Controller III

Sofina Foods Inc•Brampton, ON

About The Position

Reporting to the Director, Finance, the Controller for Santa Maria Foods leads a team of five 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 Plant Operations and Engineering to support three manufacturing facilities (Goreway, Humberline, Belleville), strengthen and manage partnerships with key grocery customers in our distribution business while maintaining Sofina’s working capital position, ensure proper support and application of inventory controls at 4 distribution centers (2 internal, 2 external), and handle the consolidation, reporting, and presentation of Divisional Results (EBITDA and Cash Flow; specific project action / implementation). This position requires a demonstrated continuous improvement mindset, leadership in establishing a customer service-oriented business partner culture, with great attention to detail.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration.
CMA/ CGA/CA/CPA Professional Accounting Designation and minimum of 10+ years progressive 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 ASPE and being able to interpret ASPE 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 an ERP system.
Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems.
Knowledge of federal financial regulations.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership to the accounting team (5 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 to 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.
Engage in regular meetings with senior executives. Present financial results to senior executives (CFO, VP Finance Operations) with clear, concise analysis of year‑over‑year performance to drive informed decisions and actionable outcomes. Participate in bi‑monthly operational review meetings with the CEO, CFO, and COO to support the Plant Manager in preparing and communicating operational results and key business drivers.
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.
Effectively manage and strengthen partnerships with grocery customers within our distribution business, while ensuring Sofina maintains a strong working capital position.
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.