Assistant Plant Controller

For more than 30 years, Fresh Start Foods has proudly delivered a full range of fresh produce solutions to customers across Canada. As a valued member of the Gordon Food Service (GFS) family of companies, we are honored to be recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers in 2026.

We are currently seeking a Full-Time Assistant Plant Controller to join our team based out of our Richmond, BC location.

The Assistant Plant Controller provides financial oversight, analysis, budgeting, costing, inventory management, and business support to the Controller and Senior Leadership Team. This role leads the onsite Finance team and works closely with Shared Services, Operations, Purchasing, and Sales to deliver accurate, timely, and meaningful financial insights. The position focuses on financial review, budget management, variance analysis, profitability, and strategic decision support. Through strong financial leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and effective internal controls, the Assistant Plant Controller supports margin improvement, operational efficiencies, cost management, and informed business decisions.

Position: Full-Time Permanent

Schedule: Monday to Friday, business hours. In office.

Compensation: Depending on experience, between $95,000-105,000 per year, plus annual performance bonus.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Financial Review & Performance Analysis: Analyze monthly financial statements, investigate variances against budgets/forecasts, and communicate underlying trends, risks, and opportunities to leadership. 
• Onsite Finance Leadership: Direct and mentor the local Finance team, setting work priorities, establishing quality control standards, and aligning onsite activities with corporate Shared Services.  
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Partner with department managers and the Controller to lead the annual budgeting process, maintain periodic rolling forecasts, and build dynamic scenario models. 
• Cross-Functional Strategic Partnership: Collaborate with Operations, Sales, Purchasing, and HR to interpret financial data, guide operational decision-making, and promote financial accountability across departments. 
• Inventory Valuation & Control: Oversee inventory accounting accuracy, analyze cycle counts/physical reconciliations, monitor obsolescence/slow-moving reserves, and determine root causes of inventory variances. 
• Product Costing & BOM Review: Evaluate standard costs, bills of materials (BOMs), direct labor, and overhead structures; analyze actual manufacturing spend against targets to safeguard gross margins. 
• Pricing & Margin Optimization: Conduct profitability analyses by product, customer, channel, and facility; model pricing strategies for new opportunities and support product rationalization initiatives. 
• Internal Controls & Audit Support: Monitor and refine internal control frameworks to mitigate risk, ensure GAAP/policy compliance, and coordinate internal and external audit documentation. 
• Process & ERP Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline finance workflows, automate reporting, enhance ERP system tools, and elevate data accuracy across business units. 
• Executive Reporting & Special Projects: Develop executive dashboards, support capital expenditure evaluations, and perform ad-hoc financial analysis as requested by the Controller and Senior Leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• CPA designation or progress toward a CPA designation is considered an asset.
• At least 5 years of progressive accounting, financial analysis, budgeting, costing, or finance experience.
• 1 year of experience in a Senior/Lead Accounting role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong business acumen and ability to understand how operational decisions impact financial performance.
• Strong understanding of inventory, costing, gross margin, and profitability analysis.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure, challenging environment.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong relationships across multiple departments.

Fresh Start Foods offers a range of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits (including vision, prescription drugs, disability, and extended health coverage)
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Matching Program
• Annual Profit Sharing Bonus
• Weekly paychecks
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Company-sponsored events (Family Picnic, Staff Celebration, BBQs)
• Training opportunities
• Annual Safety Boot Allowance Program
• Full-time hours
• A team-oriented work environment