Assistant Controller - 15 month - Maternity Leave in Kelowna, British Columbia at Vitalis Equipment Technology

ARE WE COMPATIBLE? A LITTLE ABOUT US

At Vitalis, we pride ourselves on reimagining solutions that encompass both performance and sustainability. We are driven by the belief that people, planet, and profits are not mutually exclusive, and we can have a positive impact on each other without sacrificing the other. We believe the key to our success is not only defined by what we produce but who we are as an organization and how we work together. We are committed to curiosity, innovation, passion for environmental sustainability, and applying those principles wholistically throughout our day-to-day work. And finally, we believe in being nice people; people that others pride themselves in knowing and working with. People who genuinely care about each other and the world around them.

Does the idea of working with us light a spark of excitement within you? Read on.

Job Summary

This is a high-impact, senior-level role on a 15-month contract basis, covering a maternity leave. The Assistant Controller will support the VP Finance in managing day-to-day financial operations while also taking ownership of key reporting and planning functions. The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and is ready to contribute from day one.

General Duties

Month-End Close & General Accounting

• Manage and execute the full month-end close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Maintain and oversee all aspects of the general ledger
• Review and post journal entries, including accruals, prepaid amortization, and recurring entries; fixed asset tracking and depreciation calculation
• Review bank reconciliations
• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable functions

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare the monthly financial reporting package for the VP Finance and the Board of Directors
• Conduct monthly and quarterly financial analysis, including variance analysis against budget
• Analyze and report cost variances, identifying trends and providing commentary
• Assist in the preparation of intercompany transactions and reconciliations
• Support consolidation reporting as required

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and monthly rolling forecasts
• Provide variance analysis comparing actuals to budget and forecast
• Support the VP Finance in the development of financial models and projections

Inventory & Cost Accounting

• Support inventory management processes including month-end inventory reconciliation
• Assist with overhead allocation and costing for inventory
• Job cost analysis and control

Compliance

• Government remittances and regulatory reporting including GST/HST and applicable US state tax
• Support internal controls and ensure adherence to accounting policies and procedures

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor the Accounting Assistants
• Provide guidance, training, and performance support to direct reports
• Identify and implement process improvements within the accounting function

Process & Systems Improvement

• Identify and lead initiatives to streamline processes across the finance function
• Support the assessment and implementation of new financial tools or system upgrades
• Champion a continuous improvement mindset within the team, encouraging the adoption of best practices and technology-driven solutions

Job Requirements

Education & Designation

• University degree in Accounting or Finance, or equivalent education with extensive experience

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressive, hands-on accounting experience
• Prior experience in a manufacturing or production environment strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing or leading a small accounting team
• Mastered full-cycle accounting processes and procedures
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting packages
• Exposure to inventory accounting and cost analysis an asset

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in ERP and accounting software
• Advanced MS Excel and Google Suite skills — pivot tables, complex formulas, financial modelling
• Strong working knowledge of ASPE or IFRS accounting standards

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Self-starter who can work independently with minimal direction
• Collaborative team player who supports and develops those around them
• High degree of integrity and professionalism

Contract Details

This is a 15-month fixed-term contract position covering a maternity leave. The role is structured at a senior level and offers the successful candidate the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the finance function during a key period of growth. A hybrid work arrangement applies.

What We Offer

• A collaborative and supportive work environment that values your professional contributions
• Hybrid work model
• Salary range: $80,000 – $95,000, commensurate with experience
• Group benefits package
• Group RRSP program
• Exposure to a broad and varied scope of accounting and finance responsibilities