About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Director to fill an existing vacancy to join our leadership team in Barrie, Ontario. Reporting directly to the President, this key leadership role is responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting functions for our corrugated packaging manufacturing facility.
As a trusted business partner and member of the plant leadership team, the Finance Director will provide financial leadership, operational insight, and analytical support to drive profitability, improve performance, and support sustainable growth. This is an ideal opportunity for a hands-on finance professional who thrives in a manufacturing environment and enjoys partnering closely with operations, sales, supply chain, human resources, and executive leadership.
The successful candidate will be equally comfortable leading financial strategy in the boardroom and supporting operational excellence on the manufacturing floor.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Serve as the senior financial leader for the Barrie manufacturing facility.
- Partner with the President to develop and execute annual operating plans and long-term business strategies.
- Translate financial and operational data into actionable business recommendations.
- Support strategic initiatives that improve profitability, productivity, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
- Act as a trusted advisor to plant leadership and corporate finance teams.
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Lead the annual budgeting process and monthly forecasting activities.
- Develop rolling forecasts and long-range financial plans.
- Analyze monthly financial performance and communicate key variances against budget and forecast.
- Prepare and present monthly operating reviews and management reporting packages.
- Identify financial risks and opportunities impacting overall business performance.
Manufacturing Cost Accounting
- Manage and maintain standard costing systems and processes.
- Analyze direct labour, material, freight, waste, and overhead costs.
- Monitor manufacturing variances and drive corrective actions.
- Support pricing decisions through comprehensive cost and margin analysis.
- Develop profitability analysis by product, customer, and market segment.
Operations Partnership
- Work closely with Operations leadership to drive manufacturing performance and cost optimization.
- Monitor and analyze key performance metrics, including:
- Cost per ton
- Board feet produced
- Waste and scrap percentages
- Labour productivity
- Machine efficiency and uptime
- Inventory turns
- EBITDA performance
- Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
- Participate in daily, weekly, and monthly plant performance reviews.
Financial Reporting & Compliance
- Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
- Maintain compliance with corporate accounting policies and Canadian accounting standards.
- Oversee month-end and year-end close processes.
- Coordinate internal and external audits.
- Ensure compliance with all tax, statutory, and regulatory reporting requirements.
Internal Controls & Risk Management
- Maintain strong internal controls and safeguard company assets.
- Oversee inventory control processes and physical inventory counts.
- Monitor capital expenditure spending and project approvals.
- Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
Cash Flow & Working Capital Management
- Manage and improve plant working capital performance.
- Optimize inventory levels while supporting operational requirements.
- Monitor accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cash flow metrics.
- Identify opportunities to improve cash generation and return on invested capital.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop the finance and accounting team.
- Establish performance objectives and career development plans.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Support succession planning and talent development within the finance function.
Qualifications:
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related discipline.
- CPA designation required (CPA, CA; CPA, CMA; or CPA, CGA).
Experience
- Minimum 10 years of progressive finance and accounting experience.
- Minimum 5 years of senior finance leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience in corrugated packaging, paper manufacturing, converting, packaging, or a related industrial manufacturing sector is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in manufacturing cost accounting and financial analysis.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Expert knowledge of manufacturing accounting and standard cost systems.
- Strong financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and analytical capabilities.
- Advanced financial modeling and Microsoft Excel skills.
- Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, JD Edwards, or similar platforms.
- Strong business acumen and operational understanding.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to influence and collaborate across multiple functional areas.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
- Proven leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.
- Knowledge of Canadian tax, payroll, and regulatory requirements.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Success in this role will be measured by:
- EBITDA and operating income performance
- Forecast and budget accuracy
- Manufacturing cost reduction achievements
- Inventory accuracy and inventory turn improvements
- Working capital optimization
- Capital expenditure management
- Effectiveness of internal controls
- Audit results and compliance performance
- Continuous improvement and productivity initiatives
- Employee engagement, retention, and talent development
Working Conditions
- Based on-site in Barrie, Ontario.
- Approximately 70% office environment and 30% manufacturing floor engagement.
- Frequent collaboration with production, maintenance, supply chain, sales, and corporate teams.
- Occasional travel to support a second pallet division.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a hands-on finance executive with deep manufacturing expertise and a passion for operational excellence. You possess the ability to balance strategic planning with day-to-day execution, build strong partnerships across the organization, and deliver measurable business results. You are a visible leader who can effectively engage employees at all levels while driving financial performance, continuous improvement, and long-term growth.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to play a critical leadership role within a growing manufacturing organization. As Finance Director, you will have a direct impact on business strategy, plant performance, profitability, and organizational success while working closely with the President and leadership team to shape the future of the business.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply with a resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience and accomplishments.
