Accounting Manager

Accounting Manager (Fast Track To Director of Finance)

Position Summary:
Manage the ongoing operations of the Accounting department with emphasis on accounts payable, general ledger and costing. Manage the monthly closing process of the general ledger for multiple sites. Monitor budgetary compliance for Operations teams at various sites and prepare monthly variance analysis versus the budget. Participate in the development of accurate cost standards for materials and resources. Analyse monthly variances and explain results to management team. Work with the operations team to drive operational improvements and provide financial guidance in decision making.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Participate in preparation of timely and pertinent PLE reports and analysis for senior management review
• Prepare reports for monthly plant performance review
• Participate in monthly financial close process – prepare journal entries and sales invoices as needed
• Participate in both cycle counts and physical inventories of raw materials and finished goods
• Ensure completeness of monthly balance sheet reconciliations
• Prepare monthly sales and use tax returns
• Prepare annual personal property tax returns including tax abatement applications
• Participate in the annual budget process
• Participate in forecasting process
• Track CAPEX spending and prepare monthly analysis of same
• Audit P-card expenditures to ensure compliance with spending guidelines
• Supervise Accounting team – Accounts Payable, Staff Accountant & Cost Accountant
• Coordinate information requirements with external auditors
• Provide financial analysis in capital investment process and contract decisions
• Assist in development of procedures to analyse manufacturing trends
• Assist the Director Finance &, Administration to help drive operational improvements
• Present financial data to assist operations in decision making
• Ensure compliance with spending and approval guidelines for purchases

Key Competencies:

• Planning/Organizing--Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Business Acumen--Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Problem Solving--Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyses information skilfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Communication--Communicates clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings; Writes clearly and informatively.
• Teamwork--Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Change Management—Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results
• Managing People--Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes self available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.

Key Relationships (Internal/External):

Corporate Accounting Team – G/L & Tax

Operations Managers

Cost Manager

Vendors/Suppliers

External Auditors

Knowledge & Experience:

• Bachelors in Accounting preferred
• Minimum 5 years supervisory level experience in a manufacturing environment
• General Ledger & Cost preferred
• Previous experience with SAP or similar ERP system i.e. Oracle, JD Edwards
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Advanced PC skills, proficiency with Windows, MS Office Suite (excel, Word and PowerPoint)
• Hands-on self-starter with the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
• Will be expected to travel as needed to corporate and other manufacturing sites
• Periodic weekend or evening work is expected
• Previous supervisory experience preferred