Manager, Merchandise Accounting

: 1250455

**Who we are**
As the Working and Learning Company, we at Staples Canada, are dynamic, inspiring partners to our customers and the communities in which we live. At Staples, we inspire people to work smarter, learn more and grow every day. We look for people who are curious, approachable, and passionate, and who enjoy finding solutions.
If that’s you, let’s work, learn, and grow together.

We are building an inclusive and diverse team
Staples Canada is creating an inclusive and diverse work environment. We welcome, value and thrive on perspectives and contributions from backgrounds that vary by race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lifestyle, age, educational background, national origin, religion or physical ability. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

**Some of what you will do**:
In partnership with the Inventory Control team, the Manager, Merchandise Accounting will be responsible for overseeing the accounting of Inventory, Sales and Cost of Sales. You will mentor and coach a team of analysts, review monthly account and system reconciliations, and review month-end close financial information. You will work very closely with our Inventory Control, Merchandising, and other Finance teams.

**Specifically, You Will**:
Leadership (15%)
- Responsible for coaching, managing and providing guidance and motivation to members of the team.
- Responsible for all aspects of team management including talent and performance management, training, onboarding, and identification of gaps in resources and skillsets with input from Director/VP
- Responsible for management of resources and priorities for all activities that impact the team and keep Director/VP informed of risks
- Improve and enhance methods, operating or administrative procedures, to increase productivity and controls.

Month End Close Process (30%)
- Establish month end closing procedures with an objective of continuous improvement to ensure a timely, accurate and balanced month end close process.
- Work closely with Inventory Control team to coordinate the closing activities
- Work closely with the internal stakeholders to resolve issues related to vendor rebates, accruals, inventory reconciliations etc
- Oversee month-end closing activities, including review and posting of journal entries and account reconciliations. Review journals, analyses and accounts and determine necessary adjustments.
- Keep Director/VP Finance apprised of unexpected or uncontrollable circumstances that may impact reporting timelines
- Establish and maintain the obsolescence, other valuation reserve models to ensure it is in line with IFRS and operations

Reporting (10%)
- Prepare monthly sales and margin summary.
- Provide support to senior management and key stakeholders, including ad hoc reports and requests as requested

Internal / External Communications (20%)
- Oversee and provide customer service to the business including senior management.
- Coordinate communication and activities with related parties and shared services regarding related party activities / transactions and reporting of financial information as required.
- Liaise with internal and external auditors including various provincial and federal tax authorities. Deal with customers and vendors regarding outstanding issues as required.

Controls (15%)
- Coordinate with various teams and senior management to ensure controls are in place and operating effectively as determined by senior management and in accordance with the controls framework of the organization.
- Evaluate, recommend and implement processes to enhance internal controls with a risk and controls mindset.
- Communicate any control deficiencies and exceptions to Director/VP Finance as required.
- Partner with various individuals within finance and the business to improve controls and efficiency.

Projects (10%)
- Represent the department on cross functional projects, including M&A integration, providing functional expertise and recommendations.
- Participate in projects for upgrade rollouts and system implementation(s), including requirements gathering, user acceptance testing, etc.
- Prioritize department resources as required.
- Responsible to make Senior Management aware of any issues, obstacles, or risks regarding the projects.

Some of what you need:

- CPA designation
- Strong knowledge of financial reporting
- Strong knowledge and understanding of financial systems and dealing with multiple systems. Experience with Oracle is an asset
- Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively to external stakeholders.
- Strong time management and prioritization skills and able to handle tight timelines.
- Resourceful, strong analytical abilities and creative problem solving skills
- Audit and controls experience are an asset
- A commitment to improvement, providing and implementing recommendations.
- Advanced skills in