Accounting Manager

Manager, Birchwood Accounting Services

As part of the Birchwood Accounting Services leadership team, and reporting directly to the Vice President of Finance, the Manager, Birchwood Accounting Services is responsible for all aspects of the banking management function, including the development of systems for the effective collection of revenues and payment of obligations.  In addition, the Manager will serve as a quasi-Controller with respect to month-end financial reporting for a number of our dealerships.  The successful candidate will be responsible for providing leadership and direction to ensure designated cash processing, reconciliation and reporting functions are completed in a timely manner while in compliance with policy and regulations.  This position is a leadership role with the expectation that the incumbent will act as a mentor to the Banking Team and will provide support to all Birchwood Automotive Group team members. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and direction in all aspects of banking. Specific tasks for this position include, but are not limited to:
  • Direct cash management operations to include daily cash administration, management of bank accounts and bank relations;
  • Review and drive improvements in cash management including monitoring of Vehicle and F&I related receivables and ensuring financial obligations are met in accordance with Company policies and procedures;
  • Oversee daily reconciliations for all bank accounts and follow up on any discrepancies in a timely manner;
  • Receive incoming wire transfers, process outgoing wires transfers and oversee the related accounting;
  • Oversee and manage the Corporate Visa program;
  • Maintain fixed asset continuity schedules and all related supporting documentation;
  • Ensure tax obligations are paid on time (PST, GST/HST, corporate income tax instalments, tire taxes/levies, etc.);
• Supervise a team of 3;
• Support the execution and delivery of monthly financial reporting;
• Monitor and analyze monthly operational results against forecast/budget;
• Develop & document business processes and accounting policies to strengthen internal controls and manage risk; ensure business risks are appropriately communicated;
• Resolve escalated client service issues and strengthen relationships with stakeholders throughout Birchwood Automotive Group;
• Educate, mentor, and assist others in both finance and non-finance roles;
• Foster a client driven and can-do environment with a hands-on approach to deliver key initiatives.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Completion of a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation;
• Solid understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and risk and control concepts;
• Proven leadership skills including the ability to successfully delegate to, motivate, lead, teach and mentor team members;
• Strong verbal communication skills, including the ability to:
  • Present and explain complicated financial information and process control matters in a clear and concise fashion to non-financial executives;
  • Manage collaborative meetings and manage discussions with multiple viewpoints to acceptable conclusions;
  • Leverage negotiation and persuasion skills to maximize customer satisfaction and program success; and
  • Deliver difficult messages effectively.
• Well organized – able to set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals and ultimately deliver on commitments; able to track details, data, information and activities;
• Focused on clients’ needs – anticipates, understands and responds to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations;
• Able to assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem;
• Must be articulate, resourceful, and creative, possessing the ability to work with, and adapt to, all kinds of people.  Must be patient, persistent, and persuasive and possess a strong work ethic (e.g. “roll-up your sleeves” leader);
• Ability to think “out –of-the-box” to transform legacy processes to be more efficient and standardized;
• Advanced analytical and Microsoft office abilities with the aptitude to see the big picture;
• Knowledge of the automotive industry considered an asset.

By applying to this position you are confirming you possess either a Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status or work permit