Director, Controller

Purpose

Reporting to the CFO, the Controller is a key leader in the company, managing the core accounting, financial reporting, compliance and regulatory reporting requirements for all of Rocky Mountaineer's global entities.

The Controller plans and directs all accounting functions, manages the accumulation and consolidation of financial information for internal and external financial statements, participates in the accounting and internal control systems, and guides and develops the accounting team.

The Controller also owns the legal reporting structure and related equity accounting and ensures all accounts are prepared under ASPE standards.

Critical to this role, is the management of the external audit. In 2024 this audit will be largely substantive; in 2025, following the implementation of a new ERP Net Suite, the Controller will be responsible for leading the development of new controls, allowing a pivot from substantive to control based audit, ideally for the 2025 year end audit.

This position will work closely with FP&A and Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable teams to ensure completeness, accuracy, and timing of financial reporting.

The Controller will also be responsible for the management and implementation of end-end innovation initiatives within the Finance department.

Initiatives will range from simple business process changes to the management of more complex initiatives such as technology transformation.

The role involves identifying inefficiencies and opportunities in every area of the Finance department and in our interactions with other departments and external stakeholders and building strong cross-functional relationships with senior stakeholders to deliver solutions.

Key Areas of Accountability

Accounting Team Leadership :

• Managing, coaching and developing the Sr Manager of Reporting, the Manager of Accounting, and the Sr Manager of Tax to meet daily, weekly and monthly deliverables
• Deliverables to include monthly reporting to Family ownership (MD&A), quarterly debt covenant compliance certificates, annual audited statutory accounting filings, supporting regulatory requirements (IATA, ABTA, AAA)
• Lead and review technical accounting memos
• Lead resolution of all indirect tax audits and associated issues (GST, PST, US Sales tax, VAT as applicable), together with tax and other team members
• Maintain efficient corporate structure, including transfer pricing, and recommend and implement restructuring as applicable
• Building high performing team with progressive levels of experience by hiring, training, coaching, mentoring and retaining team members
• Making recommendations on future organizational design and positions required to support the growth of Rocky Mountaineer
• Accountable for external audit and ensuring that it is completed in an efficient manner

Financial Statement Preparation and Analysis :

• Primary lead with external auditor to manage the company audit process and ensure all deliverables are complete, accurate and on time
• Coordinating and reviewing internal and external consolidated financial statements
• Reviewing consolidations and intercompany entries
• Reviewing working papers, account reconciliations, note disclosures and variance analyses
• Ensuring that entity-level financial statements are accurately prepared and reviewed for each corporate entity, having regard for income tax and transfer pricing requirements
• Working with the CFO and SR Director Finance to ensure accurate, timely Management Discussions and Analyses are prepared for key entities
• Preparing accounting memos and policies, and considering the impact of accounting policies (including the use of estimates and judgment) on financial results
• Monitoring and improving workflows, closing and reporting cycles, and partnering with accounts receivable and accounts payable as required
• Supporting the business by making appropriate changes to the general ledger and accounting processes as required

Internal Controls and Compliance :

• Developing a structure of internal controls company wide to allow transition from substantive to controls based external auditing approach
• Guiding financial decisions by developing and monitoring policies and procedures
• Ensuring that appropriate internal controls and procedures are documented and implemented for accounts receivable, accounts payable and the general ledger
• Supporting the Sr Tax Manager with provision of accurate information and staffing resources as needed for timely and accurate tax compliance

Process Improvement and Technology Transformation :

• Continually assess and drive improvements to the finance department performance keeping in mind departmental priorities, the annual operating and capital budget and the Company's long-term strategy
• Reviewing current processes and policies; identifying operational inefficiencies and inaccuracies / errors, developing, and implementing process and policy improvements, and developing, recommending and implementing a robust system of internal controls
• Supporting the CFO and Sr Director Finance in root cause analyses for issues identified within the department and / or reported by the business and recommending improvements to prevent / mitigate reoccurrence
• Participating and Leading (where necessary) all change management initiatives in the department
• Be the finance team lead for all technology transformation initiatives, supporting other finance team leaders, the IT team and external parties to ensure successful technology implementations

Annual Budget and Quarterly Forecast :

• Participating in the development and management of the department's budget; driving for efficiencies and highest ROI wherever possible
• Ensuring alignment with FP&A team on accuracy of monthly results and inputs into the rolling forecast

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• 10-12 years in accounting leadership roles which included process management and improvement accountabilities, and leading technical accounting issues resolution
• Undergraduate degree or similar post-secondary degree in Finance or Business
• CPA, CA , with preference 4-5 years minimum experience from Big 4 Audit Firms (KPMG, Deloitte, EY or PWC)
• Thorough understanding of ASPE or equivalent GAAP
• Prior experience in developing and implementing strong internal controls and supporting a controls based external audit
• Proven experience leading a diverse team of Finance professionals and managers
• Experience mentoring, influencing and guiding others to achieve operational excellence
• Prior experience in a multi-entity company in several international jurisdictions
• Prior experience in (financial) system implementation; a strong asset

Skills

• Strong Microsoft Office skills and advanced Excel skills
• Highly analytical and detail oriented
• Propensity to develop new ideas and create solutions
• Strong people management skills including mentoring and developing team members
• Effective communication skills to build trusting relationships with the team and the business
• Ability to lead a team to solution-based problem solving
• Technical accounting memo writing

Working Environment

Hybrid working environment with minimum 3 days from office.

Compensation

• The base salary offered for this role is $130,000 - $160,000 per annum and can vary based on job-related expertise, qualifications, experience and internal equity.
• Eligible for Rocky Mountaineer's Bonus Program

Eligible Benefits

Rocky Mountaineer supports our team members' health and wellness by providing a comprehensive medical plan with 100% employer paid premiums, some of which includes :

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
• Short term disability, long term disability, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy
• Travel emergency assistance
• Vacation time, sick time, and company holiday pay
• Up to 5% RRSP and / or TSFA match
• Two complimentary annual train tickets after first year of employment

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