Symtech is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the company’s financial operations and support its long-term growth strategy. The primary objective of this role is to ensure the continuity and optimization of financial processes while mentoring current members of the accounting department. The CFO will report into the President & CEO and be responsible for managing all aspects of Symtech’s financial management, including business planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, risk management, and ensuring compliance with both local (Ontario) and international regulations. This individual will partner with the executive management team to drive financial performance and operational efficiency, with a key focus on profitability, sustainable growth, and financial stability.
The CFO will be expected to provide leadership to the operations and accounting teams, establish and maintain strong relationships with investors and external stakeholders, and ensure that Symtech’s financial activities comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including Canadian and U.S. tax laws, labor standards, and industry-specific guidelines.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Financial Leadership & Strategy:
Ø Lead the planning, direction, and coordination of all financial functions within Symtech.
Ø Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO, President, and executive team to inform long-term business decisions and company direction.
Ø Drive financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes to align financial goals with organizational strategy.
Ø Analyze and manage risks associated with financial performance, investments, and liquidity.
Ø Ensure the organization’s financial strategies support sustainable growth and long-term profitability.
Team Leadership & Development:
Ø Provide leadership, direction, and management to the finance and accounting team, ensuring a collaborative and high-performance environment.
Ø Oversee recruitment, training, and retention of skilled finance personnel.
Ø Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to strengthen financial operations and internal controls.
Financial Reporting & Compliance:
Ø Oversee the preparation and management of accurate, timely financial statements and reports.
Ø Ensure compliance with local (Ontario) and international financial reporting standards, including U.S. GAAP, and Canadian Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises (ASPE).
Ø Ensure compliance with Canadian tax regulations, including Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) reporting requirements and provincial Ontario tax laws.
Ø Manage the company’s tax planning and compliance processes to minimize tax liabilities and ensure regulatory compliance with GST/HST and other Canadian taxes.
Ø Oversee external audits and ensure financial reporting aligns with the standards set by auditors and regulators.
Investor & Stakeholder Relations:
Ø Maintain and develop relationships with investors, external partners, and key stakeholders.
Ø Ensure compliance with investor relations, partnership agreements, and regulatory requirements.
Ø Collaborate with senior leadership to assess and manage capital structure and fundraising strategies.
Risk Management & Financial Strategy:
Ø Perform comprehensive risk assessments of the company’s financial liabilities, investments, and cash flow.
Ø Develop and execute strategies for mitigating financial, operational, and compliance risks, with a focus on long-term financial stability.
Ø Oversee the company’s internal controls, fraud prevention strategies, and risk management frameworks.
Ø Make informed investment decisions and manage liquidity risks to protect the company’s financial health.
Regulatory Compliance & Legal Oversight:
Ø Ensure compliance with all Ontario Labor Laws and the Employment Standards Act (ESA), particularly for unionized workforces and related financial matters.
Ø Lead the company’s approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting and sustainability initiatives.
Ø Manage regulatory requirements related to PIPEDA and data privacy laws, ensuring that financial data and personal information are protected.
Operational Efficiency & Performance Monitoring:
Ø Analyze and optimize financial systems, accounting software, and processes to ensure efficiency and scalability.
Ø Establish and monitor performance metrics aligned with the company’s business objectives.
Ø Lead initiatives to improve operational performance, identify opportunities for cost reduction, and ensure capital efficiency.
Strategic Business Partnership & Decision Support:
Ø Provide detailed financial analysis and insights to guide key business decisions and inform senior management.
Ø Lead the development and implementation of the company’s budgeting process, ensuring alignment with business goals and objectives.
Ø Analyze the company’s financial strengths and weaknesses and recommend corrective actions as necessary.
Union and Labor Relations Management:
Ø Oversee financial aspects related to unionized labor agreements, pension plans, and employee benefits.
Ø Lead financial negotiations in unionized environments and ensure alignment with corporate strategy.
Ø The duties and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing and other duties will be assigned based on the positions role within the business unit.
Experience & Qualifications:
Ø BSc/BA in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
Ø MSc/MBA, Master of Finance, or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation preferred.
Ø 7–10 years of progressive experience in senior financial management roles, such as CFO, VP of Finance, or Director of Finance.
Ø Extensive knowledge of Canadian financial regulations, including tax laws, corporate governance, and industry standards.
Ø In-depth understanding of Ontario labor laws, union relations, and regulatory bodies such as the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) and Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) (if applicable).
Ø Proven experience managing financial operations in both private and publicly traded companies, with exposure to cross-border financial regulations (Canada/US).
Ø Experience in managing financial processes related to union contracts and pension plans is required.
Ø Skills & Competencies:
Ø Expertise in financial management software (e.g., SAP, QuickBooks) and MS Office applications.
Ø Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage and motivate a diverse financial team.
Ø Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with a strong ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
Ø Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail and the ability to interpret complex financial data.
Ø Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and navigate complex challenges.
Ø Demonstrated expertise in corporate financial law, risk management, and tax planning.
Ø Continuous Learning: The CFO will need to stay updated with evolving financial strategies, tax laws, and regulatory changes to ensure the company’s financial practices remain competitive and compliant.
Ø CPA Designation: A CPA designation is required, with the expectation of continuous professional development.
A safe and healthy work environment is one of Symtech's primary goals and a central guiding principle for the organization. Symtech and its employees are aligned in the organization’s goal of zero incidents. Symtech's most valuable asset is its employees. Symtech is dedicated to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for all its employees. Symtech's safety culture is encouraged within the organization and promoted through demonstrating and communicating the importance of safety within the community where work is performed.
TRAVEL:
Ø 0-10 % travel may be required for this position.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Ø On site conditions: Walking or on your feet for long periods of time, high levels of noise, weather and temperature can vary depending on season, mainly outdoors.
WHAT WE OFFER TO OUR EMPLOYEES:
Ø Competitive compensation
Ø Employee Benefits Program
Ø Professional Development and Growth Opportunities
Symtech is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate equity, diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require accommodation in any stage of the recruitment process, please contact hr@symtech.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Flexible language requirement:
Schedule:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3L6: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Please provide your salary expectations
Experience:
- financial management: 10 years (preferred)
- Construction: 5 years (preferred)
- union: 5 years (preferred)
- Accounting: 10 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2024-12-13