Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) (6-month Contract)

COBS Bread; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Vacation plan

Sick leave

Autonomy

Team culture

Job summary

COBS Bread is seeking an experienced Manager, FP&A to lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning for our North American business. You will partner with senior leaders to translate financial results into actionable insights and drive franchisee profitability across Canada and the USA.

The role requires strong FP&A background, advanced modelling and the ability to influence decisions with clear financial storytelling. Interim 6-month contract with potential extension, Vancouver-based.

Qualifications

• CPA/CA/CFA designation preferred.
• 8+ years in accounting/finance with FP&A.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis.
• Retail/franchise sector experience preferred.
• Advanced financial modelling and Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting for North American business.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide insights into financial performance.
• Prepare financial reports and forecasts to support decision-making.
• Lead monthly financial reviews with department leaders and KPI ownership.
• Develop financial models to support strategic initiatives and market opportunities.
• Evaluate investment cases and ROI for business projects and opportunities.
• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Projects, Marketing and Franchisees to provide insights.
• Support franchisee profitability improvements and cost-reduction opportunities.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial Modelling

Stakeholder Management

Business Partnering

Education

CPA/CA/CFA designation

Tools

Excel

Job description

Great Place to Work Certified™

Best Workplaces™ in British Columbia 2025

Best Workplaces™ in Retail & Hospitality 2025

Manager, FP&A

Reports to: Vice President of Finance

Annual Salary: $125,000 to $150,000 based on experience

Location: Vancouver, BC

Contract: 6-month interim contract, with potential for extension

At COBS Bread, we believe in supporting our people, franchise partners and business through strong partnerships, informed decision-making and continuous improvement. We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Manager, FP&A to join our Finance team on an interim basis. This role will be a key business partner across the organization, providing financial insights, analysis and recommendations that support business performance, strategic planning and franchisee profitability.

The ideal candidate brings strong FP&A experience, advanced financial modelling capabilities and the ability to translate financial information into practical business insights. Candidates with more experience may be considered at Senior Manager level.

What you will be responsible for:

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process across the North American business, including Canada and the USA
• Manage short- and long-range financial planning and forecasting cycles
• Conduct variance analysis and provide insights into financial performance and trends
• Prepare financial reports and forecasts to support business decision-making

Financial Reviews & Performance Management

• Lead monthly financial reviews and partner with departmental leaders to understand business performance
• Hold leaders accountable for financial results and agreed KPIs through regular reporting and review processes
• Establish, monitor and report on KPIs with key stakeholders
• Identify trends, risks and opportunities and translate financial results into actionable recommendations

Strategic Planning & Business Cases

• Act as a Finance partner in the company's long-range strategic planning process
• Develop financial models and analysis to support strategic initiatives and market opportunities
• Review business cases and evaluate investment decisions, including financial returns, risks and opportunities
• Provide recommendations to help maximize return on investment

Business Partnering

• Build strong and influential relationships with senior executives and leaders across the organization
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Projects, Marketing, Property/Growth and Franchisees to provide financial insights and support business objectives
• Partner with Supply Chain to identify opportunities to reduce ingredient and COGS costs for franchisees
• Support Operations in identifying opportunities to reduce labour costs and improve productivity
• Partner with Projects to evaluate opportunities to reduce capital costs associated with new builds and renovations
• Support Marketing with ROI analysis of campaigns and marketing spend
• Provide financial insights and analysis that help stakeholders make informed business decisions
• Manage communication with external legal counsel, in partnership with our internal stakeholders, to draft and update legal documents, provide support for dispute resolution, and protect brand standards

Growth & New Store Viability

• Partner with the Property/Growth team on financial viability analysis for new store opportunities
• Evaluate ROI for new stores, relocations and refurbishments
• Develop financial models and recommendations to support growth decisions

Franchisee Financial Performance

• Analyze franchisee financial performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and financial health
• Develop and support profit improvement strategies and programs across the business
• Provide financial insights to help franchisees and internal stakeholders identify opportunities for improved business performance

Other tasks and projects as assigned.

Requirements

What you bring to the table:

• CPA, CA, CFA or equivalent professional designation is preferred
• 8+ years of accounting and finance experience, with previous experience in corporate finance and/or FP&A required
• Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and variance analysis
• Experience in the retail or food services industry, ideally within a franchise environment, is preferred
• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills, with advanced knowledge of Excel
• Excellent business acumen and strong problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to partner effectively with senior executives and stakeholders across multiple departments
• Strong ability to influence and communicate financial insights to both Finance and non-Finance audiences
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, practical business recommendations
• Strong stakeholder management, relationship‑building and communication skills
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented and able to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Experience leading or mentoring team members is an asset

Benefits

What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary and vacation plan
• Paid sick and personal leave days
• Work within a dynamic, driven, high‑achieving, close‑knit and fun-loving team
• High level of autonomy and responsibility
• Complimentary self‑serve kitchen of fresh produce, deli meats and of course, COBS Bread and treats!

We thank all applicants for their interest in COBS Bread but would like to advise that only applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.

About COBS Bread

With over 190 locations, COBS Bread serves fresh and delightful baked goods to communities across Canada. Any unsold items are donated daily to various local charities and food banks. The company's success can be attributed to the quality of our product, the development of our people and our warm and friendly customer service.

COBS Bread is part of Bakers Delight - Established in 1980 operating as Bakers Delight in Australia and New Zealand, and since 2003 as COBS Bread in Canada and the USA. Together we have grown to more than 700 bakeries across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. The entire network employs over 15,000 people, serving more than 2.1 million customers each week.

Our Values:

• Bring Passion and Purpose - Being deeply connected to why we do what we do. Contribute to something meaningful to our team, customers, and community
• Be Open and Honest - Being clear, respectful, and transparent even when its uncomfortable. Creating a safe space for others to speak up, ask questions, and share ideas constructively
• Make it Better - Not settling for "good enough": Always looking for ways to improve the way we work, the experience we offer, or how we grow as individuals and teams. Demonstrating a continuous learning mindset
• Take Ownership - taking responsibility for outcomes, not just assigned tasks. Being clear on what we are accountable for, owning up to results (good or bad), and following through on commitments

Accessibility

Accommodation is available upon request for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you are contacted for a job opportunity, please advise us of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.