Controller

at  Birchwood

JOB SUMMARY:

Do you know how to prepare financial statements, manage revenue, accounts payable, and accounts receivable transactions, supervise accounting staff and have automotive experience or an accounting designation? If you answer yes, we want to hear from you.
Birchwood (Manitoba’s largest and fastest-growing automotive group), is looking for a dedicated, experienced and enthusiastic Controller. As part of the Birchwood Accounting Services leadership team, the Controller will play an integral role in overseeing the accounting for multiple entities within the auto group. The Controller is responsible for the financial reporting, accounting, monitoring and controls of certain entities’ accounting needs and stakeholder requirements. In addition, the Controller will also be asked to look for opportunities to enhance current processes and develop new strategies that create efficiencies within the department and the greater group.
This position is a leadership role with the expectation that the incumbent will act as a mentor to the entities’ accountants and will provide support to all Birchwood Automotive Group team members.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• University degree or equivalent in the field of accounting;
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the overall operation of a retail automotive entity’s accounting procedures considered an asset;
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to successfully delegate to, motivate, lead, teach and mentor team members;
• Excellent interpersonal skills - must be an effective communicator both verbally and in writing;
• Demonstrated a high degree of common sense and intellect with well-developed business acumen;
• Focused on clients’ needs – anticipates, understands, and responds to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations;
• Ability to think “outside the box” to transform legacy processes to be more efficient;
• Minimum three (3) years of Controller or Senior Finance experience;
• Strong computer literacy. Sage and CDK experience is considered an asset.
• Designation preferred: CPA, CA, CGA, CMA;
  Our ideal candidate will have automotive or dealership experience, exceptional accounting skills, some leadership experience, and a positive attitude. They will be excited to overcome obstacles, take on challenges and strive for continuous improvement. While an accounting designation would be preferred, previous controller experience will be considered!

• Support and execute the financial planning and accounting procedures of the entities, including:
  o Month-end reporting,
  o Vehicle & Repair sales transactions,
  o Managing financing & foreign exchange transactions,
  o Banking, accounts receivable, accounts payable and cash flow management,
  o Budgeting, and variance analysis,
  o Reporting results to multiple stakeholders including the General Managers and Head Office

  o Year End functions, including preparing files for external audit;

• Supervise a team of 7, including an Assistant Controller;

• Regularly meet with the General Managers on the financial position of their operations;
• Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to strengthen internal controls and manage risk; ensure business risks are appropriately communicated;
• Resolve escalated client service issues and strengthen relationships with stakeholders throughout Birchwood Automotive Group;
• Educate, mentor, and assist others in both finance and non-finance roles;
• Foster a client-driven and can-do environment with a hands-on approach to deliver key initiatives.