About Forward Education

Do you want to help inspire future generations to make the world a better place?

We’re bringing creativity, coding skills, and inspiring Climate Action lessons to the forefront of learning in K-12 classrooms worldwide! We believe that technology will unlock a brighter future for us all and that these young generations will help lead the way.

The race to take on Climate Change and the various challenges we face in restoring balance with our planet is the next great Moonshot of our era. Industries will be transformed, and millions of jobs will be created in service of making our collective home sustainable. We need these young generations to have hope, inspiration, and technical skills to make that happen—and with the help of great teachers, that’s where we come in.

At Forward Education, we create classroom learning systems that make it easy to teach coding within the context of Climate Action and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Students learn about issues like forest fires, then build/code their own automated tree-seeding vehicle while learning about similar projects in the Amazon rainforest. We bring the real world to the classroom to educate, inspire, and show students the endless opportunities available to make the world a better place.

Join us in our mission to make a brighter tomorrow!

About You

Our pace of growth brings a lot of change. We thrive on working hard to bring our shared vision to reality. This means that Forward Education is not the right place for everyone. Before you apply, consider if you can:

• Make a lasting impact on the world through your work
• Demonstrate initiative and commitment to excellence
• Thrive in a dynamic environment and adapt to change
• Communicate effectively while embracing diverse perspectives
• Set and achieve ambitious goals to drive success
• Energize our work culture with enthusiasm and a positive attitude
• Grow personally and professionally alongside a like-minded team

The Role

As a Controller at Forward Education, you will report directly to the Head of Operations and lead the finance function within the company. You will be responsible for overseeing and managing the company’s entire financial operation, from accounting processes and financial reporting to budget planning and risk management. Your role will require you to provide financial insights that will help guide strategic decisions and ensure the financial health of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll
• Manage and ensure the accuracy of financial statements, including the P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes
• Manage corporate and team budgets, forecasts, and cash flow planning
• Oversee sales tax management (Canada and International) and corporate tax compliance
• Conduct financial analysis and provide recommendations for cost savings and financial performance improvements
• Maintain and improve internal controls to ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations
• Lead the preparation of financial reports for senior leadership, board of directors, and external stakeholders
• Serve as the point of contact for auditors and ensure successful completion of audits
• Manage inventory valuation, costing, and reconciliation
• Develop and maintain a robust Chart of Accounts
• Lead fiscal year-end processes and annual financial audits
• Support the Head of Operations with strategic initiatives by providing accurate financial forecasting and analysis
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting Assistant and other finance team members
• Ensure effective payroll processing, including benefits, HSA, and insurance contract management

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or equivalent certification preferred)
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a Controller or comparable financial leadership role
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and ERP systems
• Proficient with Excel and accounting software
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing a team
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Adaptable to change and proactive in identifying areas for process improvement
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

Some of Our Great Benefits:

• Competitive compensation
• Stock options
• 15 days of vacation to start
• Hybrid work model
• Medical, dental, vision, and extended health coverage from day one—no waiting period
• 2 paid "Because We Care" days (pet bereavement, religious holiday, mental health support, etc.)
• $500 Wellness Spending Account
• Virtual Health Support