Financial Accounting : Accounting Technician | Chief Accountant | Corporate Controller
Definition of accounting roles
Accounting jobs cover a broad spectrum of responsibilities, from Accounting Technicians who manage daily operations, to Chief Accountants overseeing financial reporting, and Financial Controllers ensuring compliance and driving performance.
These three levels are complementary and essential to guarantee accurate financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards, and support for strategic decision-making in every organization.
Typical responsibilities by level
Accounting Technician
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Record daily transactions (invoices, bank reconciliations, payables and receivables).
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Maintain the accounts payable and receivable cycle.
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Post journal entries and process payroll (depending on the organization).
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Support month-end and year-end closings.
Chief Accountant
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Supervise the full accounting cycle and coordinate accounting staff.
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Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
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Manage tax filings and regulatory reporting.
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Implement and monitor internal controls.
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Collaborate with external and internal auditors.
Financial Controller
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Oversee all accounting and financial operations.
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Analyze results and ensure compliance with ASPE or IFRS.
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Develop and optimize reporting processes and financial systems.
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Support management in profitability analysis and strategic planning.
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Lead accounting teams and act as a key liaison with finance leadership.
Key skills required for accounting roles
Accounting Technician
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Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
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Proficiency with accounting software (Acomba, Sage, QuickBooks, ERP).
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Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines.
Chief Accountant
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Strong knowledge of accounting standards (ASPE, IFRS).
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Ability to supervise teams and delegate effectively.
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Analytical mindset and problem-solving skills.
Financial Controller
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Leadership and strategic vision.
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Advanced knowledge of ERP systems and reporting tools.
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Ability to translate financial data into actionable recommendations.
Education and experience requirements
Accounting Technician: DEC, AEC, or diploma in accounting; 1–5 years of experience.
Chief Accountant: Bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA designation often an asset; 5–10 years of experience.
Financial Controller: CPA strongly recommended; 8–15 years of experience with proven leadership.
Differences between SMEs and large corporations
In SMEs
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Technicians are versatile, handling payroll, payables, receivables, and reconciliations.
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Chief Accountants often manage the entire cycle, sometimes with responsibilities close to a Controller.
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Controllers act as key advisors to executives, heavily involved in budgeting and strategic decisions.
In large corporations
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Technicians are specialized (payables, receivables, fixed assets).
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Chief Accountants manage larger teams and focus on financial statement accuracy and controls.
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Controllers oversee full departments (consolidation, reporting, tax) and often serve as CFO deputies.
Career outlook and progression
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Accounting Technician becomes Chief Accountant or Financial Analyst.
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Chief Accountant becomes Financial Controller or Accounting Director.
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Controller becomes Finance Director, VP Finance, or CFO.
Salary in accounting in Quebec
Accounting Technician: CAD $50,000 – $65,000.
Chief Accountant: CAD $80,000 – $110,000.
Financial Controller: CAD $90,000 – $130,000.