Financial Controller

Drake International; St. Thomas; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Retirement savings with employer

Comprehensive health and dental

Profit sharing

Educational assistance

Employee wellness

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Drake International is seeking a seasoned Controller to lead finance and accounting for a manufacturing operation in Canada. You will drive profitability, lead a finance team, and partner with operations to shape strategic decisions and long-term growth.

You will oversee close processes, reporting, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring strong controls and audit readiness. This is a high-impact leadership role with visibility across the organization.

Qualifications

• Manufacturing finance experience.
• Leadership experience managing and developing finance teams.
• Strong expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and month-end close.
• Experience with manufacturing costing, inventory accounting, and ERP SAP.
• Strong analytical, communication, and business partnering skills.
• Proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close process.
• Prepare and present financial statements and management reporting packages.
• Drive budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and long-range business planning.
• Oversee manufacturing costing, inventory, capital assets, payroll, AP, and AR.
• Strengthen internal controls, audit readiness, and financial governance.
• Partner with operational leaders to improve profitability and performance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance reporting and decision-making.
• Develop, mentor, and coach a high-performing finance team.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic initiatives.

Skills

Manufacturing finance

Leadership

Financial reporting

Budgeting and forecasting

Business partnering

Tools

SAP

Job description

Vacancy: Existing Vacancy

Are you a finance leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys influencing business decisions beyond the numbers?

We're partnering with a global industry leader to recruit an experienced Controller who is ready to take the next step in their career. This is an opportunity to join a highly respected organization known for innovation, operational excellence, and investing in its people.

Why This Role

This is much more than a traditional Controller position.

You'll be a key member of the plant leadership team, partnering with operations to drive profitability, improve business performance, and influence strategic decision-making. You'll lead a talented finance team while overseeing the entire accounting function and championing continuous improvement initiatives that create real business impact.

If you're looking for a role where your ideas are valued, your leadership makes a difference, and you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of the finance function, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

The Role: Controller

As Controller, you will oversee all finance and accounting operations while providing financial leadership to support operational excellence and long-term business growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close process
• Preparing and presenting financial statements and management reporting packages
• Driving budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and long-range business planning
• Overseeing manufacturing costing, inventory, capital assets, payroll, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable
• Strengthening internal controls, audit readiness, and financial governance
• Partnering with operational leaders to improve profitability and business performance
• Leading continuous improvement initiatives that enhance reporting, efficiency, and decision-making
• Developing, mentoring, and coaching a high-performing finance team
• Collaborating with executive leadership on strategic initiatives and operational planning

What You'll Bring

• Manufacturing finance experience
• Leadership experience managing and developing finance teams
• Strong expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and month-end close
• Experience with manufacturing costing, inventory accounting, and ERP systems (SAP experience is an asset)
• Strong analytical, communication, and business partnering skills
• A proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence

Benefits & Environment

This organization offers an outstanding total rewards package, including:

• Annual bonus opportunity
• Retirement savings program with employer contributions
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Profit sharing
• Educational assistance and professional development
• Employee wellness initiatives
• A collaborative, team-oriented culture that values innovation, accountability, and career growth

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a stable, globally recognized organization where finance is viewed as a strategic partner and leadership development is a priority.

If you're looking for your next leadership opportunity within manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you.

Since 1951, Drake International has connected people with meaningful work across Canada and globally.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process.

For accommodation requests, please contact your local Drake office.

This hiring process may use AI-enabled tools to support portions of the recruitment process. All hiring decisions are made by people, and candidates will be informed if AI tools are involved in their assessment.