robust controls, improve cash flow, optimize cost structures, and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Turnaround leadership: Diagnose root causes of financial underperformance, develop actionable corrective plans, and drive implementation across finance, manufacturing, and marketing teams.
• Manufacturing finance: Oversee cost accounting, standard costs, BOMs, work-in-progress, shop floor costing, and variance analysis; partner with operations to improve throughput and reduce waste.
• Online marketing finance: Manage ROI analyses, attribution models, channel profitability, and budget controls for digital marketing efforts (paid search, social, email, content).
• Cash flow and working capital: Optimize working capital, forecast cash needs, manage collections and payables, and lead treasury activities as needed.
• Financial reporting & controls: Remove inefficiencies in month-end close, deliver timely management reporting, and strengthen internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Budgeting & forecasting: Lead annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, and scenario planning aligned with growth targets.
• Compliance & risk management: Ensure compliance with Canadian accounting standards, tax filings, and regulatory requirements; assess and mitigate financial risks.
• Process improvement: Document and standardize processes; implement scalable systems and automation where feasible.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Partner with production, supply chain, marketing, and executive leadership to drive performance.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Hands-on, pragmatic problem-solver who enjoys diagnosing and fixing processes.
• Turnaround and change-management experience with demonstrable results.
• Manufacturing expertise (cost accounting, standard costing, BOMs, WIP, manufacturing variances).
• Online marketing financial stewardship (ROI, attribution, channel profitability, budgeting for digital campaigns).
• Strong Canadian exposure with comfort navigating Canadian GAAP, tax, and regulatory requirements.
• Growth-oriented mindset who supports company expansion while safeguarding controls.
• Willingness to say “no” to mergers and acquisitions and focus on practical, implementable improvements that contribute to core growth.
• Communication and leadership skills to influence across departments and levels.
• Education & credentials: CPA or equivalent strongly preferred; other accounting qualifications considered with relevant experience.

Requirements

• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive financial leadership experience, including hands-on controllership, ideally in manufacturing with digital/online marketing components.
• Proven track record in turnaround situations or significant process improvements.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing cost accounting, standard costing, and variance analysis.
• Experience with digital marketing finance, campaign budgeting, and ROI measurement.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong planning, forecasting, and cash management capabilities.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and financial planning software; ability to drive system enhancements.
• Knowledge of Canadian financial reporting standards and regulatory requirements.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Flexible work arrangement with on-site collaboration
• Opportunity to influence a fast-growing, patent-holding company
• Collaborative, results-driven culture that values continuous improvement

How to Apply

If you are energized by turning around underperforming processes, have a hands-on approach, and want to contribute to Versa Desk’s growth trajectory, we’d love to hear from you.