THE COMPANY

Our client is a premier manufacturer of specialized equipment for the natural gas industry, providing a comprehensive range of equipment and services across North America. Headquartered in Alberta, our client operates design, engineering, and manufacturing facilities in Alberta.

Currently, our client seeks an experienced and dynamic Vice President of Finance to support its rapid growth and drive its strategic vision. This pivotal role will be essential in scaling operations and delivering continued excellence across our client’s expanding footprint.

THE OPPORTUNTIY

LHH Knightsbridge has been engaged to recruit an accomplished transformative executive with strong leadership skills and a proven track record in a dynamic and growing organization. The VP of Finance will work in a collaborative environment where innovation, strategic thinking, and personal development are valued. This role offers the chance to influence and shape the future of the company while achieving professional growth and satisfaction.

The Vice President (VP) of Finance is a pivotal member of the leadership team, responsible for setting and driving the strategic financial direction of the organization. The VP of Finance provides assertive leadership, sound advice, and counsel to the President and CEO, serving as a key advisor on financial strategies and organizational growth. This role involves direct communication of financial results, strategies, and recommendations to the ownership group and fostering collaboration with functional leaders in Sales, Engineering and R&D, and Operations. The VP of Finance ensures the provision of tools, data, and analysis to support timely, informed decision-making across the company.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Leadership

Collaborate with the senior leadership team and ownership group to define, develop, and implement a scalable finance organization and structure that aligns with the company’s growth trajectory.

Develop and execute comprehensive financial strategies that align with the company's objectives and drive sustainable growth.

Financial Operations Management

Oversee all aspects of accounting operations, including payables, receivables, payroll, and tax preparation in Canada and the United States.

Implement robust costing, inventory management, treasury, cash flow planning and budgeting practices tailored for manufacturing operations.

Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of financial statements, bank compliance reports, financial forecasts, and financial KPIs on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. Knowledge of US GAAP is a necessity.

Budgeting and Resource Optimization

Lead the budgeting process in collaboration with departmental heads to optimize resource allocation and align budgets with strategic priorities.

Team Leadership and Development

1. Supervise and mentor the accounting team, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring the team is equipped to meet organizational goals.
2. Promote professional development within the finance team.

Risk Management and Compliance

Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets and mitigate financial risks.

Oversee the corporate insurance program to ensure appropriate coverage.

Analytical Support and Special Projects

1. Provide detailed analysis on transfer pricing activities and support strategic decision-making by providing financial insights and recommendations (ROI, etc.).
2. Research and identify government funding opportunities, including grants and SR&ED programs.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Experience

1. A minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in fully integrated product manufacturing environments (B2B), operating on a North American or global platform within the oil and gas sector.
2. Proven experience partnering effectively with leadership teams and owner groups in privately-owned organizations.

Skills and Competencies

1. Demonstrated ability to lead teams, mentor staff, and foster a collaborative and productive working environment.
2. Strong strategic and tactical thinking skills, with the ability to execute plans and adapt to evolving business needs.
3. Superior analytical abilities with a knack for identifying opportunities and applying sound judgment to decision-making.
4. Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
5. Proven success in leading organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives, including ERP system implementation.
6. Effective communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, from shop floor staff to Board members.

Personal Attributes

1. Strong integrity and accountability, with a results-oriented mindset.
2. A balance of humility and confidence, with the ability to make and defend well-reasoned recommendations.
3. Entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for driving growth and innovation.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is required.