Head of Accounting & Reporting

Company OverviewAl Safa Foods is North America’s largest halal food brand, delivering accessible, high-quality, guilt-free convenience foods to our customers. Recognized as one of Canada’s “10 Fastest Growing Companies of 2022” by Insights Success Magazine, a “Best Workplaces in Manufacturing” in 2024, and one of “Canada’s Top Growing Companies” of 2025 by The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business, Al Safa’s success is fueled by innovation, agility, and strategic expansion. With more than 60 SKUs distributed through major retailers and ethnic store networks across Canada and the U.S., the company’s mission continues to resonate with diverse consumer communities continent-wide.Position SummaryThe Head of Accounting & Reporting oversees the full cycle of financial operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and integrity in Alsafa’s financial reporting. This role leads accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and preparation of consolidated financial statements, while also driving automation initiatives and overseeing outbound operations. The position provides strategic insights to guide executive decision-making, manages audits and compliance requirements, and leads a high-performing finance team. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, technically strong, and capable of aligning financial operations with the company’s growth objectives.Duties & ResponsibilitiesFinancial Operations Oversee full-cycle accounting: accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, cash management, and payroll coordination.Manage multi-entity consolidation, ensuring accurate intercompany eliminations and reconciliations.Oversee cross-currency transactions, FX revaluations, and currency translations across U.S. and Canadian operations.Ensure accuracy and timeliness of daily transactions, maintaining strong working capital and cash flow management.Implement best practices in credit control, vendor payments, and collections to enhance liquidity and efficiency.Financial Reporting Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting in compliance with accounting standards (GAAP/IFRS).Prepare consolidated financial statements for cross-border entities, ensuring consistency and accuracy across functional currencies.Monitor and report foreign exchange exposure and gains/losses, providing insights on currency impact to management.Manage close processes including reconciliations, journal entries, and consolidations.Provide performance dashboards and analytical reports to support leadership decisions.Budgeting, Planning & AnalysisDirect annual budgeting and forecasting in collaboration with leadership.Develop financial models to evaluate performance, risks, and opportunities.Conduct margin and cost analysis by product, channel, and customer to identify improvement opportunities.Audit & Compliance Maintain effective internal controls and oversee audits, tax filings, and statutory compliance including income tax, HST, and payroll.Ensure adherence to financial policies and regulatory standards while implementing corrective actions when needed.Automation & SystemsDrive automation across finance and logistics to increase accuracy and transparency.Lead ERP enhancements, EDI integrations, and reporting automation.Collaborate with IT and Operations to streamline order-to-cash processes and reduce manual work.Outbound Logistics & Cost Management Oversee outbound logistics, including timely orders processing, freight and warehouse managementMonitor freight and distribution costs, ensuring alignment between financial and logistics data.Track chargebacks, discrepancies, and delivery performance to strengthen cost efficiency.Strategic Support & Decision-Making Provide financial insights to guide pricing, new product launches, investments, and expansion initiatives.Advise the executive team on financial implications of business strategies and operational plans.Team Leadership & Development Lead and mentor the Accounting Operations Specialist and Outbound Operations Specialist.Set clear performance goals for reporting timeliness, collections, and process automation.Foster collaboration, cross-training, and accountability to strengthen team capability and performance.Key QualificationsCPA designation is required.Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. 8-12 years of progressive experience in accounting or finance, with proven leadership overseeing accounting operations and team managementExpertise in full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, and budgeting, with hands-on experience in financial statement preparation and audit management.Proficiency with ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and advanced skills in Excel and financial reporting tools.Demonstrated success in driving process improvements and automation across financial operations, including EDI systems, digital payment portals, and reporting dashboards.Strong knowledge of financial controls, GAAP/IFRS compliance, tax regulations, and corporate governance principles.Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the skill to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and cross-functional projects.Effective communicator with the ability to present financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders and collaborate across departments.Core CompetenciesCustomer-Centric: Delivers timely, accurate financial insights to management, teams, and external partners, enabling better decision-making and service.Accountable: Owns financial integrity and compliance, meeting strict reporting deadlines and holding self and team to high performance standards.Analytical: Applies data-driven analysis to identify discrepancies, investigate variances, and ensure accurate reporting while guiding budgeting and forecasting.Agile: Adapts quickly to regulatory changes, shifting priorities, and urgent requests, balancing immediate needs with long-term objectives.Innovative: Continuously improves financial processes, leveraging new tools and solutions to drive efficiency, cost savings, and value creation.Role DynamicsWork Environment – Primarily in-person role with hybrid flexibility. Additional hours required during month-end close, year-end audits, and budgeting cycles.Interaction – Regular collaboration with executives and cross-functional teams, including Sales, Procurement, Operations, and Logistics, to align financial reporting with business needs.Decision-Making Authority – Responsible for financial policies, expenditure approvals within authority, and recommendations to leadership on major financial and strategic decisions.Growth & Challenges – Balances hands-on problem-solving with strategic planning. Manages risks in a fast-growing cross-border business while continuously improving processes and controls.What We OfferCompetitive compensation with performance-based bonuses.Extended health benefits for employees and dependents with no co-pays or premiums.Paid vacation, birthday leave, and recognized religious holidays.Hybrid work flexibility with adjustable hours based on business needs.Annual professional development budget for courses, training, and conferences.A collaborative, growth-oriented environment where your impact drives company success.