Senior Controller - Town of Sussex - JMC HR Consulting

Description

JMC is pleased to partner with Mrs. Dunster's in recruiting a Senior Controller to support the organization's continued growth and strengthen financial leadership across its manufacturing operations.

Mrs. Dunster's is one of Atlantic Canada's leading commercial bakeries, with a proud heritage dating back to the 1960s. Headquartered in Sussex, New Brunswick, the company operates multiple commercial bakeries across the Maritimes, producing high-quality baked goods distributed to more than 600 retail locations throughout Canada and New England. Its family of brands includes Mrs. Dunster's, Snair's, and McBuns.

Mrs. Dunster's is a values-driven, growth-oriented organization committed to quality, community, and fostering a supportive, inclusive workplace where people can thrive.

Position Overview

This newly created position reflects Mrs. Dunster's continued growth and commitment to financial excellence. The Senior Controller will serve as a strategic financial leader, partnering with the executive team to drive business performance and support informed decision-making across all facets of the company's manufacturing operations.

This role goes beyond traditional accounting oversight. It requires a forward-thinking finance professional who can translate financial data into actionable business insights and contribute meaningfully to the organization's long-term strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the CEO, COO, and executive team, providing financial analysis and insights that inform strategic decision-making and business planning
• Lead the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts, ensuring alignment with company growth objectives and operational realities
• Work collaboratively with leadership to develop and monitor key performance indicators that drive operational efficiency and profitability across all business units
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for margin improvement, cost reduction, and operational optimization
• Provide strong people leadership by developing the bench strength of the accounting team and supporting their ongoing growth and development
• Act as the company lead with vendors on IT-related matters, supporting sales, manufacturing, and accounting systems
• Oversee all aspects of manufacturing cost accounting, including standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation
• Partner with operations leadership to analyze production costs, yield performance, and waste reduction opportunities
• Lead capital expenditure analysis and return-on-investment assessments for equipment and facility investments
• Monitor and report on multi-site operational performance, identifying trends, risks, and improvement opportunities

Financial Operations and Compliance

• Manage and execute month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements
• Manage relationships with external auditors, banking partners, and other financial stakeholders
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function, leveraging technology, systems, and best practices
• Supervise and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and professional growth

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum eight years of progressive financial leadership experience, including at least five years in a Controller-level role
• Demonstrated experience in a manufacturing environment with strong cost accounting expertise
• Proven track record of delivering strategic financial insights that influence business decisions
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced proficiency in Excel; experience with business intelligence tools is an asset
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience building, developing, and scaling high-performing finance teams, including hiring, mentoring, and establishing clear roles, processes, and career paths

Preferred

• Experience in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, or related industries
• Background supporting multi-site or multi-entity operations
• Experience with business acquisitions and integration
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and their financial implications

We thank all interested applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.