Controller

About this role

Burdock is looking for a hands-on Controller to lead the accounting and financial operations of our growing brewery and hospitality business.

This is a broad, high-impact role for someone who enjoys working across all aspects of a small business—from managing day-to-day accounting and payroll to improving financial processes, supporting business decisions, and helping build systems that scale.

The ideal candidate is an independent problem solver, a collaborative team player, and someone who combines strong financial discipline with a practical, entrepreneurial mindset. An interest in beer, food, and hospitality is a definite plus.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Own the full accounting cycle, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management.

• Complete weekly bank and credit card reconciliations.

• Lead the monthly close process, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.

• Maintain accurate inventory and cost accounting across brewery production and hospitality operations.

• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve controls, and automate routine processes.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and maintain accurate financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reporting.

• Lead the annual budgeting process and maintain rolling cash flow forecasts.

• Support pricing, costing, and margin analysis across products and sales channels.

• Evaluate capital investments and other business opportunities through financial analysis.

• Work closely with management to provide practical financial insights that support business decisions.

Tax & Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare and file HST returns.

• Reconcile and remit applicable Ontario beer taxes through the LCBO and Ministry of Finance.

• Reconcile and remit federal excise duties to the CRA.

• Coordinate year-end financial statements and tax filings with our external accounting firm.

• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with relevant financial and tax requirements.

Payroll & HR Administration

• Manage biweekly payroll for brewery and restaurant employees, including hourly and salaried staff.

• Coordinate payroll remittances, T4s, Records of Employment, and other statutory reporting with payroll partners.

• Serve as the primary administrative contact for employee benefits, onboarding, offboarding, and general HR matters.

• Maintain organized and accurate employee and payroll records.

Qualifications

• CPA designation.

• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including independently managing full-cycle accounting and month-end close.

• Experience with inventory accounting and costing, ideally in manufacturing, food and beverage, or hospitality.

• Hands-on experience with Canadian payroll and a working knowledge of Ontario employment standards.

• Advanced Excel skills and experience with cloud-based accounting or ERP systems.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities independently.

• A practical, solutions-oriented approach, with an interest in improving processes and systems.

• Experience in a brewery, winery, distillery, or similar production environment is an asset.

Why Burdock?

Burdock is an independent Toronto brewery with a growing portfolio of beers and hospitality operations. We’re a small, collaborative team that values initiative, thoughtful problem-solving, and people who take ownership of their work.

This is an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the business, work directly with leadership, and help shape how our financial operations evolve as we grow.