Assistant Account Manager

About Us:

Verka Food International Ltd. is Canada's leading South Asian food wholesaler, with over 20 years of experience as a trusted importer, distributor, and manufacturer of high-quality ethnic food products. We supply top retailers across Canada, including Costco, Walmart, and Sobeys. Join our growing team and contribute to our continued success.

About the Role:

The Assistant Account Manager will oversee all aspects of the accounts payable function, including vendor management, invoice processing, team supervision, and month-end reporting. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong financial acumen, process improvement experience, and the ability to manage a high-volume, multi-location environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Vendor and Supplier Relationship Management

• Oversee and maintain effective relationships with both domestic and international suppliers, including transport providers, packaging vendors, customs brokers, and service partners.
• Ensure complete and current documentation for all vendors, including contracts, bank details, tax records, and payment terms.
• Address and resolve vendor disputes and billing discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.

2. Invoice Processing and Matching

• Manage the accurate processing of invoices related to purchases, freight, customs charges, warehouse operations, utilities, and logistics.
• Ensure compliance with three-way matching protocols (POs, invoices, pick tickets), general ledger coding, and applicable tax classifications.

3. Credit Card Administration

• Administer company credit card accounts for operational and procurement needs.
• Reconcile daily and monthly credit card statements, verify all charges, and resolve any discrepancies or unauthorized transactions.

4. Warehouse Coordination and PO Receiving

• Collaborate with warehouse teams across provinces to confirm receipt of goods and ensure prompt PO closure.
• Monitor inbound shipments and receiving documentation to support invoice approvals and compliance with customs regulations.

5. Vendor Reconciliation and Payment Processing

• Conduct regular reconciliations of vendor accounts and maintain up-to-date AP sub-ledgers.
• Process payments through EFT, wire transfer, cheque, or credit card in line with vendor terms and internal cash flow policies.
• Monitor and manage advance and staged payments for import-related transactions.

6. Import & Freight Cost Management

• Allocate freight, brokerage, and customs-related expenses accurately to the general ledger and inventory accounts.
• Coordinate with customs brokers and freight forwarders to ensure invoice accuracy and shipment record alignment.

7. Warehouse Expense Allocation

• Reconcile and allocate warehouse-related overhead expenses such as property taxes, HVAC, waste management, and equipment leases.
• Work with the finance team to distribute shared costs across various business units or locations.

8. Financial Reporting and Month-End Close

• Prepare and deliver key AP reports to the CFO, including aged payables, monthly disbursement schedules, and vendor spend summaries.
• Support month-end and year-end closing activities by posting accruals, clearing GR/IR accounts, and maintaining audit-ready documentation.

9. Systems and Internal Controls

• Champion automation and process improvement initiatives, including OCR integration and digital workflow implementation.
• Ensure adherence to internal financial controls and support audit requirements in alignment with company policies.

10. Team Supervision and Development

• Supervise and mentor a team of two Accounts Payable Assistants.
• Assign responsibilities, monitor performance, provide training, and promote ownership of tasks within the team.
• Ensure effective workload distribution across regions to maintain operational efficiency.

11. Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as directed by the CFO, including participation in special projects, internal audits, and process reviews.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of accounts payable experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and ERP/accounting software.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Preferences:

• Candidates with experience in manufacturing or processing industries will be given preference.
• Candidates who are Indian Chartered Accountants, CPA candidates, or qualified CPAs will be highly preferred.
• Exceptional performers in the Assistant Accounts Manager role may be considered for promotion to Accounts Manager upon successful completion of the probation period.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary.
• Supportive work environment with growth opportunities.
• Opportunity to work with a leading company in the food distribution industry.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Surrey, BC V3W 3B1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Work Location: In person