Finance Automation Accountant

Why We're More Than Trailers

Founded 45 years ago, Southland Trailers has grown from a small operation into one of Canada's largest trailer manufacturers, with over 560 team members. Our approach is simple: people first, processes second, products third—a philosophy that drives everything we do and forms the foundation of our success.

At Southland Trailers, we are committed to hard work, open communication, a positive attitude, calculated risk-taking, continuous improvement, and leading with humility and respect for every individual. These values set us apart from the competition and enable us to build trailers that meet the evolving needs of our customers.

With a focus on LEAN manufacturing and cutting-edge technology, we consistently deliver high-quality, reliable trailers. Our collaborative, close-knit environment empowers our team members to innovate, problem-solve, and continuously improve.

If you're looking for a place where you can make a real impact and grow with a company that truly values its people, Southland Trailers is the place for you.

About the Role

Southland Trailers is hiring a Finance Automation Accountant to help modernize and streamline our finance processes, starting with Accounts Payable.

This role is designed for someone who enjoys improving systems, building better workflows, and eliminating repetitive work. The initial focus will be learning our AP processes, controls, and exception handling in order to automate invoice intake, coding, and posting using AI-enabled tools.

As automation increases and manual work decreases, the role will evolve into more advanced accounting ownership, including reconciliations, month-end close support, and reporting assistance.

What You'll Do:

1) AP Invoice Automation

You will lead the development and continuous improvement of automated AP invoice workflows. Responsibilities include:

• Configure, train, and maintain AI-enabled invoice capture and coding workflows
• Build and refine exception rules, approval thresholds, and validation checks
• Maintain accurate vendor, GL, and tax mappings as invoice formats and vendors change
• Improve invoice processing speed and reduce manual handling
• Ensure documentation and audit trail requirements are consistently met

2) Transactional Accuracy and Controls

Automation must remain accurate, controlled, and auditable. Responsibilities include:

• Review exceptions and validate automation outputs through sampling
• Ensure all transactions have complete backup documentation attached
• Maintain accurate coding and support clean financial reporting
• Partner with Finance leadership to adjust controls as automation expands

3) Ongoing Finance Process Automation

This role will continuously look for additional opportunities to reduce manual processes beyond AP. Examples include:

• Bulk journal uploads
• Automated accrual processes
• Vendor statement matching and reconciliation
• Standardized recurring reconciliation workflows

4) Advanced Accounting Responsibilities (Progression Path)

As AP becomes increasingly automated, the role will transition into broader accounting support and ownership. Responsibilities may include:

• Balance sheet reconciliations completed by Close +7
• Preparation of journal entries with complete supporting documents
• Month-end close tasks completed on deadline
• Reporting support and analysis assistance

What We're Looking For:This role is a strong fit for someone who:

• Enjoys solving process problems and improving workflows
• Has a solid understanding of AP processes and accounting controls
• Thinks through edge cases, risks, and failure points
• Is comfortable working with automation tools and adopting new technology
• Can balance innovation with accuracy and audit requirements
• Has an accounting diploma, degree, or equivalent experience
• Has very strong attention to detail and understanding of transactional accuracy
• Has experience in Accounts Payable, accounting, or finance operations
• Is comfortable working in ERP/accounting systems
• Ideally you 2+ years of experience in AP or accounting support
• Exposure to automation workflows (OCR/AP capture tools, Power Automate, etc.) would be considered an asset
• Comfortable with documentation and SOP writing ability
• Has experience using AI tools in a business environment

Why You'll Love Working Here?

• Competitive Salary with regular performance reviews to ensure you're always recognized for your hard work.
• Career Growth: Access to great training and development opportunities that support your career journey.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a compressed 4-day workweek and long weekends every weekend
• Social Fun: Be part of our monthly Social Club—think wing nights, hockey games, family events, BBQs, bowling, and much more
• Generous Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package for you and your family, because we care about your well-being.
• RRSP Matching to help you build a strong financial future.
• Delicious Perks: Access to our in-house cafeteria, serving fresh, hot breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily
• Living Wage Employer: Proud to be a certified Living Wage Employer and recognized by HRDC as one of the Best Places to Work 2024 & 2025