Budget Controller

About Us

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Hybrid)

This position plays a pivotal role in managing strategic planning, budgeting and forecast processes for the departments Hitachi Rail GTS Canada Inc (HRGTSC).

This position is responsible for monthly variance analysis of department costs relative to plan, cost trend analyses and forecasting, labor rate and recovery analysis as well as recommendations for enhanced cost control and operational efficiencies.

Key Accountabilities:
Budget Process:
- Ensure preparation and management of department budgets is consistent with the Mid-Term Management Plan (MTMP) of the company.- Manage effective cost control on department budgets in line with project and operational initiatives for the budget year (Headcount, Direct Department Costs, Over Head Costs, Productive Hours).- Validate the rationale for department budgets (Costs, Labour rates, Productive hours) in liaison with operational managers, directors and the management team.- Propose different “what-if” scenarios to support the management team in effective decision making.- Communicate the final budget to all operational managers.- Ensure Purchase Orders and new hire requests are compliant with budget.- Assist in the compilation of the Balance Sheet in liaison with the extended Finance team.

Monthly Cycle:
- Analyze the variance between budgeted and actual expenses for departments and investigate variances with department managers for appropriate action if applicable.- Provide timely monthly reporting to operational managers within 10 days of the month-end close.- Provide detailed analyses for productive and non-productive hours on a monthly basis to assist department managers in monitoring budgets for prompt follow-up- Quarterly review with operational managers to review their reports and to ensure accessibility, clear understanding and consistent interpretation of results

Forecast:
- Coordinate and liaise with operational managers to prepare bi-annual forecasts (potentially quarterly if required) on the expenses and productive hours for the year.- Perform monthly reviews of cost absorption from departments and monitor significant variances from budget. Work with department managers to explain any major deviations and drive appropriate action plans to address them.- Provide management with a monthly detailed analysis on variances in budget/forecast.- Assist in the revision of the Balance Sheet at least bi-annually.

Cost Structure:
- Maintain a clear mapping of the department cost centre hierarchy in the business system (SAP) in liaison with the General Accounting Manager.

Internal Controls:
- Assist in the co-ordination of the monthly Finance schedule on all key activities and reporting deadlines- Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.- Maintain updated process documentation of Financial Planning and Analysis activities.

Other:
- Comply with detailed company policies in accounting and financial reporting- Ensure compliance with financial internal controls- Recommend, develop, and implement changes in financial planning, analysis and reporting to enhance operational efficiency- Manage the implementation of new systems and procedures affecting reporting/planning- Prepare audit schedules and other information as required to support internal/external audits as required- Direct and/or participate in special projects at the request of management- Ensure timely resolution of issues- This role will require significant amounts of overtime in order to complete tasks on a timely basis during peak periods.- Other duties as assigned

Key Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 - 8 years planning experience in a fast-paced, multinational environment- Professional Accounting designation (CMA, CA) with undergraduate degree in Finance/Business or equivalent- Fluency in English is mandatory. Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.- High conceptual and analytical abilities- Customer focused and results oriented- Experience with large accounting software (SAP preferred)- Excellent knowledge of excel, including advanced functions

Preferred Qualifications:
- Very good communication and interpersonal skills- Organize workload to meet deadlines and work with little supervision- Must be able to work under pressure of deadlines


At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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