Assistant Controller

The Assistant Controller will play an essential role in growing talent and leading the core accounting functions within the business. They are ultimately responsible for laying the accounting foundations to provide the business with timely, accurate and relevant information. 

We are looking for a dynamic individual to evolve and improve the current structure and processes. They will be curious about opportunities, listen actively and be able to effectively lead the team through analysis and execution of improvement initiatives. You will be real with giving and receiving feedback and support. Collaborating with the business operators and reporting to the Head of Finance, you will share your experiences and best practices to help us navigate a particularly intensive period of projects, foundational system improvements, and a renewed focus on growth. 

Lush thrives with people that can adapt and evolve to the needs of our business. You have a passion for bringing value, leading change, and having an impact on the organizations you work with. You are ready to join a business dedicated not just to getting the job done but to the practices of fair-trade sourcing, supporting sustainable communities and giving back to grassroots organizations making a difference. 

Our Lush staff live with purpose, finding their personal connection with the values of our business, bringing their work and life paths into one holistic journey. #mylushlife 

Reporting to the Head of Finance, your core RESPONSIBILITIES will include: 

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Oversee the day-to-day accounting duties, developing and mentoring the team as the department works to continuously improve processes, policies and reporting. 
• Facilitate and direct control of the month-end close process, account reconciliations and preparation of the individual entity financial statements as well as the total consolidated financial statements (monthly, quarterly, year-end) reporting under ASPE.
• Review all complex accounting transactions and revenue recognition processes, ensure technical memos are prepared and reflect appropriate guidance and journal entries follow in accordance with the accounting standards.
• Lead the review and improvement of period reporting including month end, quarter end, management reporting, financial statements (external and internal) and upstream reporting to shareholders and other stakeholders. 
• Analyze, review and provide interpretation of monthly financial reporting that drives discussion and action within the business. 
• Ensure accounting department needs are represented in any implementation of required software or other projects. 
• Manage accounts receivable, accounts payable, finance systems, treasury and general accounting functions. 

Payroll, AP, Treasury and Lease Administration

• Review of weekly, semi-monthly, and bi-weekly payroll runs.
• Review of monthly rent-related payments (fixed and variable).
• Review new stores and manufacturing leases for financial impact.
• Oversight of the accounts payable team responsible for accurately coding invoices, paying vendors on time, forecasting cash outflows, and ensuring proper controls are in place
• Oversee treasury and ensure timely and accurate reporting to financial institutions with respect to required financial reporting needed to support borrowing limits or other analyses. 

Compliance

• Oversee the Company’s external audit and liaison with external auditors.
• Implement, monitor and improve necessary financial controls with a focus on effectiveness balanced with a need to understand the needs of the business and stay nimble and flexible. 
• Provide support to the tax team regarding corporate taxes (Canada and USA), sales tax audits, and any other ad hoc statutory requests.

Business Partnering and Support

• Partner with the FP&A team, providing timely, accurate, complete and relevant financial information to ensure accurate forecasts and support other financial planning & analysis initiatives. 
• Develop, analyze and interpret statistical and accounting information to allow for reliable decision-making at the business level.
• Assist with coordinating the North American insurance renewals.
• Assist with ad hoc projects as required.

You bring the following QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required: 

• Chartered Professional Accountant or equivalent
• 8+ years of progressive financial experience 
• Minimum of 3+ years of management experience; Hands-on, progressive leadership experience in a shared services style environment
• Proven experience in growth, multi-national e-commerce, and multi-location retail or similar industry experience
• Proven ability to ensure efficient and accurate day-to-day accounting tasks are completed while maintaining a view and leading the progress toward the longer-term needs of the business
• Proven success in training, developing others, and leading and building strong, high-performing teams
• Accustomed to and ability to deliver results within a highly seasonal, high-pressure production environment
• Self-motivated, accountable and results-oriented
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally 

Preferred: 

• Experience working in a retail/manufacturing/e-commerce environment.
• Experience working with Microsoft Dynamics, Adaptive, ADP, Concur platforms or other similar platforms/software.

Job Type: Regular, Full Time. Hybrid position with travel to the office three times per week. 

Thriving with a diverse company culture, celebrating the uniqueness of our staff and committed to inclusion. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer.

 

We thank all interested applicants; however, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

#LI-DC1

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