Nature Fresh Farms is a Leamington-based greenhouse company with facilities in Leamington, ON and Delta, OH as well as Laredo, TX. Our company and its innovative, dynamic team is expanding every day, growing new plant varieties and introducing cutting-edge ideas and practices to the fresh produce industry. However, at Nature Fresh, we don’t just grow plants – we also grow people. Our team is passionate about bringing the highest quality products to consumers, but it is also committed to creating an inspiring, diverse, and team-oriented workplace environment that everyone can enjoy. Nature Fresh Farms is a recognized leader within the greenhouse farming industry – join our team and help us continue to grow.
Job Details
The Controller is responsible for the company’s financial statements, general ledgers, cost accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, tax compliance and various special analyses. Many of these departments are done by others but the Controller oversees each and brings them together for use of monthly reconciliations and audits.
Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assist with credit applications
- Manage all numbered companies for each Nature Fresh and manage the bank accounts for each Nature Fresh
- Watching all accounts on a daily basis in order to be able to report cash position to Chief Financial Officer
- Complete daily and monthly bank reconciliations. The month end reconciliation relies heavily on Payroll, Accounts Payable and the Purchasing department
- Have a clear understanding of every transaction that occurs and why it has occurred
- On a monthly basis, provide the banks with financials of the previous month
- Communicate with the banks and provide any clarification as necessary and answer any questions regarding transactions
- All postings should be reviewed and verified that they are posted in the correct accounts
- Correct all accruals- expenses that are posted in the wrong month
- Responsible for anything financial and confidential with the government- ex. ROE’s, BDO etc.
- Manage all foreign exchange transactions.
- Cooperating with all audits, expected or not. They may include but are not limited to Payroll, WSIB, HST or Compliance
- Verification of payroll
- Prepare and submit year end reports for government
- If there are any malfunctions with the accounting program, the Controller would resolve the issues immediately
- Any complaints or concerns from the front office staff must be handled
- Submitting any wire payments for completion to the VP of Finance
- Communicating with the VP of Finance regarding any cash demands
- Processing wire payments, bill payments, transfers and other cash transactions through online banking and submitting to VP of Finance for approval
- Verifying all withdrawals from the accounts such as interest, payments etc. The interest payments must also be tracked
- Correspondence with the MTO in regard to vehicle plates, stickers and insurance. This also includes registering any new vehicles or the disposal retired ones
- Retention of records
- Assist with the implementation of new ideas
- Make sure that all staff are on board with new programs and utilizing them correctly
- Interview for any openings of front-end staff
- Advocate new positions if necessary
- Training of new hires and ensuring cross training is completed in the case that it will be necessary for coverage
- The Controller is responsible for managing the team as per company standards. Written and verbal warnings are issued when necessary and all incidents and absenteeism should be reported to HR or Health and Safety
- They shall stay actively involved in employee hands on training and follow-up to ensure all work is done efficiently and correctly. Training and development may be required on an on-going basis
- Motivating and encouraging workers and communicating with them as necessary
- Additional duties as assigned
Job Requirements
- University degree in Accounting or Finance
- Strong understanding of all functions of the typical accounting department, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and clearing
- Must have excellent computer skills
- Multi-tasking and organization are essential
- Reading, writing, oral communication and effective listening are essential job tools
- Leadership, development, treats others with courtesy, sensitivity and respect
- Very strong attention to detail
- Commitment to continuous learning through courses and personal research methods
- Makes well-informed, effective and timely decisions
- Flexibility to change with new information and to adapt to changing conditions and obstacles
- Problem solving skills
- Must be credible, reliable and have a great ethical character
- A valid driver’s license and use of personal vehicle are required as needed.
Workplace Conditions
- Meeting tight deadlines
- High level of responsibility and confidentiality in regards to both company and employee matters
- Working with various types of people in a team setting but also working independently
- Maintain a positive and open line of communication
- The Controller spends most of their time in the office. They typically work about 40-50 hours per week with optional Saturdays