Manager, Finance

HEAD OFFICE ACCOUNTING Full Time_Permanent Manager Montreal, QC, CA

Established since 1879, Birks is a luxury jewelry store whose reputation is built on quality, exclusivity, unique design, and excellence in service. We pride ourselves in offering meaningful experiences and in building intimate relationships with each one of our clients.

Reporting to the Senior Director Accounting & Reporting, the Finance Manager will be responsible for financial accounting, reporting and overall governance, which involves month-end close process, preparation of the monthly reporting package, external financial statements as well as tax compliance, while managing a team of individuals. The candidate will also lead the FP&A function, acting as the analytical engine of the finance function, provide insight and support to decision makers and is responsible for preparing, analyzing, and interpreting financial data and key performance indicators.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Accounting, Reporting & Governance (70%):

• Supervises the month-end close process, monthly financial statements and accounting analyses and preparation of internal management reporting package.
• Participates in the month-end close by preparing certain complex accounting journal entries such as various provisions for sales, lease accounting, impairment analysis, stock-based compensation, and long-term A/R and A/P discounting.
• Responsible for the preparation of the half-year report and annual report which includes the consolidated financial statements with notes and MD&A.
• Coordinates the half-year and annual audit with the external auditors, in order to facilitate the SEC public filing of the company’s financial results.
• Leads the preparation of the monthly external reporting package for various stakeholders such as lenders.
• Participates in responding and compiling documentation to support various audits for the lenders.
• Provides technical guidance on US GAAP accounting matters including preparation of accounting position memorandums, when required.
• Responsible for the company’s overall expense reporting process.
• Responsible for continuous improvement of the finance function including recommendation & implementation of internal controls and best practices.
• Participates in preparing other various financial analyses, reports and presentations for senior management and the Board of Directors.
• Oversees and participates in the income tax, sales tax and withholding tax fillings.
• Participates as a liaison with external tax consultants and provides required information in order to prepare annual tax returns.
• Participates in supporting governmental tax audits, as required.
• Participates in ad-hoc requests.

Financial Planning and Analysis (30%):

• Lead and execute the Annual Profit plan; the long-term financial budgeting process.
• Provides meaningful business partnering, working closely with operations and cross functional teams to build financial planning initiatives and on-going monitoring, analysis and support.
• Leads the preparation of financial forecasts and other key performance indicators including relevant dashboards.
• Oversees the preparation of monthly reports of financial results versus budget / forecast by means of the monthly financial review package.
• Oversees the analysis of monthly variances against the budget and forecast, interacts with the various departmental heads, and proactively identifies issues worthy of attention, determines the cause and renders suggestions for course of action to address the issues.
• Supports the preparation of budgeted and forecasted financial information presented to senior management and the Board of Directors.
• Performs ad-hoc performance measurement analyses and reports including developing financial models in order to support senior management in revaluating strategies and other initiatives.
• Responsible to improve financial models and drive continuous improvements.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED EDUCATION

EXPERIENCE

• 5 -7 years relevant experience.
• Experience managing a team (2 to 3 direct reports).
• Big Four Firm auditing experience is essential
• Retail experience is an asset.

SKILLS

• Strong analytical capabilities, creative thinker, demonstrates ability to provide actionable insight to decision makers with a strong business acumen.
• Ability to deliver in a fast-paced environment, highly driven, self-motivated.
• Strong communication skills and ability to present results across all levels of the organization.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Power Point skills, financial modelling experience required; experience with other BI tools is an asset.
• Strong leadership skills with an ability to motivate and engage.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of US GAAP and/or IFRS
• At ease with SEC report filings such as 20-F, 6-K, press releases etc.
• Solid knowledge & understanding of tax regulations.
• Detail oriented with high standards of precision, highly organized.
• Ability to collaborate with other teams across the organization.
• Ability to work in a public company environment, adhering to tight deadlines and multi-task.
• Bilingualism essential (written and verbal – English and French)

*Please note that due to the nature of the responsibilities of the position, a proficient level of English is required, in particular to communicate on a regular basis with employees and managers outside of Quebec.

In return for your commitment to excellence, we offer: