Original job description
About The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Senior Accountant to take ownership of key accounting functions within a fast-growing consumer products business. This role is ideal for an accounting professional who enjoys solving complex financial issues, clearing reconciliation backlogs, improving processes, and implementing automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will play a key role in strengthening accounting operations, improving financial controls, supporting junior team members, and providing meaningful financial insights to leadership.
Why Join Us?
Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage
Paid time off from the start of employment
Professional development and career advancement opportunities
Direct exposure to executive leadership and business decision-making
Opportunities to take ownership of accounting operations and process improvements
Hands-on experience with AI, automation, and modern accounting systems
A collaborative, growth-oriented work environment
About The Company
Our client is an established, innovative consumer products business with over 25 years of experience developing and distributing safety and monitoring solutions for homes and businesses. Its products reach customers through online platforms, major retailers, and direct-to-consumer channels.
The company is focused on continued growth, operational excellence, and leveraging technology to improve business performance.
Key Responsibilities
Accounts Receivable, Reconciliations & Cash Recovery
Manage accounts receivable reconciliations across customer accounts and resolve outstanding discrepancies.
Investigate and resolve short payments, deductions, customer claims, and collection issues.
Clear historical reconciliation backlogs, including items outstanding for more than 12 months.
Identify opportunities for cash recovery and improve the accuracy of customer balances.
Maintain supporting schedules, documentation, and audit trails.
Accounting Operations & Month-End Close
Manage full-cycle accounting, including journal entries, accruals, adjustments, and reconciliations.
Lead month-end and year-end closing activities, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
Maintain general ledger accuracy and correct historical posting errors.
Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, accounts payable, inventory, and cost of goods sold.
Review financial transactions and ensure proper account classification.
Accounts Payable & Receivable Oversight
Review vendor payments, customer balances, aging reports, credits, and unusual transactions.
Ensure accurate and timely processing of AP and AR activities.
Resolve discrepancies and strengthen accounting procedures.
Financial Reporting & Analysis
Prepare income statements, balance sheets, cash flow reports, and management reporting packages.
Investigate significant financial variances and provide actionable insights.
Support budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, and management planning.
Process Improvement, AI & Automation
Identify and implement workflow improvements to streamline accounting operations.
Use agentic AI tools, including Claude Cowork, to automate repetitive tasks and improve productivity.
Improve accounting systems, reporting processes, and internal controls.
Support the effective use of ERP systems and business intelligence tools.
Tax, Payroll & Compliance
Support GST/HST, US sales tax, payroll-related filings, and other regulatory requirements.
Prepare payroll journal entries, remittances, and reconciliations.
Maintain accurate compliance documentation and support tax-related activities.
Team Support & Internal Controls
Support, guide, and review the work of junior accounting team members.
Help build and develop an effective accounting team.
Establish and improve accounting procedures, approval processes, and internal controls.
Identify risks, reduce errors, and ensure consistency across financial operations.
Audit Support
Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
Respond to auditor inquiries and resolve outstanding accounting matters.
Maintain complete and organized financial records.
Qualifications & Requirements
8-15 years of progressive accounting experience.
CPA Canada designation required; candidates who have passed the CFE and are completing their practical experience requirements may also be considered.
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field, or higher.
At least 8 years of full-cycle accounting experience.
Strong experience in accounts receivable, reconciliation backlogs, cash recovery, and mass merchant claims.
Current or recent experience in consumer goods, wholesale, or retail.
Experience working in a commercial business environment; government, public sector, and not-for-profit experience alone will not meet the requirement.
Demonstrated experience building or developing an accounting team and establishing or improving accounting processes.
At least 1 year of agentic AI experience, with hands-on use of Claude Cowork being mandatory.
Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
Experience with process automation and accounting workflow improvements.
Ability to work on-site in the Niagara Region.
An active LinkedIn profile that can be shared during the application process.
Willingness to provide proof of CPA designation or progress toward qualification when shortlisted.
Nice to Have
Experience with Microsoft Power BI for reporting and analysis.
Familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Experience implementing AI tools or automation solutions in accounting.
Experience improving financial reporting systems and internal controls.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, proactive accounting professional who can balance hands-on accounting responsibilities with process improvement and team support. You are comfortable investigating historical discrepancies, resolving complex reconciliation issues, recovering outstanding cash, and taking ownership of accounting operations in a fast-paced commercial environment.
You are also eager to use AI and automation to improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and build scalable accounting processes.
Application Requirements
Candidates Must Be Prepared To Provide
LinkedIn profile URL.
Confirmation of CPA Canada designation or current progress toward qualification.
Evidence of CPA status or qualification progress when shortlisted.
Education: Bachelor's degree preferred.
Experience Requirements
Full-cycle accounting: 8 years minimum.
Agentic AI: 1 year minimum.
Consumer goods: 1 year minimum.
Work Location: In person, Niagara Region, Ontario.
