Job Title: Controller

Location: Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge (with occasional travel)

Industry: Manufacturing

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Expertise: Serve as an expert in financial planning, reporting, controls, and administration within the manufacturing sector.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare periodic financial statements for each company in accordance with US GAAP, including the consolidation of multiple locations.
• Accounting Management: Manage all accounting functions related to cost accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, fixed assets, etc.
• Global Oversight: Oversee accounting, audit, and tax activities for multi-site global locations, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• Cost Analysis: Develop and maintain standard production cost models, conducting audits to ensure accuracy.
• Financial Services Support: Provide financial services to support various departments in areas such as purchasing, inventory, costing, budgeting, and financial statement analysis.
• Variance Analysis: Analyze variances and communicate explanations to management, along with recommended actions.
• Audit Coordination: Coordinate both US GAAP and statutory audits with external auditors.
• Internal Controls: Establish and maintain internal accounting and operational controls over revenue recognition, expense management, and asset control.
• Inventory Management: Ensure accuracy of physical inventory and control the flow of raw materials, tools, and other assets within the manufacturing environment.
• Strategic Support: Assist in developing and supporting short and long-term operational strategies.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Prepare the annual budget and quarterly forecasts.
• Month-end Closing: Manage the month-end closing process and provide daily and weekly flash reports.
• Leadership: Oversee and support the accounting team with dynamic leadership, fostering an environment of trust, productivity, and accountability.

Experience and Skills:

• Bachelors Degree in Accounting or Finance (MBA and/or CPA preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a Controller role.
• Global accounting experience is essential.
• Previous work experience in manufacturing, analytics, and management highly valued.
• Expert understanding of finance, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control principles including GAAP.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel; experience with multiple financial and accounting reporting systems.
• Strong process management skills.
• Critical thinking skills and ability to resolve conflicts constructively.
• Broad understanding of business issues, metrics, organizational linkages, and customer value.
• Ability to build partnerships across functional groups and lead projects or participate in technical teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and motivate others.
• Self-confident with the ability to accept and respond to challenges positively.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, capable of presenting complex topics concisely.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles is beneficial but not required.