Director, Accounting & Finance, Montreal / Canada

X-Chem, Inc.; Montreal; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Accounting & Finance to spearhead financial operations in Montreal. This pivotal role involves ensuring the accuracy of financial records, managing complex financial reporting, and guiding strategic financial decisions. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated team, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with accounting standards. Join a forward-thinking company that values professional growth and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive compensation, medical and dental insurance, and generous vacation time. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment focused on improving human health through innovative drug discovery.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan with employer match

Paid vacations starting at 3 weeks

Paid Christmas shutdown

Casual dress

Vision care

Training sessions and workshops

Team-building company events

Qualifications

• 10+ years of accounting experience, including 5 years in leadership.
• Bilingual in French and English, with strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial reporting, tax compliance, and audit processes.
• Manage day-to-day accounting operations and internal controls.

Skills

Financial Reporting

Tax Compliance

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA Certification

Tools

Oracle Netsuite

ERP/Accounting Software

Excel

Job description

Director, Accounting & Finance, Montreal / Canada

At X-Chem, it is our mission to leverage the world’s leading drug discovery platform to help create molecules that will improve human health. X-Chem is a leader in small molecule discovery science, providing pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies a complete, seamless solution for screening, hit validation, and lead optimization.

X-Chem is currently looking for a Director of Accounting & Finance to lead the local accounting department’s operations, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records, managing complex financial reporting, and supporting the company’s financial strategies. The Director will be responsible for managing all Accounting & Finance activities for X-Chem’s legal entity in Canada. This role involves managing key processes such as financial reporting, tax compliance, audit and internal controls, and providing guidance on accounting and financial matters to senior leadership. The position is located in our new facility in Ville St-Laurent in Quebec (Canada) and reports to the Chief Finance Officer, based in the US.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS, ASPE).
2. Review and analyze financial reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
3. Preparation of financial forecasts, budgets, and variance analysis.
4. Provide insightful analysis to management regarding financial performance, variances, and trends.
5. Ownership of tax compliance requirements and R&D tax credit activities.

2. Accounting Operations Management:

1. Responsible for day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and month-end/year-end closing processes.
2. Responsible for the Benefits Administration of the local Insurance plan and VRSP (enrollment, modifications, termination, etc.).
3. Ensure that accounting procedures comply with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
4. Develop and implement process improvements to streamline accounting workflows and enhance efficiency.

3. Internal Controls & Compliance:

1. Ensure the implementation and maintenance of robust internal controls to safeguard financial assets and ensure accuracy.
2. Ensure compliance with applicable accounting regulations, tax laws, and reporting requirements.
3. Work closely with internal and external auditors during the audit process, addressing any identified issues and providing requested documentation.

4. Tax Compliance & Strategy:

1. Oversee tax-related activities, including preparation and filing of tax returns, ensuring adherence to all tax regulations.
2. Work with external tax advisors to ensure tax strategies are efficient and aligned with organizational goals.
3. Monitor changes in tax legislation and adjust accounting practices to ensure compliance.

5. Strategic Financial Support:

1. Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to support strategic business decisions through accurate financial reporting and analysis.
2. Provide financial insights and recommendations to support budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning.
3. Lead the budgeting and forecasting process, ensuring alignment with company goals and financial health.

6. Project Management:

1. Lead or participate in key finance-related projects, including system implementations, process improvements, and other strategic initiatives.
2. Identify potential financial risks and work with management to mitigate them.
3. Manage cash flow and banking relationships.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required). CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification is preferred.
2. 10+ years of accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing the accounting function in a global environment.
3. Bilingual (French and English).
4. Proficiency in ERP/Accounting software; Oracle Netsuite experience is strongly preferred and advanced proficiency in Excel.
5. Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting standards (GAAP, IFRS, ASPE), and provincial and federal regulatory requirements.
6. Extensive experience in financial reporting, accounting systems, and internal controls.
7. Demonstrated background in FP&A activities (e.g., Forecasting, Budgeting).
8. Ability to interpret and present complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders.
9. Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
10. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
11. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of collaborating with senior leadership.
12. Ability to work independently in a small team environment.
13. Ability to travel as required.

The company works on the discovery of small molecule therapeutic agents for drug research with colleagues and partners outside Quebec with whom interaction is constant. Accordingly, knowledge of English is required for this position. Knowledge of French is required for positions permanently located in Quebec so incumbents can communicate with their colleagues and suppliers in Quebec as necessary. French-language training will be offered to all incumbents in permanent positions in Quebec who do not have a good knowledge of French.

What are the benefits of joining us?

We are focused on the development and career progression of our people to reach their full potential through workshops, training courses, and mentor guidance. X-Chem offers competitive compensation (salary and performance incentive) and an interesting benefits package including: Medical, Dental, STD/LTD and Life Insurance, Retirement Plan with employer match; paid vacations starting at 3 weeks plus paid Christmas shutdown; casual dress, vision care including prescription safety glasses, training sessions and workshops, social hours, and team-building company events.