Finance Manager

**Who are we**:
Nature's Touch is a global leader in the frozen fruits industry, supplying the retail and industrial sectors in North America, Australia, Taiwan and Japan. We provide a full range of products and support multiple private-label programs in addition to our own brands. We are also one of the largest buyers of fruit globally each year and continue to enjoy strong growth in this emerging category in retail. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join our team as Finance Manager - Inventory Control in Montreal, Quebec.

**The role**:
The Finance Manager - Inventory Control has a leadership role within the company, managing, controlling, and overseeing all aspects of the guardianship, inter-company transfers, valuation, costing and accounting for all Inventory. The Finance Manager plays a crucial role in supporting Senior Management in making key business decisions, ensuring compliance and accuracy in all aspects of Inventory Control and collaborates with key stakeholders to drive insights and efficiencies for the business.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- ** Financial Accounting**: Manage inventory accounting operations and general ledger in line with **GAAP/ASPE**. Strong command of **FIFO** and **standard cost accounting**. Oversee monthly inventory reconciliations for **plant and 3PL-managed inventory**.
- ** Financial Reporting**: Analyze inventory data and prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual reports (~$150M inventory). Lead **PPV**, **MUV**, and **capitalization** analysis.
- ** Cost Accounting**: Monitor actual vs. standard manufacturing costs and lead cost variance analysis. Responsible for leading the bi-annual standard cost update in our ERP system DAX.
- ** Inventory Transactions**: Lead a team of analysts managing **intercompany inventory movements**, internal POs/SOs, and weekly reconciliations.
- ** Inventory Count Management**: Develop and enforce inventory count procedures across plants and 3PLs. Manage annual count plans aligned with audit and banking requirements.
- ** Systems & Transformation**: Contribute to **ERP and finance system enhancements**. Build KPIs and dashboards using real-time data and AI tools for proactive inventory management.
- ** Process Improvement**: Drive consistency and efficiency in inventory tracking and reporting across entities.
- ** Team Leadership**: Lead a global team (1 supervisor, 5 analysts across the US, Canada, and Asia). Set objectives, review performance, and support development.
- ** Stakeholder Engagement**: Partner with executives, auditors, and vendors to address financial issues and provide insights.
- ** Cross-Functional Collaboration**: Align with internal teams for effective decision-making, planning, and operational improvement.

**Qualifications**:

- ** CPA designation required**, with demonstrated expertise in **inventory and cost accounting**.
- ** Minimum 5 years of experience** in inventory accounting operations, ideally within **fast-paced manufacturing environments** in **mid-sized to large organizations**.
- Proven **leadership experience**, with a strong **process improvement mindset** and ability to drive operational efficiency.
- In-depth knowledge of **standard costing**, **FIFO systems**, and **inventory variance analysis**.
- Track record of implementing **inventory controls** and conducting **cost analysis** to support financial accuracy and operational excellence.
- Experience supporting **growing and evolving operations**, with adaptability in high-change environments.
- Proficient with **ERP systems**.
- Knowledge of **ASPE and GAAP** standards.
- Recognized for **analytical strength**, **organizational skills**, and sound **decision-making** in complex business contexts.
- Capable of balancing **strategic thinking** with hands-on tactical execution.
- ** Fluent in English** (required for global operations) and **French** (important for internal communication and compliance in Quebec).
- Comfortable with a **hybrid work model**: minimum two days onsite per week, including **Mondays**.