About Our Client: Our client is a global industrial manufacturer.
Position Scope: We are seeking a dynamic and trusted financial leader to guide our client’s financial direction while managing day-to-day accounting operations through a centralized financial services function. This role requires someone who is not only technically strong but also flexible in approach, reliable under pressure, and persistent in driving improvements. The successful candidate will bring a collaborative spirit, working effectively as part of a team while also demonstrating the initiative and drive to lead with purpose. Credibility and ethical integrity are essential, as is a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes. This individual will play a key role in strengthening financial systems, enhancing internal controls, and supporting informed, strategic decision-making across the organization.
Responsibilities:
- Lead financial planning and analysis activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting, to support strategic decision-making.
- Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, journal entries, and payroll processing.
- Supervise a shared services team responsible for transactional accounting across North America.
- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements, including monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports, with full compliance to accounting standards.
- Manage payroll administration, benefits coordination, and insurance programs.
- Monitor and report on cash flow, ensuring liquidity and financial stability through accurate forecasting and analysis.
- Coordinate external audits and ensure compliance with all relevant tax and regulatory requirements.
- Support project and job costing activities to improve budgeting accuracy and cost control.
- Manage banking relationships, including transactions, wire transfers, and account administration.
- Maintain strong relationships with external service providers, including financial institutions and consultants.
- Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks in collaboration with senior leadership.
- Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure data integrity.
- Foster a high-performing team environment through effective leadership, training, and development.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging knowledge sharing and process documentation.
- Contribute to a positive and productive workplace by ensuring the team has the tools, systems, and support needed to succeed.
Required Skills and Knowledge:
- Demonstrates a clear focus on achieving defined outcomes, with structured planning, persistence, and accountability for performance within their area of responsibility
- Exercises sound judgment and initiative, engages relevant stakeholders in the decision process, and communicates decisions transparently.
- Shapes efficient and agile structures and processes that support innovation and responsiveness to change.
- Acts consistently and responsibly, fostering a culture of openness and speaking up in cases of conflict, misconduct, or differing opinions.
- Sets clear objectives and performance expectations, while empowering team members with autonomy and ownership of their work.
- Uses empathy and recognition to inspire others, supports a culture of continuous learning, and actively develops high-potential talent.
- Promotes customer-centric thinking and strives for excellence in customer satisfaction, encouraging the same mindset across the team.
- Contributes to broader organizational goals with commercial awareness and cross-functional cooperation.
- Values diversity and actively supports the integration and collaboration of individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
- Displays passion and commitment for the organization’s mission, thrives on challenges, and is intrinsically motivated to lead.
- Quickly grasps complex issues and translates insights into actionable strategies.
- Demonstrates self-awareness, embraces feedback, and pursues continuous personal and professional growth.
- Maintains a positive outlook and effectively manages work-related pressures over the long term.
Education and Experience:
- A minimum of 10 years’ progressive experience in finance and/or accounting leadership roles.
- Post-secondary education in accounting, finance, or a related business discipline; CPA, CA, or equivalent designation strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in Excel, including advanced functions such as pivot tables, lookups, and complex formulas.
- Deep understanding of financial management principles, including budgeting, cost control, and accounting standards.
- Hands-on experience with ERP systems; familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics Business Central is an asset.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and produce accurate forecasts and statements.
- Knowledge of Canadian federal and provincial financial and tax regulations.
- Proven ability to lead change, implement new processes, and secure team alignment and engagement.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a track record of resolving accounting issues efficiently.
Summit Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.
