Plant Controller

Job Summary:

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, documentation 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.

Responsibilities:

Central Division

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.
Drive process improvement to ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Finance team while ensuring compliance with company policy, quality processes, and work standards
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 tea
Coordinate month-end closing process, abiding to set schedule, correcting, and rectifying emerging issues to ensure deadlines are met and deliverables are accomplished.
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.

Plant Level

Responsible for the review of the daily, weekly, monthly operational reporting (yield and labour reports) and analysis of variances to targets and historical information.
Work closely with the facility accountants, Plant Managers, and other key stakeholders to analyze reports, ensure their consistency and compliance with required parameters/format.
Work with the Ops management by providing required business analysis that is responsive to their specific needs and meets company’s goals and objectives.
Attend scheduled operational meetings for discussion of results. Provide support to management and advise on cost management, cost control measures and the cost-effectiveness of program areas and strategic plans.
Liaise with other plant controllers in the company as well as corporate finance, business performance, treasury, etc.
Ensure all balance sheet account reconciliations are completed by the Cost Accountants and reviewed on a timely basis.
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.
Provide financial guidance and support on new production lines profitability.

Requirements:

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/expert skills in Excel
Experience with an ERP system; knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems
Knowledge of federal financial regulations