Division Accountant (Accounting & Finance)

Full Time

  Western Forest Products Inc (http://www.westernforest.com)

  Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Western Forest Products is seeking a Division Accountant to join our dynamic finance team in Port Alberni, BC.

This new position, will be required to facilitate economic thinking within an operation and lead business improvement teams. Coaching and mentoring of members of the manufacturing group’s financial team will be a key part of this role.

As a leader, the Division Accountant will play a significant role in managing and directing the lumber forecasting and budgeting process in addition to contributing to the overall Lumber Financial Analysis for senior leaders in the organization.  

Duties include:

  • Responsible for the accounting, reporting and analysis requirements for a single division
  • Ensure the integrity and timeliness of financial data.
  • Review monthly financial statements, report significant variances and work with Division Accountants to reduce significant costing errors.
  • Prepare ad hoc management reports as needed.
  • Assist Lumber Controller, General Manager, and VPs in the annual planning and quarterly forecasting process.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements.
  • Facilitate standardization and streamlining of processes.
  • Ensure appropriate internal controls are understood and in place.
  • Coach/develop/mentor other division accountants.
  • Ensure compliance with Corporate Policies & Procedures
  • Ensure accurate divisional finance/operating statements and reports.   
  • Develop and maintain knowledge of the duties of the Division Accountants and provide relief and support as necessary.                                                                                                         
  • Be familiar with Company policies, procedures and internal controls; assist with implementing and monitoring as well as provide input for improvements.                                              
  • Maintain a high standard of confidentiality in all matters.                                                             
  • Maintain business knowledge and relationships through regular contact with division lead team members.
  • Review financial statements to ensure they accurately reflect business activity.
  • Provide reporting and support for monthly MOR: quarterly MD&A comments; mid-year and year-end reviews; and variance analysis
  • Provide assistance and support with complex financial analysis, serve as a resource to the Division Accountants.

WFP financial roles are expected to manage and maintain trial balances, fixed assets, reconciliations, pre-paids and auditable business processes including required reporting for a publicly traded company.  

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Individuals with the following attributes would be successful in this role:

Required Knowledge: 

  • Extensive forest industry business acumen and required auditable financial reporting, forecasting and budgeting.
  • Strong business analytical skills and process knowledge, including a thorough understanding of business unit accounting processes.
  • Greater than ten years’ experience in a Financial and/or Business Services capacity. 
  • Working knowledge of relevant business/divisional accounting processes.

Required Skills & Abilities: 

  • Improvement oriented and focused on identifying business efficiencies.
  • Strong business acumen and analytical skills, specifically as it relates to the forest industry.
  • Well-developed communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • A good working knowledge of MS Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word and Power Point).
  • Detail focused and strong ability to multi task with strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to work with tight deadlines and prioritize tasks.
  • Ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization, including building partnerships with operations.

Required Professional Designation/Certification:

Recognized accounting designation, college degree in business management, accounting or a combination of education and work experience.

ABOUT US

Get ready to grow your career with a company that invests in your success – welcome to Western Forest Products! An industry-leading organization providing high-quality wood products and sustainable forest management, we proudly serve customers throughout more than 25 countries worldwide. Headquartered in British Columbia, we have the largest investment in Coastal manufacturing with seven sawmills and two remanufacturing facilities and a reputation for high quality products.

With a corporate climate that is rich in innovation, leadership, and tremendous professional potential, Western Forest Products is pleased to present a variety of impactful, rewarding career paths with a proven track record for success. We are committed to giving back to those who give so much at work every day. Perks of our employment package include robust training, excellent starting pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous career support.