Senior Manager, Accounting

Compensation: $140,000 - $160,000 / year

Department: Finance

Location: Oakville, Ontario HQ

Description

Reporting to the Vice President Finance, the Senior Manager, Accounting will serve as the company’s senior financial reporting leader, responsible for managing all accounting functions as we transition from pre‑revenue to active manufacturing operations. This is a “hands‑on” role and the successful candidate will build systems from the ground up, implement manufacturing‑specific cost accounting frameworks, ensure financial reporting compliance, and deliver timely, accurate financial information to support informed, timely executive decision‑making.

What you’ll do

Financial Reporting & Controls

• Establish and own the full‑cycle accounting function, including general ledger, accounts receivable, inventories and fixed assets
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with ASPE and/or USGAAP as applicable
• Design and implement a robust internal controls framework appropriate for a startup manufacturing environment
• Act as the primary liaison with tax advisors and financial institutions
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures and associated documentation

Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Finance

• Build the company’s cost accounting system from inception, including standard costing, variance analysis, and bill‑of‑materials accounting
• Establish inventory accounting policies covering raw materials, work‑in‑progress (WIP), and finished goods
• Monitor and report on cost of goods sold (COGS), manufacturing overhead absorption, and production variances
• Partner with operations and supply chain teams to develop meaningful unit economics and production cost models
• Oversee capital expenditure tracking, asset capitalization policies, and depreciation schedules for manufacturing equipment

Budgeting, Planning & Analysis

• Lead the development of the annual operating budget and multi‑year financial plan, including production cost modelling
• Prepare rolling cash flow forecasts and manage working capital requirements in coordination with the VP of Finance
• Provide detailed financial analysis and variance commentary to support executive and board reporting

Compliance, Tax & Treasury

• Ensure full compliance with federal and provincial tax obligations (corporate tax, HST/GST, payroll source deductions, etc.)
• Manage government incentive programs including SR&ED tax credits, COGS rebates, and applicable manufacturing grants
• Oversee banking relationships, manage daily cash positioning, and administer credit facilities

Systems & Team Leadership

• Optimize a new ERP system for cost accounting, integrated with manufacturing and inventory modules
• Recruit, onboard, and develop the accounting team as the organization scales
• Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, continuous improvement, and cross‑functional collaboration
• Act as a trusted business partner to the operations leadership team

What you need

• CPA designation (CA, CMA, or CGA legacy) in good standing
• Minimum 8 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a senior or leadership role
• Demonstrated experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or product‑based company with hands‑on cost accounting exposure
• Strong knowledge of ASPE and/or IFRS financial reporting standards
• Proven experience building or significantly improving accounting processes and internal controls
• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Excel / financial modelling skills
• Strong analytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail and ability to translate data into actionable insights
• Experience managing or mentoring junior accounting staff

Bonus points for

• Experience in a startup or high‑growth company environment, ideally from pre‑revenue through initial operations
• Background in discrete and/or process manufacturing (e.g., diagnostics equipment, pharmaceuticals, high‑end chemicals)
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing financial principles and operational KPI frameworks
• Experience with SR&ED claims and Canadian manufacturing‑related government incentives
• MBA or other relevant graduate qualification is an asset

Why Join Us?

At Vital Bio, you will:

• Have competitive base salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Performance‑based bonus tied to company and individual objectives
• Equity / stock option participation in a high‑growth startup
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• A high‑impact, high‑visibility leadership role with direct access to the executive team
• The opportunity to build the finance function of a company from the ground up
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture that values initiative and continuous learning

Compensation will be determined based on the individual’s demonstrated experience, education, training, relevant certifications or licensure, and other applicable business and organizational factors.

This role is a current, onsite vacancy.

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