Controller (6-Month Contract)

Job Posting: Controller

Finance | EastGen | Guelph, Ontario | Hybrid

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Work arrangement: Hybrid - ability to work in the office, located at 7660 Mill Road, Guelph, Ontario at least 3 days a week
Status: Full-time, 6-month fixed-term contract with potential for extension. This is covering a short-term leave.
Compensation: Estimated salary range of $90,000.00 – $120,000.00 annually with a retention bonus to contribute for the entire term. The final salary offer will be determined based on skills, experience, and qualifications.

The Opportunity

At EastGen, we are an industry leader advancing the dairy and beef industries through unmatched genetic innovation, leading-edge technology, and advanced reproductive solutions. As a Canadian, farmer-owned organization, we are accountable to farmers first and build lasting relationships through respect and integrity.

Our greatest strength is our people. Our 125 team members proudly serve customers across Ontario and the Atlantic provinces. We aspire to have the best-trained and most knowledgeable team in our industry.

EastGen is seeking an experienced Controller to lead our Finance Team while covering a 6-month leave. As a temporary department head, you will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer, provide leadership and support to a four-person accounting team, and remain actively involved in EastGen’s day-to-day financial operations and financial reporting. You will work closely with the senior leadership team and EastGen’s Board of Directors and liaise with the Chief Financial Officer of Semex.

What You’ll Do

• Lead accounting operations: Oversee full-cycle accounting and customer credit management while remaining actively involved in day-to-day financial activities.
• Develop the accounting team: Provide leadership, management, coaching, and support to a team of four accounting professionals.
• Manage financial performance: Manage EastGen’s cash flow position, prepare monthly financial statements with commentary, and lead the annual budget process.
• Strengthen controls and efficiency: Maintain appropriate internal controls in line with best practices and monitor finance and accounting functions to optimize efficiency.
• Coordinate audit activities: Prepare EastGen’s annual audit file and work directly with external auditors.
• Support governance and decision-making: Participate on Board committees as required and support the Chief Executive Officer and Board through timely financial analysis, reporting, and project work.
• Manage external relationships: Liaise with banking partners, the insurance company, CRA, external auditors, corporate legal counsel, and government representatives as required.
• Provide business and investment analysis: Liaise with EastGen’s investment portfolio manager, report on portfolio performance, and conduct financial and business analysis, including identifying cost behaviours and cost drivers.

What You Bring

• Must have:
  • University degree and CPA designation or equivalent.
  • At least five years’ experience in a Controller leveled role. This isn’t your first Controller level position and can bring your previous experience to hit the ground running right away.
  • You have advanced or expert experience and knowledge of financial reporting, working with Board of Directors, budgeting and financial planning.
  • Experience with a variety of complex ERP, EAP, and FMA software for complex financial reporting. Bonus points if you have worked with Microsoft Dynamics AX.
  • Positive and collaborate leadership style
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. You get pretty pumped about pivot tables, power queries, and formatting data so it can be understood by the targeted audience and future collaborators.
  • Ability to work in the office, located at 7660 Mill Road, Guelph at least 3 days a week.
• Nice to have:
  • Experience or knowledge of the Agriculture industry
  • Experience in a not-for-profit environment

Why Join EastGen?

• A values-driven culture – Join a farmer-owned organization built on respect, integrity, teamwork, and accountability, with farmers at the heart of everything we do
• Team based approach – Be part of a collaborative and supportive team that works together to deliver exceptional service and achieve shared goals
• Meaningful work – Help farmers protect valuable genetics, build stronger herds, and support the future of the dairy industry.
• Recognition and appreciation – We celebrate contributions and recognize the impact our employees make every day
• Work-life balance – Flexible and supportive practices that help you thrive both professionally and personally

Application Process

We are actively seeking to fill this current vacancy and are looking for a qualified candidate to join us as soon as possible.

Please submit your application on the EastGen website and apply through the "Careers" page. Only applications submitted through our website careers portal will be reviewed.

Applications are reviewed as they are received and only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The application process begins with a phone interview with a member of our HR team, followed by an in-person or virtual video Teams meeting interview with the CEO.

Use of artificial intelligence in hiring: We value the human element of our workforce and do not use artificial intelligence or automated algorithms to screen, assess, or select applicants. Your application is personally reviewed by our team to ensure your unique experience and potential receives the genuine consideration you deserve.

Accommodations in hiring: EastGen is dedicated to creating an inclusive, accessible, and barrier-free work environment. We welcome requests for accommodations throughout our recruitment process. Please contact [email protected] to discuss your unique needs.