Accounting Manager

Accounting ManagerUcore Rare Metals Inc. is a TSX Venture Exchange-listed company focused on establishing an independent North American rare earth supply chain. Ucore is commercializing its RapidSX™ rare earth separation technology and developing its first commercial rare earth processing facility, the Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex ("SMC"), in Alexandria, Louisiana.Ucore is seeking an Accounting Manager to establish and manage the day-to-day accounting and financial administration function for its Louisiana operations. This is a hands-on role that will support the SMC through construction and commissioning and help build the accounting processes, systems and controls required for commercial operations.The Accounting Manager will work closely with Ucore's corporate finance team, plant management, engineering, procurement and operations. As the SMC transitions into production, the role will expand to include manufacturing cost accounting, inventory management and plant financial reporting.Primary ResponsibilitiesManage day-to-day accounting for Ucore's Louisiana operations and support monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting.Manage accounts payable, vendor setup, invoice processing, coding, approvals and payment support.Manage construction and capital expenditure accounting, including project costs, commitments, purchase orders, construction-in-progress and fixed assets.Work with operations and procurement to maintain appropriate purchasing controls and compliance with Ucore's procurement policies.Coordinate Louisiana state and local sales and use tax matters, including parish taxes, exemptions and exemption certificates.Manage financial reporting and compliance associated with Louisiana Economic Development (LED) agreements and other government incentive programs.Coordinate U.S. payroll and assist with employee onboarding, benefits and insurance administration in conjunction with external providers and corporate management.Assist with budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow planning and variance analysis for Louisiana operations.Assist with the implementation and development of accounting, ERP, procurement, inventory and cost-accounting systems.Develop and maintain appropriate accounting procedures and internal controls for the SMC.Support external audits and provide information required by Ucore's corporate finance team.As the SMC enters operations, develop and maintain manufacturing cost accounting and inventory controls, including raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods, production costs, recoveries and manufacturing variances.Work closely with plant management, engineering and operations to support financial decision-making and plant performance.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related discipline.5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing, industrial operations, construction, chemicals, mining, metals or another capital-intensive environment.Experience with capital projects, fixed assets, accounts payable and financial controls.Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience with accounting or ERP systems.Strong organizational, analytical and communication skills.Ability to work independently, take ownership of a broad range of responsibilities and develop processes in a growing organization.Ability to travel periodically within the United States and Canada.Preferred QualificationsCPA, CMA or equivalent professional accounting designation.Manufacturing cost accounting and inventory experience.Experience supporting the construction and commissioning of a new industrial or manufacturing facility.Experience with Louisiana sales and use taxes, economic development incentives or government reporting.Experience implementing ERP, procurement or inventory systems.Experience in chemical processing, mining, metals, refining or a similar industrial environment.The position will require periodic work within an active construction and industrial environment, including walking through plant areas, climbing stairs and wearing required PPE. Periodic travel to other Ucore locations, including Kingston, Ontario and Halifax, Nova Scotia, will be required.