At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and accounting for a dynamic life sciences team.
- Company: Join ATS Life Sciences, a leader in factory-wide automation solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous vacation, and health benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth, diversity, and a commitment to sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare through innovative automation solutions.
- Qualifications: CPA or CA designation with strong leadership and accounting experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 110000 £ per year.
The world isn’t standing still, and neither is ATS Life Sciences. We don’t follow the trends; we set them! Are you interested in being part of a team that makes a difference? Join our growing ATS Life Sciences Systems team, a division of ATS Corporation, a publicly traded global enterprise with a proud history. We are helping advance the future with our factory-wide automation solutions. Within Life Sciences Systems, what we do matters – we custom design, build and service critical automated solutions for medical device and pharmaceutical companies. We are dedicated to assisting our customers in improving the quality of life for people around the world.
When there is no room for error, and product failure is not an option, leading life sciences companies trust us to resolve their production challenges.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:
- Compensation: $128,000 to $176,000 CAD per year
- Annual Performance-Based Incentive Bonus
- 5% RRSP match
- Stock purchase plan
- Starting 3 weeks of vacation
- Benefits package (health and dental) + $600 health spending account
- Half-Day Fridays
- Continuous learning and career growth with global mobility opportunities
- A chance to contribute to something bigger - advancing the future of healthcare through automation
MAJOR DUTIES:
The Director, Financial Reporting and Accounting is a key finance leader for the Cambridge-based Life Sciences Systems business (>300 Mn revenue), responsible for leading core accounting and reporting activities while ensuring a strong control environment and high-quality financial information. This role oversees a team of 5–8 direct reports and provides leadership across record-to-report activities, monthly close, balance sheet integrity, cash collection and forecasting, and compliance processes.
Specific Responsibilities:
FINANCIAL REPORTING AND ACCOUNTING
- Lead the financial reporting and accounting function for the Cambridge Life Sciences Systems business, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial results.
- Own the record-to-report (R2R) process, including journal entries, reconciliations, intercompany accounting, and governance over month-end and quarter-end close activities.
- Direct the monthly close process to ensure deadlines are met and financial information is complete, accurate, and well supported.
- Provide leadership over balance sheet governance, including reconciliations, review of key accounts, issue resolution, and continuous improvement of account ownership and controls.
- Oversee cash collection performance and support robust cash forecasting processes to improve visibility, working capital management, and decision-making.
- Ensure compliance with IFRS, internal accounting policies, and corporate governance requirements, while maintaining a strong culture of integrity and accountability.
- Partner with internal and external auditors to support audit readiness, coordinate audit requirements, and ensure timely closure of audit findings and control actions.
- Help strengthen and sustain a strong compliance culture, ideally within a SOX environment, through effective internal controls, documentation, and disciplined process execution.
- Identify and implement opportunities to simplify, standardize, and automate accounting and reporting processes to improve efficiency, scalability, and quality.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of 5–8 direct reports, building capabilities, accountability, and a high-performance team culture.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, project finance, corporate finance, treasury, and other business stakeholders to support financial insight and business performance.
- Provide timely analysis of financial results, risks, and issues, with a proactive and solution-focused approach to problem solving.
- Responsible for ensuring that the Cambridge Systems Division financial reporting is in accordance with Canadian GAAP.
- Develop and/or prepare specific financial analysis as assigned by the Vice President, Finance, Corporate Finance, or Division General Manager for the effective management of the division and interpretation of results.
- Ensure that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the ATS Code of Business Conduct.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- CPA or CA designation is required.
- Progressive experience in financial reporting and accounting leadership roles.
- Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing teams.
- Demonstrated success in process improvement, simplification, and finance automation initiatives.
- Experience operating within an organization with a strong compliance culture, including external audits; SOX experience is strongly preferred.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge and experience with financial close, balance sheet management, reporting, and controls.
- Experience with cash collection, cash forecasting, and working capital disciplines.
- Strong business partnering, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with a practical, hands-on, and solution-oriented mindset.
If you're excited about this role, but do not meet all the qualifications listed above, you are still encouraged to apply.
Why YOU should join our ATS Life Sciences Systems team:
- We value our PEOPLE - The foundation of a great company is having the best team which is why we continuously work to develop, engage, empower and energize our people.
- The best people want to work with the best team - the best teams are diverse and inclusive teams.
- What we do MATTERS - our Life Sciences projects contribute to improving the lives of people around the world! ATS has made a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030!
- INNOVATION and PROBLEM SOLVING is at our core - Our pursuit of continuous improvement in everything we do.
- Our focus is on building diverse teams, stimulating innovation by challenging conventional thinking, encouraging fresh ideas and promoting creative problem-solving.
- We prioritize internal GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT - ATS offers endless opportunities for professional growth and development – with a tuition reimbursement program, individual development programs and a commitment to promoting from within - there is space for you to grow your career at ATS!
- We offer COMPETITIVE Total Rewards - Competitive starting salaries, overtime pay eligibility, paid vacation, Employee Incentive Bonus program, comprehensive health and dental benefits including Lifestyle Spending Account, 5% RRSP matching program and optional Employee Share Purchase Program.
This role represents an existing vacancy within the organization. ATS is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA), 2005 and will, upon request, assist those who may require specific accommodations due to a personal disability.
Director, Financial Reporting and Accounting in Cambridge employer: ATS Corporation
ATS Life Sciences is an exceptional employer that prioritises its people, offering a dynamic work culture where innovation and problem-solving thrive. Located in Cambridge, this role provides competitive compensation, generous benefits including a robust health package and RRSP matching, and ample opportunities for professional growth within a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Financial Reporting and Accounting in Cambridge
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like ATS Corporation. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Financial Reporting and Accounting in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to ATS Corporation.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on ATS Corporation's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ATS Corporation
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with ATS Corporation.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at ATS Corporation will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former ATS Corporation employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
