Financial Controller

Company Description Lemon Stays Inc. is a fast-growing Canadian corporate-housing and property-management company operating more than 300 furnished units in Montreal.

We are looking for a hands-on Finance Manager / Financial Controller to take ownership of our internal accounting and help build the financial systems required for our next stage of growth.

This is not purely a bookkeeping position. We need someone who can ensure the accuracy of our financial records while also turning financial and operational data into budgets, forecasts, cost controls, and actionable recommendations.

Role Description The Finance Manager / Financial Controller is a full-time, hybrid role based in Montreal, QC, with some flexibility for work from home. This role oversees financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting, and ensures accurate and timely preparation of financial statements and management reports. Daily responsibilities include managing accounting operations, monitoring cash flow, coordinating audits, and maintaining internal controls and compliance with applicable regulations. The role also involves analyzing property performance, optimizing revenue and expenses, supporting strategic decisions with financial insights, and collaborating with operations and leadership teams to improve financial processes and reporting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting and Financial Control

• Oversee bookkeeping and ensure transactions are accurately recorded

• Manage monthly closing, bank and credit-card reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules

• Monitor accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll records, and cash movements

• Prepare accurate monthly income statements, balance sheets, and cash-flow reports

• Maintain complete documentation and strong internal financial controls

• Coordinate GST/QST filings and year-end requirements with our external Canadian CPA firm

• Prepare audit-ready working papers and respond to accounting information requests

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Prepare annual budgets and rolling cash-flow forecasts

• Compare actual results against budgets and explain material variances

• Build profitability reports by building, unit, department, and business activity

• Monitor operating costs and identify savings opportunities

• Develop financial models for new buildings, leases, investments, and expansion opportunities

• Analyze occupancy, revenue, rent, furnishing, labour, maintenance, and other operating costs

• Create management dashboards and provide clear financial recommendations to the founder

Tax and Strategic Support

• Work with our external Canadian CPA and tax advisers to identify and evaluate tax-planning opportunities

• Prepare the financial information and projections required for tax planning

• Support financing applications, banking relationships, and major investment decisions

• Help improve the company’s accounting processes, reporting structure, and financial controls

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least three years of relevant accounting or finance experience

• Experience preparing complete monthly financial statements

• Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow planning, and variance analysis

• Advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills

• Experience with QuickBooks Online; Power BI experience is a strong advantage

• Experience in hospitality, property management, real estate, multi-location operations, or a similarly transaction-heavy business is preferred

• Strong analytical skills and exceptional attention to detail

• Ability to work independently, challenge inconsistencies, and communicate clearly with management

• High standards of confidentiality, accountability, and professional integrity

• CPA designation or equivalent professional accounting qualification is a great plus

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Establish a reliable monthly closing and reporting schedule

• Produce clear profitability reporting for each building and unit

• Implement budgets and rolling cash-flow forecasts

• Improve visibility over costs, margins, and upcoming cash requirements

• Give management accurate financial information for expansion and investment decisions

• Maintain an organized relationship with our external Canadian CPA firm

POSITION DETAILS

• Full-time position

• Hybrid

• Reports directly to the Founder

• Works closely with our bookkeeping, operations, and external Canadian CPA teams

• • Compensation based on experience and qualifications