Controller [Santa Maria Foods]

About us:

Sofina Foods is one of Canada’s leading manufacturers of primary and further processed protein products for retail and foodservice customers as well as international markets. We manufacture pork, beef, turkey, chicken and fish products in Canada and Europe. Our family of brands include Cuddy, Lilydale, Janes, Mastro, San Daniele, Fletcher’s, Vienna, Riserva and Zamzam in Canada; and Youngs, Greenland and Karro’s in UK. We are also the exclusive Canadian distributor of Italy’s finest Rio Mare, Lavazza products and Kicking Horse Coffee in Canada. 

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Director, Finance, the Controller for Santa Maria Foods leads a team of seven to satisfy all deliverables related to financial and operational reporting, related analysis, cost accounting and routine processing in accordance with business requirements and standards.  The position works closely with:

1. Plant Operations and Engineering to support three manufacturing facilities (1 SVP Operations, 3 Plant Managers)

a. Goreway

b. Humberline

c. Belleville

2. Grocery team to support the Grocery Import Business (SMF Grocery)

3. Consolidation, reporting and presentation of Divisional Results (EBITDA and Cash Flow; specific project action / implementation)

4. Finance

a. Accounts Payable (2 FTE)

b. Financial (5 FTE)

This position requires a demonstrated continuous improvement mindset, leadership in establishing customer service oriented and business partner culture, with a great attention to detail.

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide leadership to the accounting team (7 FTE) and oversee day-to-day effectiveness of staff by managing for highest performance.  This includes goal setting, coaching, mentoring and developing, training and managing individual performance;
• Partnering with Operations and Supply Chain ensure consistency and accuracy in all operational reporting and analysis.  Attend operational meetings for discussion of areas to improve, generate potential solutions and course of action. Reporting includes, but is not limited to:

• • Yield and labour efficiency;
  • Impact of SKU Mix from a yield, labour and expense perspective;
  • Labour and operational expenses;
  • Inventory on hand balances and trending DIO;
  • AFE review and tracking against approved project plan;
  • Cost savings initiatives – development of new ideas and performance against each one.

• Drive process improvement to ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness of the accounting team, including focusing team on value-add activities;
• Manages month-end close process and completes financial reporting package with in-depth variance analysis applying business acumen on all aspects. Ensure a high level of accuracy, completeness and all deadlines are met;
• Support the enforcement of closing timelines, helping business partners become more efficient in the close process. This includes timelines associated with daily, weekly and monthly reporting activities;
• Manage cash flow by reporting on cash movements, and monitoring working capital levels;
• Establish and monitor internal controls and regulatory compliance;
• Ensure all balance sheet and variance account reconciliations are completed on a monthly basis with reconciling items cleared in a timely manner.  Perform analytical review of all account reconciliations;
• Key contact for Treasury, intercompany divisions, and external audits.  Coordinate efforts, preparing and reviewing required information as requested, meeting all deadlines. Liaise with other Controllers to establish a “Sofina One” approach incorporating best business practices;
• Coordinates Statistics Canada reporting including monthly financial and annual customized manufacturing reports.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration;
• CMA/ CGA/CA/CPA Professional Accounting Designation and minimum of 10+ years post designation experience;
• Experience in a manufacturing environment required, preferably in a food processing environment;
• Demonstrated, independent Controllership experience; including operations accounting & analysis, including standard costing and business analysis thereof;
• Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian GAAP and being able to interpret GAAP guidance and apply to situation at hand;
• Demonstrated Leadership & People Management / Team development skills;
• Excellent time management skills (ability to multi-task and manage tight deadlines and multiple customer demands);
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, conflict resolution and organizational skills;
• Strong ability to build effective relationships within and outside the Company;
• Demonstrated business and financial acumen; excellent analytical skills;
• Advanced skills in Excel;
• Experience with AS400 ERP system is preferable.

#SMARK

Sofina Foods Inc. is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). Applicants are asked to make their needs/requirements, for the purpose of accommodation under AODA, known to Human Resources when they are contacted for an interview.