Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

Job Description

Job Description

For over 70 years, Walter Surface Technologies has been a world leader in surface treatment technologies, providing high-performance abrasives, tools, power tools, chemical solutions and welding process solutions specifically designed for the metalworking industry. Our core philosophy is focused on helping customers work better and providing “only the best” - the best technology, the best products, the best performance, the best in safety and the best in sustainability - all aimed at increasing their productivity and profitability.

Walter Surface Technologies (“Walter”) is a privately held manufacturing company in the industrial sector. Our products are sold in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. Our international headquarters are located in Montreal, Quebec. Walter’s principal investor and shareholder is Onex Corporation through ONCAP. Onex is one of the largest private equity firms in Canada.

A key element of Walter’s corporate strategy is to pursue strategic acquisitions to further enhance and diversify its product portfolio, strengthen its market share and existing customer relationships, and further expand its extensive distribution network. 

Reporting to the Director, M&A and Strategic Finance, the FP&A manager will play a key role in Walter’s financial planning, performance analysis, and decision-support processes. This individual will work closely with finance and operational teams to provide management with clear insights into results, trends, risks, and opportunities.

The FP&A Manager will be responsible for preparing and coordinating budgets, analyzing monthly results and key performance indicators, and producing analyses and reports for Management. This individual will also contribute to the continuous improvement of FP&A tools, processes, and systems.

Responsibilities

• Analyze monthly financial results and explain variances against budget, and prior periods, identifying the key drivers impacting profitability and performance.
• Prepare MD&A, financial reports, and analyses for Management and the Board of Directors.
• Act as a business partner to Management by providing financial analysis to support decision-making and delivering actionable recommendations.
• Oversee key FP&A processes supporting the commercial organization, including sales and POS reporting, sales commission calculations, and buying group reporting. 
• Manage pricing maintenance and support the annual price increase process.
• Perform performance analyses, including sales, margins, costs, profitability by product, customer, territory, and other key business drivers.
• Lead and coordinate the annual budgeting in collaboration with the organization’s various business units and functions.
• Collaborate with IT to enhance dashboards, BI tools, and automated reporting, while identifying opportunities to improve the efficiency and accuracy of financial planning and reporting processes.
• Coach and develop members of the FP&A team and contribute to establishing strong practices and standards across the organization.
• Participate in special projects and ad hoc analyses as requested by Management.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; bilingual in English and French due to interactions with local & international stakeholders.
• Strong ability to communicate and work effectively with all levels of the organization, including senior management.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex financial information into clear insights and recommendations.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Office, and AI tools including the ability to work with large data sets and develop financial models.
• Experience with ERP and BI systems; 
• Strong understanding of financial statements, key profitability drivers, and performance indicators.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of initiative, sound judgment, and a continuous-improvement mindset.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, including in FP&A, and financial analysis.
• People management or team leadership experience is considered an asset.
• CPA, CFA, or equivalent professional designation is considered an asset.
• Experience within an organization operating across multiple business units is considered an asset.
• Experience working for Big 4 accounting firm is considered an asset.