Manufacturing Controller

Mandrake; Kitchener, Cambridge, Southwestern Ontario; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP matching

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Mandrake is seeking a Controller based in Kitchener or Sarnia to partner with CFO and operations. The role manages financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, and month-end close, with a focus on accuracy and timely insights.

The incumbent will lead ERP upgrades to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and drive continuous improvement across the finance function, collaborating closely with operations leadership.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in financial reporting and controllership roles.
• Experience in industrial services, manufacturing, construction, or project-based businesses preferred.
• ERP upgrades or implementations experience required.
• Hands-on budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting for the business unit.
• Lead month-end close and reconciliation procedures; maintain GL and subledgers.

Skills

Financial reporting

Controllership

Budgeting

Forecasting

ERP/ERP upgrades

Due diligence

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Excel

Job description

As Controller this role is a key business partner in supporting short & long term operational strategies for our fabricating companies by providing solid financial information and insights. Based in either Kitchener or Sarnia and reporting to the CFO, with a dotted line to each company’s leadership. You & the finance team will be responsible for accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and the successful execution of core finance processes including budgeting, forecasting, account reconciliations, and monthly close procedures.

This role will also play an integral part in due diligence activities related to growth initiatives and lead the business unit’s optimization and/or transition to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (ERP). As a trusted business partner to operations leadership, you will help drive performance improvement through actionable insights and lead continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function to support a growing and dynamic industrial services business.

This role will require regular travel & onsite work at each location (Sarnia & Kitchener).

Our client is open to some WFH time for the right candidate.

Our Client:

Our client is comprised of several engineered systems and building services companies forming one platform.

Specifically, this role will support two fabricating (custom plastic and metal) companies.

What You Will Do:

Financial Integrity & Reporting

• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting for the business unit.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and subledgers.
• Lead the implementation and oversight of standardized month-end close and reconciliation procedures.
• Deliver financial reporting packages with variance commentary and insight for senior leadership.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Own the annual budget and periodic forecast process for the business unit, including coordination with operational leaders.
• Analyze trends, identify risks/opportunities, and develop action-oriented insights to support decision-making.
• Present financial results and forecasts to senior management and operational stakeholders.

Controls & Compliance

• Establish, document, and enforce strong internal controls and financial procedures.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and corporate policies.
• Support internal and external audit processes, including documentation and follow-up on findings.

ERP Implementation & Systems

• Act as finance lead for the upgrade and rollout of Microsoft Business Central within the business units, which have already transitioned to MS BC.
• Ensure accurate setup of accounting structures, processes, and reporting tools in the ERP.
• Drive system adoption, training, and optimization for ongoing financial operations.

Operational Finance & Business Partnership

• Serve as a financial business partner to operations leadership, providing support on pricing, job costing, inventory, and project performance.
• Participate in operational reviews, capital investment evaluations, and strategic planning efforts.
• Support due diligence and integration efforts for M&A or expansion-related initiatives.
• Opportunity to grow as skills are demonstrated with potential for including other client owned businesses within ON.
• Provide supervision, coaching, development and performance management of direct reports.

Special Projects:

• Lead or participate in special projects as required.

What You Will Bring:

Education:

Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in financial reporting and controllership roles
• Experience in industrial services, manufacturing, construction, or project-based businesses strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success leading or supporting ERP upgrades or implementations
• Hands-on experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Exposure to due diligence and integration activities is a strong asset
• Preference will be given to individuals whose initial work is at a public accounting firm and then further gained experience within a manufacturing environment

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of Canadian GAAP/ASPE; U.S. GAAP knowledge is an asset
• Proficient with ERP systems (Microsoft Business Central preferred), Excel, and reporting tools
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining financial processes and controls

Leadership Attributes

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop finance teams. Currently there are four
• Process-oriented mindset with a passion for driving operational improvements

What You Should Expect:

• Great place to grow as a professional - we’re diverse and growing, big but not too big
• Challenging and varied work in a welcoming and professional culture
• Flexibility to travel from time to time
• Matching retirement savings program (RRSP), we help you plan for the future
• Competitive group benefits program, your health and well-being matter to us