Accounting Manager

Highbridge Human Capital; Brantford; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A key financial management firm in Brantford is seeking an experienced Accounting Manager. The role involves overseeing an accounting team, preparing financial statements, leading budget development, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of accounting experience and a CMA designation. The position offers a competitive salary between $85,000 to $100,000 annually along with extended health benefits and paid time off.

Benefits

Extended health benefits

Paid time off

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Background in manufacturing, construction, or industrial sectors is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and mentor a small accounting team.
• Prepare and review financial statements.
• Lead the development of the annual operating budget.
• Ensure compliance with payroll and financial regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Analytical skills

Communication

Proficient with Excel

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, or Business

CMA designation

Tools

Accounting/ERP Systems

Job description

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Accounting Manager is a key member of the management team and provides financial management guidance and related analysis to support operational, managerial and strategic decision making. As a member of the leadership team, the Accounting Manager will develop and evaluate financial plans and economic modeling and inform financial strategies that are beneficial to the company. The Accounting Manager is expected to demonstrate financial management excellence by effectively communicating key financial issues with company stakeholders while also having a continuous improvement mindset towards the finance function. We are currently seeking an experienced, hands-on Accounting Manger to lead our finance function and support data-driven decision making throughout the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership and Department Management
• Oversee and mentor a small accounting tram (including A/P and an Intermediate Accountant)
• Ensure team workloads are clearly assigned, deadlines are met, and responsibilities are cross- trained to ensure continuity
• Set clear performance expectations and conduct regular check-ins, coaching, and developmental planning
• Foster a culture of ownership, accuracy, and collaboration across the department
• Align departmental practices with company values and operational goals

Full-Cycle Financial Reporting

• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial statements
• Ensure the timely closing of books each month, including all journal entries, reconciliations, and accruals
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement
• Ensure inter-company transactions and balances are appropriately recorded and reconciled
• Manage preparation and filing of HST, WSIB, EHT, and other compliance requirements
• Liaise with external auditors and accountants during year-end and SR&ED reviews

Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Finance

• Lead the development of the annual operating budget in partnership with senior leadership
• Coordinate departmental budget submissions and consolidate company-wide financial plans
• Provide monthly variance analysis against budget and prior year performance
• Prepare cash flow forecasts, working capital plans, and funding scenarios
• Provide financial input for capital project planning, business development opportunities, and cost-saving initiatives

Cost Accounting & Inventory Oversight

• Manage cost accounting processes including cost rollups, standard cost adjustments, and
• bill of material reviews
• Collaborate with Operations and Engineering teams to ensure accurate costing of precast products
• Analyze production variances and identify areas for process and cost efficiency improvements
• Oversee inventory transactions and ensure timely reconciliation of physical inventory counts

Payroll & Compliance Oversight

• Ensure payroll reconciliations are completed monthly and submitted accurately to the GL
• Stay up to date on ESA, CRA, and labour law changes affecting payroll and benefits
• Support HR with compensation and headcount reporting, when required

Accounts Payable & Receivable Controls

• Ensure timely payment of vendor invoices in accordance with terms and cash flow planning
• Review large or irregular vendor transactions and maintain vendor records
• Oversee the invoicing cycle and aging report for customer accounts
• Coordinate with sales and project management to resolve billing issues or payment delays

ERP Systems & Process Optimization

• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of financial data in our ERP system
• Identify opportunities to streamline reporting and accounting workflows
• Participate in ERP system updates, testing, and upgrades in collaboration with IT and other departments
• Recommend and implement financial controls and procedural improvements to mitigate risk

Insurance, Banking & External Relationships

• Coordinate annual insurance renewals, manage claims, and ensure adequate coverage across operations
• Maintain and strengthen banking relationships; manage lines of credit and account structures
• Monitor foreign exchange exposures and recommend hedging strategies if applicable
• Serve as the key financial contact for external advisors, government auditors, and funding agencies

Requirements

Education & Designation

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, or Business
• CMA designation required (or in final stages of completion)

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role
• Background in manufacturing, construction, or industrial sectors is strongly preferred
• Experience preparing financial statements, budgets, and reconciliations independently

Technical Skills

• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and accounting/ERP systems
• Ability to develop custom reports and work with large datasets for analysis

Benefits

• Salary $85,000- $100,000 annually, based on skill set and experience
• Extended health benefits
• Paid time off