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- Tasks: Support manufacturing operations by analysing financial risks and improving processes on the plant floor.
- Company: Join a leading company in the aluminium extrusion industry, known for innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hands-on role with opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique position that blends finance with operational efficiency and teamwork.
- Qualifications: 5 years of manufacturing experience and CPA designation or nearing completion required.
- Other info: This role is 100% onsite in Woodbridge, ON, with no direct reports.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client, a leader in the aluminum extrusion industry, is looking to hire an Operations Controller to support our manufacturing operations from a financial risk and performance perspective. The Operations Controller reports directly to the Group Controller. There are no direct reports. This is a hands-on, operationally focused role that blends elements of internal auditing, financial analysis, and process improvement, embedded within a plant and production environment. Working location: Woodbridge, ON, 100% onsite.
What Makes This Role Unique: Not a typical Financial Controller – no team management, no routine accounting. Focus is on internal controls, financial risk analysis, and operational efficiency. Requires time spent on the plant floor working directly with operations staff.
Key Responsibilities:
- Understand and document plant operations by conducting process walkthroughs and job shadowing of key personnel.
- Identify risks and weaknesses in production workflows, inventory handling, and cost controls.
- Recommend and support implementation of corrective actions, policies, and procedures to improve financial integrity and efficiency.
- Conduct financial internal control testing across business units independently, including planning and sampling.
- Use automated audit techniques and data reporting tools to analyze large volumes of operational and financial data.
- Compare operational procedures across plants, recommending best practices for cost accounting, inventory controls, and production processes.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with department managers to communicate findings and develop action plans.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 5 years of manufacturing experience is essential.
- CPA designation or currently in the final stages of the program.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Technically proficient in financial and audit software and able to learn new systems quickly.
- Must be self-directed and comfortable working independently in a fast-paced and dynamic manufacturing setting.
- Must be comfortable working on the shop floor, observing production, and interacting with frontline personnel.
What We’re Looking for in a Candidate:
- Someone with a strong financial background who thrives in manufacturing environments.
- A critical thinker and proactive analyst who can identify gaps, recommend improvements, and follow through on execution.
- Comfortable being a hands-on contributor rather than managing others.
- Able to travel domestically and internationally, with a valid passport.
- Not suited to someone coming from a pure accounting or office-based controller role—this is a highly operational and analytical position.
Operations Controller employer: Great Connections Employment Services
Contact Detail:
Great Connections Employment Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the aluminium extrusion industry and its specific operational challenges. Understanding the nuances of manufacturing processes will help you engage more effectively with plant staff and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the manufacturing sector, especially those who have experience in financial risk analysis and internal controls. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've identified risks and implemented improvements in previous roles. Being able to articulate your hands-on experience will set you apart as a candidate who can thrive in this operationally focused position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your technical proficiency with financial and audit software by being ready to discuss the tools you've used in past roles. Highlighting your ability to analyse large data sets and implement automated audit techniques will align well with the job requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant manufacturing experience and financial skills. Emphasise any hands-on roles you've had, especially those involving process improvement or internal controls.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in the Operations Controller role specifically. Mention your ability to work on the shop floor and your experience with financial risk analysis and operational efficiency.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your CPA designation or progress towards it, along with your proficiency in financial and audit software. Include examples of how you've used data reporting tools to analyse operational data.
Demonstrate Critical Thinking: Provide examples in your application that showcase your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Discuss situations where you've identified gaps in processes and successfully implemented improvements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Great Connections Employment Services
✨Understand the Role's Unique Aspects
Make sure you grasp what sets this Operations Controller position apart from typical financial roles. Emphasise your hands-on approach and willingness to work directly on the plant floor, as this is crucial for success in the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've identified risks and implemented improvements in previous roles. Highlight your experience with financial analysis and internal controls, as well as any automated audit techniques you've used.
✨Showcase Your Communication Abilities
Since collaboration with department managers is key, be ready to illustrate how you've effectively communicated findings and developed action plans in past experiences. Strong written and verbal skills are essential for this role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Manufacturing Processes
Research the aluminium extrusion industry and understand common production workflows. Being knowledgeable about inventory handling and cost controls will help you engage with operations staff and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
