Assistant Controller

Title Assistant Controller
Categories Permanent, Full-time
Location Burnaby, BC
Job Information

THL Gourmet Foods Inc. is one of the leading importers and distributors of Asian food products from the Pacific Rim and other regions of the world. We are currently seeking a team-player to work in our Finance department in Burnaby location.

Position Summary:

This position is a full-time, permanent position, and is 100% in-office. Based at our Vancouver Head Office, the Assistant Controller is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the accounting department, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, and maintaining compliance with both internal controls and external regulatory requirements. This role provides strong leadership to the accounting team, fostering a high-performance culture through mentorship and development. The position requires a hands-on approach to managing core accounting functions, supporting internal stakeholders with timely financial insights, and driving continuous improvement across processes and systems.

Working Hours:

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• 9:00 AM – 17:30 PM (8-hour shifts)

Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting

• Assist in drafting of annual and quarterly financial statements and Management’s Discussion &
  Analysis, including supporting workbooks and schedules, in accordance with ASPE and applicable standards.
• Proactively research and resolve potential accounting issues in compliance with applicable standards.
• Analyze monthly financial results and explain variances in operational activity including assisting the Finance Manager in preparation of formal quarterly reports.

Month-End and Close Processes

• Perform full-cycle accounting, coordinate and carry out month-end accounting procedures for all operating entities, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Assist in the month-end and quarterly close activities, including the review and approval of working papers to ensure accuracy and appropriate documentation.
• Review and approve journal entries, transactions and account reconciliation, ensuring accuracy, proper account coding, and appropriate approvals.

Payroll

• Review and approve payroll entries, payments, reconciliations, and remittances ensuring proper
  accounting treatment in the general ledger and financial statements.
• Prepare explanations for any significant variances in payroll costs on a month-to-month basis.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Ensure adherence to the company’s internal control processes and promote opportunities for continuous
  improvement.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of timely tax filings and other required filings.
• Assist in the preparation of detailed and accurate responses to CRA and provincial tax authority
  inquiries, audits, and information requests.
• Support internal and external audits, ensuring completion of external reporting requirements
  including but not limited to Stats Canada, EPR regulations, etc.

Leadership and Team Development

• Manage core accounting functions including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Cost Accounting, and general ledger activities.
• Cultivate a high-performing team through hands-on leadership, mentorship, and continuous development of direct reports.
• Foster a positive team and company culture by ensuring treatment of others is respectful and aligned with company values.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and development opportunities for team members.
• Support training initiatives to enhance team performance and knowledge.
• Drive continuous improvement by implementing and enhancing processes that increase efficiency and effectiveness across the organization.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Contribute to the implementation of new systems and support special projects as needed.
• Propose and lead process improvement initiatives to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of financial reporting, payroll processing, tax filings, and other business operations.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform additional duties and projects as required by the company.
• Oversee daily cash positioning and initiate cash transfers to maintain operational cash balances.
• Act as a signing officer for cheques, EFTs, wires, and online banking.
• Assist in completion annual budgets including regional and departmental budgets.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and spreadsheets as required.
• Provide support for the Financial Controller as needed.
• Adhere to the company Code of Conduct and all Company policies.

Requirements/ Must-Haves:

• Advanced knowledge in spreadsheets and databases
• Prior experience using MS D365 F&O or similar Enterprise Resource Planning Systems
• Excellent presentation and written communication skills
• Experience with developing MS Power BI reporting or similar reporting software an asset
• Strong initiative and ability to complete projects in a timely and accurate manner
• Detailed oriented with strong organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to work well on own and in dynamic multi-disciplinary group environment

Assets/ Nice-to-Haves:

• Possession of a Chartered Professional Accountant designation
• 5+ years of total experience in an accounting capacity
• 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in mid to large sized companies or a division of a large corporation
• 2+ years of experience mentoring a team of 2 or more accounting staff, ideally including CPA students pursing their designations
• Experience communicating with an audience across multiple departments within a company as a differentiator
• Detail oriented, highly adaptable, self-motivated and personable
• A passionate change agent
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required along with a high degree of business acumen
• The ability to deal respectfully with all people and situations with honesty and integrity
• Experience in food or wholesales industries considered an asset

Compensation & Benefits:

• Expected Gross Hourly Wage: $43.00 to $50.00
• Disclosure Statements: Pay for this position includes bonus will be based on individual performance. Please ask the recruiter for details regarding base pay and bonus
• Full group benefits (Medical, Dental, Life)
• Paid vacation and statutory holidays in accordance with provincial employment standards
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (DPSP)

Apply Now:

If you meet the requirements above, please send us your resume by E-mail with the position you are applying for as the “Subject” to [email protected]. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The HR team can be reached through text message, whatsapp or WeChat at 236-334-7369 for any inquiries. Please note that telephone calls will not be received through this number.

THL Gourmet Foods Inc. is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities, if you need accommodation in relation to the materials or process to be used in the selection, please contact our Human Resources Department via email at [email protected].

Please also indicate where you learned about this employment opportunity.

At THL Gourmet Foods Inc., we believe that compliance with laws is about doing the right thing. Upholding the law is part of our Code of Conduct – it reinforces what our customers and stakeholders expect of us.