Corporate Controller

POSITION TITLE: CORPORATE CONTROLLER

Walter Hospitality is a subsidiary of the Walter Group, an investment firm managed by talented and experienced teams. With a strong entrepreneurial tradition and a passion for gastronomy, Walter Hospitality was launched in 2018 and operates in the hospitality and restaurant industries, and also includes a significant real estate component. To support its growth and development, our organization is seeking a Corporate Controller for our Montreal office. For more information about the Walter Group, please visit www.groupewalter.ca

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Corporate Controller will lead the accounting and financial reporting activities and be responsible for the leadership, development, and execution of the accounting and finance functions for Walter Hospitality. Reporting to the President, the candidate will enhance financial controls and processes, as well as oversee compliance with Walter Hospitality's policies and procedures. This role requires on-site presence at our corporate headquarters in Westmount.

The Corporate Controller will bring a unique blend of expertise to the acquisition process, primarily in real estate. Key real estate responsibilities will include:

1. Identifying and mitigating financial risks associated with real estate transactions.
2. Oversee the financial aspects of real estate transactions, execute bids, and review contracts.
3. Driving financial integration efforts to achieve synergies and operational efficiencies.
4. Leading due diligence efforts to assess the financial health and risk of potential acquisition targets.
5. Developing comprehensive plans to integrate acquisitions.

OTHER RESPONSABILITIES

• Financial Advisor & Strategic Guidance: Act as a financial advisor to the President, prepare files, conduct preliminary consultations, document issues, perform analyses, recommend appropriate actions, and conduct necessary follow-ups.
• Reporting & Analysis: Prepare, review, and present ongoing reporting to ownership, identifying pertinent issues and making recommendations. Develop useful and pertinent KPIs for the business unit.
• Financial Policies & Controls: Guide financial decisions by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing policies and procedures. Protect assets by establish monitoring and enforcing internal controls.
• Project Management & Costing: Develop appropriate project-costing tools designed to track project progress against budgets.
• Year-End Close & Audits: Manage the year-end close process and the relationship with external accountants/auditors.
• Team Supervision: Supervise the work of a Corporate Accountant.
• Administrative Support: Maintain business processes and their documentation. Participate in the coordination of various events related to the opening of restaurants or other Walter Hospitality establishments.

• Executive Presentations: Provide executive-level board presentations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with other finance team members and non-accounting functions to drive improved controls and process enhancements.
• Technology Support: Support the team regarding IT needs, in collaboration with existing resources. Participate in the selection, implementation, and evolution of technological platforms.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• Prior experience developing and leading an accounting and control function (8 to 10 years of business experience).
• Prior experience in either hospitality or real estate.
• Prior property and project accounting experience in commercial real estate transactions.

Education

• Active CPA license along with a bachelor's degree in finance or an equivalent field.

Skills

• Solid communication skills to inform and empower individuals at all levels of the organization, particularly direct reports. Experience in the investment sector is an asset.
• Understands industry trends, market dynamics, and possesses a quantitative mindset.
• Fully bilingual: French and English

The ideal candidate is a highly competent financer manager who thrives in a fast-paced, "all-hands-on-deck" start-up environment.

PERSONAL COMPETENCIES

• Ethics & Integrity: Upholds ethical standards and acts with integrity in all interactions.
• Leadership: Builds and maintains effective relationships, resolving conflict diplomatically and showing leadership.
• Organizational Skills: Efficiently manages resources and coordinates multiple activities.
• Problem-Solving: Applies rigorous logic to analyze complex issues and apply effective solutions.
• Listening & Accountability: Actively listens to stakeholders and demonstrates ownership in achieving results.

Please send your profile (cover letter and CV) to Gilles Dulude at : *********.******@***********.************

We would like to thank all candidates for their interest in this position. We will only be contacting those selected for an interview.