Controller

Birchwood is looking for a dedicated, experienced, and enthusiastic Controller. As part of the Birchwood Accounting Services leadership team, and reporting directly to the Director of Accounting, the Controller will play an integral role in overseeing the accounting for multiple dealerships within Birchwood.

The Controller is responsible for the financial reporting, accounting, monitoring and controls of all dealership accounting needs and manufacturer program 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 dealership accountants and will provide support to all Birchwood team members.

What you will do:

- Support and execute the financial planning and accounting procedures of the dealerships including:

- Month end reporting,
- Vehicle sale transactions,
- Managing the floor plan,
- Banking, accounts receivable, accounts payable and cash flow management,
- Budgeting, and variance analysis,
- Reporting results to multiple stakeholders including the General Manager, the manufacturer, and Head Office
- Year End functions, including preparing files for external audit;
- Supervise a team of four;
- Regularly meet with the General Managers on the financial position of the dealerships;
- 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.

**Essential Skills / Details**:
What you need to be successful:

- University degree or equivalent in the field of accounting
- Designation preferred: CPA, CA, CGA, CMA;
- Minimum three (3) years Controller or Senior Finance experience or equivalent
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the overall operation of a retail automotive dealership’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 high degree of common sense and intellect with a 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;
- Strong computer literacy. CDK or Reynolds experience considered an asset.
- Clear criminal record check
- Valid 5F drivers license, and own transportation to and from work is required.

Birchwood is Manitoba’s largest automotive retailer network. Our 23 franchises include two state-of-the-art collision repair centres and four Birchwood Credit Solutions locations, and offer sales, services, and parts to meet our customers’ automotive needs. We’re a recognized leader in the retail automotive industry, not only for our diverse workforce reflecting our community, but also our unparalleled commitment to team members, customers, partners, and neighbourhoods. At Birchwood, our days begin and end with gratitude, personal leadership, trust, respect, continuous improvement and generosity.

Birchwood is committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status

**Salary / Wage Range**:
To be discussed during interview process.