Senior Accountant

Our client is seeking a proactive, analytically driven Senior Accountant to lead the modernization of their finance department and support a critical leadership transition. This is a 6\-month interim contract with potential for extension or permanent conversion, based in Brampton with a 5\-day\-a\-week on\-site requirement. You will serve as a bridge between current manual operations and a modernized finance function. This role is designed for a high\-performing CPA (or CPA candidate) who possesses the "strong personality" needed to challenge inefficient legacy practices, take over decision\-making authority from ownership, and drive operational value beyond basic transaction processing. Key Responsibilities: * Financial Reporting \& Analysis: Lead full\-cycle accounting, executing month\-end and year\-end closing processes while ensuring the integrity of the General Ledger within the Spire ERP system. * Process Modernization: Identify and implement improvements to transition the company from "old\-fashioned," paper\-based manual approvals to efficient, technology\-driven workflows. * Inventory \& COGS Management: Conduct deep\-dive analysis into inventory valuation and Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), addressing manual discrepancies and lack of automated scanning systems. * Operational Oversight: Provide guidance and oversight to the junior accounting team (A/P and Payroll), ensuring bank reconciliations and time\-tracking protocols are accurate and timely. * Succession Support: Act as a key partner to the owner and executive team to facilitate a management transition, moving accounting authority away from ownership toward the finance department. * Audit \& Compliance: Prepare comprehensive audit schedules and act as the primary point of contact for external auditors. * Internal Controls: Establish and safeguard assets by implementing rigorous internal controls in an environment currently lacking significant technology usage. Qualifications \& Experience: * CPA Designation: Preferred; candidates nearing completion with significant relevant experience will be considered. * Industry Expertise: 4\+ years of progressive experience specifically within a Manufacturing environment (Food \& Beverage or CPG preferred). * Analytical Mindset: Proven ability to go beyond "processing" to provide high\-level analysis that identifies cost savings and operational improvements. * ERP Savvy: Experience with Spire or similar manufacturing ERP systems; comfort working in a less\-automated environment with the vision to improve it. * Leadership Traits: A resilient, confident communicator capable of managing strong personalities and influencing change in a traditional business culture. * Technical Skills: Advanced Excel proficiency is essential for handling complex manual data and modernizing reporting. Working Environment: * Location: Brampton, ON (100% On\-site). * Culture: A stable, niche manufacturing firm of 55 employees. The environment is casual (jeans and sneakers are the norm) but fast paced. * Hours: 8:30\-4:30PM; Regular business hours with no expected overtime or weekends. If you are a high\-energy finance professional ready to make a tangible impact on a growing manufacturer, please send your resume in Word format to Michelle Campanaro, CPA at michelle.campanaro@randstad.ca.