Manufacturing Controller

As Controller this role is a key business partner in supporting short & long term operational strategies by providing solid financial information and insights. Based in Sarnia and reporting to the CFO, with a dotted line to the President you & the finance team will be responsible for accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and the successful execution of core finance processes including budgeting, forecasting, account reconciliations, and monthly close procedures.

This role will also play an integral part in due diligence activities related to growth initiatives and lead the business unit’s transition to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (ERP). As a trusted business partner to operations leadership, you will help drive performance improvement through actionable insights and lead continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function to support a growing and dynamic industrial services business.

Our client is open to a hybrid option for the right candidate.

Our Client:

Alliance Fabricating Ltd. (AFL) specializes in high-quality, highly engineered industrial heat exchangers. Delivering complex heat exchangers and vessels that power critical industries. AFL is known for advanced materials expertise and strong in-house capabilities covering thermal/hydraulic design, mechanical engineering, drafting, estimating, procurement, and quality control.

What Will You Do:

Financial Integrity & Reporting

• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting for the business unit.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and subledgers.
• Lead the implementation and oversight of standardized month-end close and reconciliation procedures.
• Deliver financial reporting packages with variance commentary and insight for senior leadership.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Own the annual budget and periodic forecast process for the business unit, including coordination with operational leaders.
• Analyze trends, identify risks/opportunities, and develop action-oriented insights to support decision-making.
• Present financial results and forecasts to senior management and operational stakeholders.

Controls & Compliance

• Establish, document, and enforce strong internal controls and financial procedures.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and corporate policies.
• Support internal and external audit processes, including documentation and follow-up on findings.

ERP Implementation & Systems

• Act as finance lead for the upgrade and rollout of Microsoft Business Central within the business unit.
• Ensure accurate setup of accounting structures, processes, and reporting tools in the ERP.
• Drive system adoption, training, and optimization for ongoing financial operations.

Operational Finance & Business Partnership

• Serve as a financial business partner to operations leadership, providing support on pricing, job costing, inventory, and project performance.
• Participate in operational reviews, capital investment evaluations, and strategic planning efforts.
• Support due diligence and integration efforts for M&A or expansion-related initiatives.
• Opportunity to grow as skills are demonstrated with potential for including other client owned businesses within ON.
• Provide supervision, coaching, development and performance management of direct reports.

Special Projects:

• Lead or participate in special projects as required.

What Will You Bring:

Education:

• Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business.
• Professional accounting designation, (CPA or equivalent).

Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in financial reporting and controllership roles
• Experience in industrial services, manufacturing, construction, or project-based businesses strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success leading or supporting ERP upgrades or implementations
• Hands-on experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Exposure to due diligence and integration activities is a strong asset
• Preference will be given to individuals whose initial work is at a public accounting firm and then further gained experience within a manufacturing environment

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of Canadian GAAP/ASPE; U.S. GAAP knowledge is an asset
• Proficient with ERP systems (Microsoft Business Central preferred), Excel, and reporting tools
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining financial processes and controls

Leadership Attributes

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop finance teams, currently there is a team that includes an Accountant and Accounts Payable
• Process-oriented mindset with a passion for driving operational improvements

What You Should Expect - From Our Client:

• Great place to grow as a professional - we’re diverse and growing, big but not too big
• Challenging and varied work in a welcoming and professional culture
• Flexibility to travel from time to time
• Matching retirement savings program (RRSP), we help you plan for the future
• Competitive group benefits program, your health and well-being matter to us
• Profit sharing program - When we win, you win!