Financial Controller

Our client is seeking to fill a Financial Controller position in Windsor, ON. The ideal candidate will possess a university degree, college diploma, or certification in accounting or finance, or an equivalent qualification, along with 7-10 years of experience in a senior-level finance or accounting position within the Canadian market. Knowledge and application of compliance with local, provincial, and federal budgetary report are required, with preference given to candidates holding a CPA certification.

This role offers the chance to be part of a growing team within a progressive organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to and partnering with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the controller will play a critical role in developing and implementing the financial strategy. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Controller will be an advisor to the divisional presidents, evaluating and assisting them with their financial plans and economic modeling. The Controller will be responsible for overseeing all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization, in conjunction with the Board of Directors.

• Create, coordinate, and evaluate the financial programs and supporting information systems of the company to include budgeting, tax planning, and conservation of assets.
• Approve and coordinate changes and improvements in automated financial and management information systems for the company.
• Ensure compliance with local, provincial, and federal budgetary reporting requirements.
• Oversee the approval and processing of revenue, expenditure, and position control documents, department budgets, mass salary updates, ledger, and account maintenance and data entry.
• Coordinate the preparation of financial statements, financial reports, special analyses, and information reports.
• Develop and implement finance, accounting, billing, and auditing procedures.
• Establish and maintain appropriate internal control safeguards.
• Review planning processes and suggest improvements.
• Analyze operations to identify areas in need of reorganization, downsizing or elimination.
• Identify opportunities for expansion, and into new product areas.
• Interact with other managers to provide consultative support to planning initiatives through financial and management information analyses, reports, and recommendations.
• Ensure records systems are maintained in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
• Develop and direct the implementation of strategic business and/or operational plans, projects, programs, and systems.
• Assist in obtaining the necessary licenses and insurance required for business.
• Analyze cash flow, cost controls, and expenses to guide business leaders. Analyze financial statements to pinpoint potential weak areas.
• Establish and implement short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures to maintain maximum productivity.
• Assess organizational performance against both the annual budget and Tandem Engineering Group's long-term strategy.
• Study long-range economic trends and project their impact on future growth in sales.
• Develop tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information to the CEO and make actionable recommendations on both strategy and operations.
• Engage the Board's finance, audit, and investment committees around issues, trends, and changes in the operating model(s) and operational delivery.
• Assist in establishing yearly objectives and meeting agendas, and selecting and engaging outside consultants (auditors, investment advisors).
• Oversee long-term budgetary planning and costs management in alignment with Tandem Engineering Group's strategic plan.
• Manage cash flow and forecasting.
• Develop a reliable cash flow projection process and reporting mechanism that includes minimum cash threshold to meet operating needs.
• Optimize the handling of banking relationships and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash positions.
• Oversee budgeting and the implementation of budgets so as to monitor progress and present financial metrics both internally and externally.
• Serve on planning and policy-making committees.
• Oversee financial management of foreign operations to include developing financial and budget policies and procedures.
• Handle negotiations for mergers, acquisitions and the establishment of new divisions.
• Represent the company externally to media, government agencies, funding agencies, and the general public.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate department staff.
• Perform other responsibilities as necessary.

Job Requirements:

Qualifications

• University Degree in Finance or Accounting.
• MBA or Master's degree in Finance or Accounting preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience in a senior-level finance or accounting position.
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience.
• CPA preferred.
• Experience in strategic planning and execution.
• Knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and change management.
• Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems.
• Knowledge of American federal and state financial regulations and Canadian Federal and Provincial regulations.
• Excellent ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections.
• Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects.
• Strong leadership and managerial skills.
• Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.
• Work requires willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Extensive experience and knowledge in dealing with accounting systems, budgets, internal controls, business planning, and asset management.
• Advanced proficiency with accounting software and spreadsheet programs and applications.
• Knowledge of Deltek Vision or Vantagepoint accounting and project management software is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of manufacturing and engineering industries considered an asset.
• Effective attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Strong work ethic and positive team attitude.
• Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
• Ability to respond appropriately in pressure situations with a calm and steady demeanor.
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.
• Able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing appropriately to all levels of the audience.
• Ability to present financial analysis to company stakeholders.
• Able to build and maintain lasting relationships with other departments, key business partners, and government agencies.
• Experience creating and managing budgets for a large, multi-company organization.
• Strong problem identification and problem resolution skills.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office productivity suite.
• Knowledge of best practices in internal controls.
• TN Visa eligibility required.

Forge Consulting is a growth-oriented organization determined to enable our people to realize their potential. Our office culture fosters a friendly, open-minded workplace where employees are encouraged to find balance with their personal and work life. As a member of a dynamic, energy driven team, each employee is eager to learn, valued for their contributions and approaches each day excited to grow themselves and the company further.