Assistant Controller

SUMMARY OF POSITION:  The Assistant Controller supports the Controller in directing the accounting and financial reporting activities of IPD and serves as a key financial partner to business leadership.  This role is responsible for the timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual close; U.S. GAAP financial statements and management reporting; general ledger; inventory and cost accounting; internal controls; budgeting and forecasting; cash and working capital analysis; audit and tax support; and accounting systems and process improvement.  The Assistant Controller partners with Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, Engineering, and other functions to translate financial information into actionable business insight, safeguard company assets, and improve profitability and cash flow.  This role supports multi-site and intercompany accounting, leads and develops accounting team members, acts on behalf of the Controller when delegated, and is responsible for achieving objectives while exhibiting Storm Industries Core Values.

 

1. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Regular Functions include:

 

• Assists the Controller, company officers, and senior staff members in the development and formulation of long- and short-range financial plans, policies, programs, and objectives.

 

• Leads and coordinates the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close to ensure complete, accurate, and timely results, including close calendars, journal entries, accruals, allocations, and account reconciliations.

 

• Prepares and reviews financial statements, consolidations, intercompany activity, and management reports in accordance with U.S. GAAP and company policies.

 

• Maintains the integrity of the general ledger, chart of accounts, accounting records, and supporting schedules; researches and resolves unusual transactions and reconciling items.

 

• Establishes, documents, and monitors effective internal controls, accounting policies, and segregation of duties; identifies control gaps and leads corrective actions.

 

• Leads inventory and cost accounting activities including standard costs, bills of material and routing reviews, overhead absorption, purchase price and manufacturing variances, inventory reserves, cycle counts, and physical inventories.

 

• Partners with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Sales to analyze product margins, material, labor, and overhead performance, productivity, pricing, and cost reduction opportunities.

 

• Provides oversight and support for accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit and collections, cash application, fixed assets, payroll accounting, and related transaction processes.

 

• Supports cash management, cash forecasting, working capital initiatives, banking activities, and analysis of receivables, payables, and inventory.

 

• Coordinates the annual budget, periodic forecasts, and capital planning processes; analyzes actual results against plan and communicates key drivers, risks, and opportunities.

 

• Coordinates external and internal audits and supports income tax, sales and use tax, property tax, statutory, insurance, and other compliance requirements.

 

• Ensures appropriate accounting for revenue, customer programs, rebates, warranties, leases, capital expenditures, and other significant or non-routine transactions.

 

• Leads improvements to ERP and financial reporting systems, master data, workflows, and automation to strengthen data integrity, shorten the close, and improve efficiency.

 

• Develops and monitors financial and operational KPIs, dashboards, and analyses that support decision-making, accountability, and continuous improvement.

 

• Safeguards confidential financial information, maintains records in accordance with retention requirements, ensures company policies and safety procedures are followed, and performs other duties as required.

Periodic Functions include:

• Travel to company locations, auditors, banks, and business partners as required, up to 10%.
• Develop reports, analyses, and financial models as required.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Lead special projects, system implementations, integrations, and process improvement initiatives as required.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Recruits, trains, leads, develops, evaluates, and retains accounting team members.
• Establishes clear objectives, close responsibilities, cross-training, succession, and development plans; ensures performance expectations are completed thoroughly and timely.
• Partners with Human Resources on workforce planning, coaching, counseling, recognition, and corrective actions.

 

1. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA or CMA preferred; MBA or advanced degree an asset.
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role, preferably in manufacturing or distribution.
• Demonstrated experience with financial reporting, month-end close, inventory and cost accounting, internal controls, budgeting, and ERP systems.

Required Behaviors and Competencies include:

• Always expected to exercise independent judgment and discretion
• Demonstrate a strong sense of ethics, integrity, and confidentiality
• Demonstrate time management, organization, and adaptability
• Demonstrate ability to achieve results and meet demanding deadlines
• Demonstrated track record of accurate and timely financial reporting
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and accounting close processes
• Ability to lead process improvement, automation, and control enhancement projects
• Manufacturing or distribution experience, including inventory and cost accounting
• Ability to apply exceptional analytical and problem-solving practices and tools
• Track record demonstrating strong internal and external customer focus
• Strong execution skills with consistent attention to detail
• Demonstrate planning, strategic thinking, and business analysis skills
• Ability to understand financial statements, cash flow, budgets, capital expenditures, payback scenarios, and return on investment
• Demonstrate leadership skills with ability to coach and develop employees
• Ability to work in a cross-functional environment and build collaborative relationships
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Ability to demonstrate Storm Core Values

Professional/Technical Training and Skills include:

• Demonstrated knowledge and application of safety and safe work practices.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial statement preparation, and account reconciliation.
• Experience with standard costing, inventory valuation, reserves, and manufacturing variance analysis.
• Knowledge of internal controls, audit requirements, and tax and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and financial analysis.
• Experience with ERP, general ledger, reporting, and business intelligence systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to use PowerPoint, Word, and related tools.

Licenses and Certifications include:

• CPA or CMA certification preferred.
• LEAN, Six Sigma, or other process improvement training an asset.
• Managerial and leadership skills training an asset.

 

1. CORE VALUES:

Ability to actively promote Storm Core Values of:

• Building Enduring Customer Value
• Passionately Pursue Excellence
• Works as a Team/Win as a Team
• Optimize Results
• Work with Integrity/Build Trust