Vice President, Finance

VP, Finance

Segment: Life Science Systems
Reports To: President Life Science Systems 
Location: Cambridge, ON preferred – with International Travel Required 

JOB DESCRIPTION

MAJOR DUTIES:

Senior financial executive with experience in strategic and financial planning & reporting, project management accounting, operations and business development in global organizations.  Responsible for organizing, directing and controlling division’s financial and accounting activities, including the development and implementation of appropriate plans, policies and procedures for financial controls, reporting, and information systems and associated metrics.  

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

•    Participate in the development of strategic business plans and objectives and, as a member of the senior executive team, share responsibility for general management of the company.
•    Manage the group’s finance, controlling and accounting leaders
•    Direct all finance functions including operational accounting and budgeting, financial reporting, controlling and project controlling, tax planning and compliance, policy and internal control development. 
•    Strategic financial partner with operations executive actively involved in acquisitions, contract negotiations, financing and due diligence.
•    Responsible for monitoring, tracking and reporting key performance indicators such as EBIT, Cash, RONA.
•    Responsible for monthly division metrics and Corporate reporting of same 
•    Lead the responsible financial management, administration and control of the division. Create and maintain rigorous financial and operational controls.
•    Directs and coordinates company’s financial affairs according to financial principles and government regulations.
•    Directs and prepares financial analyses of operations for guidance of management, ensuring managers are provided with feedback about costs, process efficiencies and overall departmental performances; analyzing cash flow, cost controls, and expenses to guide business leaders along with analyzing financial statements to pinpoint potential weak areas.
•    Directs the preparation of reports which outline company’s financial position in areas of income, expenses and earnings based on past, present and future operations.
•    Develop and oversee the implementation of financial, accounting, information systems, policies and procedures to obtain optimum efficiency and reduced costs.
•    Directs preparation of directives to division or department administrator outlining policy, program or operating changes to be implemented.
•    Directs receipt, disbursement, and expenditures of money or capital assets.
•    Approves and signs documents effecting monetary transactions.
•    Directs preparation of budgets and financial forecasts.
•    Analyzes division or department budget requests to identify areas in which reductions can be made, and allocates operating budget.
•    Leadership of the team and the finance team structure to meet the short and long term objectives established for the group.  
•    Oversee the effective management of relationships with the regulators, consultants, external auditors and the financial community.
•    Negotiate and sign multi-year contracts and commitments such as leases, insurance and supplier agreements.
•    Ensure that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the ATS Code of Business Conduct.
•    Adhere to all health and safety rules and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• A post-secondary diploma or degree specializing in accounting, finance or equivalent.  A professional financial designation such as CA, CMA or CGA is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8-10 years senior financial and controlling experience in a manufacturing, financial, controlling and cost accounting environment.  
• Expert in project costing systems with hands on experience in designing and managing new business systems.  Diversified academic foundation and experience base which allows for viewing the big picture while understanding the operational and implementation challenges and opportunities.  Experience base may include; Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures, Financial Reporting, Treasury and Regulatory Compliance, Project and Contracts Management, Supply Chain and Business Processes, Information Technology, Change Management, and Lean Manufacturing.
• Proven business partner and trusted advisor to the senior leadership team.
• Visionary leader with proven ability to develop high performance teams.
• Exceptional communication and strong analytical skills are required.  
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and commit to accuracy and attention to detail required.