Financial Analyst

Cooke is a global seafood company with operations in North America, Europe, South America and Australia. Our company’s success is driven by our dynamic, highly skilled, and innovative management team, supported by dedicated employees who live in coastal communities and contribute to the local area’s economy and sense of community.

The Role

We are seeking a commercially sharp and analytically rigorous Financial Analyst to join our Operations Team. This role sits at the intersection of operational performance and strategic decision-making — you will own the budgeting and capital expenditure cycles, drive meaningful variance analysis, and serve as a trusted financial advisor to operational managers across multiple divisions.

This is not a passive reporting role. We are looking for someone who embraces modern financial tools — including AI-powered analytics — to elevate the quality and speed of insight delivery, and who can translate complex financial data into clear, actionable guidance for non-finance audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational & Capital Budgeting

• Lead the end-to-end North American operational budgeting cycle across multiple divisions, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and divisional priorities
• Own the capital expenditure (CapEx) budgeting process from project submission and prioritization through approval, tracking, and post-completion review
• Develop and maintain rolling medium- and long-range financial plans to support strategic planning and resource allocation decisions
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, and project teams to build accurate and defensible budget submissions

Variance Analysis & Performance Reporting

• Conduct rigorous monthly and quarterly budget-to-actual variance analysis across operating divisions, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions
• Deliver consolidated financial performance reports and commentary to senior leadership, providing actionable insight — not just numbers
• Develop and maintain monthly forecasting models that incorporate operational data, ensuring early identification of cost, volume, and margin trends
• Support weekly Treasury cash flow updates and monthly farmgate and CapEx reporting to Finance and Treasury teams
• Track capital project spending against approved budgets, flag deviations early, and coordinate with the accounting team on actual spend reconciliation

Management Financial Literacy & Partnership

• Act as a financial business partner to operational managers and senior leaders — presenting financial results, explaining variances, and translating technical financial concepts into plain language
• Design and facilitate periodic financial literacy sessions for department heads and site managers, improving their capacity to interpret budgets, track costs, and make data-driven decisions
• Develop intuitive financial dashboards and summary tools that give operational leaders real-time visibility into their financial performance
• Challenge assumptions embedded in budget submissions and business cases, fostering a culture of financial accountability across the organization

AI Tools & Process Innovation

• Actively leverage AI-powered tools and automation to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting and analysis
• Identify and implement opportunities to automate recurring reporting tasks (e.g. variance narratives, forecast refreshes, CapEx dashboards) using modern tools
• Champion continuous improvement in financial systems, data quality, and reporting infrastructure — always seeking faster, more insightful ways to deliver value
• Stay current with emerging financial technology and AI capabilities relevant to aquaculture and resource-based industries

Capital Projects & Government Funding

• Support major capital and strategic project evaluations, including ROI analysis, NPV modelling, and scenario planning
• Support relationships with government funding agencies in support of capital funding applications, ensuring alignment with program requirements and reporting obligations
• Coordinate between operations teams (project status) and accounting teams (actual spend) to maintain accurate and current project tracking records
• Assist with business acquisition analysis and financial due diligence as required

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field
• 3–6 years of progressive experience in financial planning and analysis, management accounting, or a similar role
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis in a multi-division or multi-site environment
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; strong working knowledge of financial modelling techniques
• Experience with ERP and financial reporting systems (e.g. SAP, Dynamics, Oracle, or equivalent)
• Clear, confident communication skills — able to present financial information to non-financial audiences at all levels

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA designation (or actively pursuing) is a strong asset
• Hands-on experience using AI tools, automation platforms, or BI tools (e.g. Power BI, Tableau, Copilot, or similar) to enhance financial workflows
• Experience in a capital-intensive industry such as aquaculture, agriculture, food processing, or natural resources
• Familiarity with government grant programs and capital funding claims processes
• Experience designing and delivering financial coaching to operational leaders

Join our team and enjoy the benefits of full-time year-round employment with competitive rates and a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and career growth.

Benefits Package:

• Health Benefits: Includes coverage for dental, vision, and extended medical care.
• Insurance: Life and disability insurance provided for financial security.
• Support Services: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Financial Planning: Opportunity for RRSP matching to support your retirement savings.
• Time Off: Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave for work-life balance.
• Wellness: Wellness programs and access to on-site gym facilities (available in some locations).
• Career Development: Professional growth opportunities and avenues for advancement.
• Perks: Employee discounts on company products or services.
• Convenience: On-site parking or parking allowance.

If you're looking to join a supportive team environment with opportunities for personal and professional development, apply now and become part of our dynamic team.

The Why

Why Cooke? Simple - because we are a company that rewards initiative, resourcefulness, and work ethic. We will champion your growth and provide you with the platform to create your path, your career, and your future.

NOTE: The recruiter is reviewing and interviewing eligible applicants for this position as they are received. If you are interested in this posting, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.