Reporting to the Director, Finance (West), the Controller provides direction and leadership to the accounting team. Responsibilities include leading and developing the Finance team, month-end close process, financial and operational reporting for the plants and the Central division, ERP system functions, internal controls, process improvement, maximizing cash flow, annual audit, documentations and ad hoc analysis and reporting. The Controller will be a leader in establishing a customer service oriented and business partner culture in the Finance team and will always be looking for ways to add value both individually and as a team.
Key Accountabilities:
- Provide leadership to the Finance team and oversee day-to-day effectiveness of staff by managing for highest performance. This includes goal setting, coaching, empowering, mentoring, developing, training, and managing individual performance and key result areas.
- Prepare the reporting package, including but not limited to the financial statements, bridging, AP and AR reconciliation, and ensure completeness, timeliness, and accuracy of the reported information. Analyze and interpret financial results in order to assist and advise the executive team.
- Oversee compliance work and liaison with external firms – annual audit, tax compliance and tax returns, pension financial statements, etc.
- Demonstrate advanced competency in accounting systems management which includes general ledger account mapping, configuration, troubleshooting, research, and development. Act as the focal person and control person for system period closing, coding additions, edits, and corrections.
- Manage all general ledger functions including chart of account management. Provide support for ERP system from a Finance perspective.
- Work closely with the facility accountants, Plant Managers, and other key stakeholders to analyze reports, ensure their consistency and compliance with required parameters/format.
- Liaise with other plant controllers in the company as well as corporate finance, business performance, treasury, etc.
- Drive process improvement to ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness of the cost accounting processes while ensuring compliance with company policy, quality processes, and work standards.
- Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration
- Professional Accounting Designation and minimum of five years post designation experience preferably in a food processing environment
- Demonstrating knowledge of Canadian GAAP and being able to interpret GAAP guidance and apply to situation at hand
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
- Strong ability to build effective relationships within and outside the Company
- Demonstrated business and financial acumen; excellent analytical skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Suite with advanced skills in Excel
- Experience with an ERP system; knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems