Financial Controller

About Us

For over 50 years, our client, Shah Trading Company (STC) has been a leading name in food processing, packaging, and distribution, supplying quality products across North America. From rice and pulses to spices, nuts, and canned foods, we take pride in our trusted brands and long-standing partnerships.

Operating across four plants in Ontario and Quebec, they continue to invest in their people, systems, and infrastructure to strengthen our foundation for the next 50 years.

They are now seeking a Financial
Controller
— a hands-on, process-driven financial leader to oversee the Accounting and Finance operations, support strategic growth initiatives, and ensure sound financial governance across the organization.

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the ownership team, the Financial Controller is a senior finance leader responsible for managing all accounting operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across multiple business units.

This role involves leading the accounting team, maintaining robust internal controls, overseeing audits and regulatory filings, managing cash flow and reporting, and driving process improvements and ERP integrations.

The Controller will also serve as a key financial advisor to senior management, providing insights to support decision-making, profitability, and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee and manage all full cycle accounting functions.
• Manage month-end and year-end closings, including journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Canadian GAAP.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management reports, and variance analyses.
• Maintain a consistent and transparent financial reporting package for internal stakeholders, banks, and auditors.
• Lead the preparation and filing of HST/GST, WSIB, EHT, and other government returns.
• Support external auditors with reconciliations, schedules, and documentation during year-end audits.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Analysis

• Develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and financial KPIs to track business performance.
• Analyze trends, margins, and cost variances to identify improvement opportunities.
• Provide data-driven insights to guide strategic decision-making and operational planning to the management team.
• Conduct regular financial reviews with plant and department managers to enhance cost efficiency.

Cash Flow & Treasury

• Monitor cash flow, working capital, and banking activities to ensure adequate liquidity.
• Manage daily cash requirements, intercompany transfers, and loan schedules.
• Maintain strong relationships with banks and financial institutions, addressing inquiries and facilitating financing activities.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Implement and enforce internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with accounting standards and stakeholders' requirement.
• Review and strengthen processes related to inventory, purchasing, and cost accounting.
• Support compliance with food industry regulations, supplier audits, and government requirements.
• Ensure accuracy and confidentiality of payroll, benefits, and tax records.

Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and enhance ERP systems (Microsoft Business Central), reporting tools, and accounting procedures.
• Lead initiatives to automate workflows, improve reporting accuracy, and streamline inter-departmental communication.
• Collaborate with IT and Operations to optimize financial integration with production, warehousing, and logistics systems.
• Oversee digital documentation, data security, and financial record retention.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, train, and mentor accounting team members, fostering a culture of accountability and growth.
• Provide ongoing coaching, performance reviews, and professional development plans.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, and succession planning for the finance department.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Procurement, and Operations to align financial processes with business goals.

Stakeholder & External Relations

• Act as the primary contact for external auditors, tax advisors, banks, and insurance providers.
• Coordinate with external consultants and vendors for system upgrades, audits, and financial compliance.
• Provide financial data for RFPs, vendor agreements, and regulatory reporting.
• Support the executive leadership with ad hoc analyses, financial modelling, and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• CPA designation
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years in a management or controller role.
• Proven experience in manufacturing, food processing, or distribution environments preferred.
• Deep understanding of Canadian GAAP, internal controls, and cost accounting principles.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (preferably Microsoft Business Central).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Process-oriented mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and automation.
• Bilingual (English/French) is an asset.