About the Company

Our client is a premier fashion import/export PME based in Montreals fashion district. With a global footprint and a reputation for excellence in wholesale and distribution, they are looking for a CFO/VP Finance with a CPA designation, to steer their financial future. This is a role for someone who understands international trade, inventory cycles, and multi-entity corporate structures.

The Role

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be a core strategic advisor to the President, responsible for the total oversight of the company’s financial health. You will navigate complex financials, manage high-stakes banking relationships, and ensure the fiscal integrity of several associated holding companies.

Core Responsibilities.

1. Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Cycles: Lead all internal monthly reporting and external quarterly reporting for banking partners.
• Compliance: Manage quarterly bank compliance reports and ensure rigorous adherence to covenants.
• Taxation: Oversee income tax filings for both Canadian and USA jurisdictions.
• Specialized Reporting: Execute Real Tree quarterly royalty reports, calculate sales commissions, and manage Licensing with Artisan 34.
• Government Incentives: Optimize the Quebec Design Tax Credit and ensure compliance with Quebec Pay Equity.

2. Strategic Banking & Treasury

• Liquidity: Masterful management of cash flow, specifically tailored to the import/export cycle.
• Financing: Oversee Purchase Order (PO) Financing and manage existing loans/relationships with Investissement Québec (IQ) and BDC.
• Risk: Execute Foreign Exchange (FX) Hedging strategies to mitigate currency volatility in international trade.

3. Corporate Structure & Insurance

• Entity Management: Perform full write-ups and filings for different companies, including quarterly inter-company invoicing.
• Insurance Portfolio: Direct oversight of Commercial, Automobile Fleet, Credit, and Group Insurance policies.
• External Audit: Act as the primary liaison for the annual review with their external auditors

4. Leadership & Strategy

• Mentorship: Provide direct leadership and guidance to the current bookkeeper.
• Operations: Oversee outsourced payroll and optimize accounting, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
• Growth: Analyze market trends to identify new revenue opportunities and negotiate favorable terms for contracts and partnerships.

Qualifications & Non-Negotiables

• CPA Designation: Mandatory. A current CPA in good standing is a non-negotiable requirement for this role.
• Industry Experience: Extensive experience in Import/Export is essential. Direct experience in Fashion or Apparel is highly preferred, with a deep understanding of landed costs and inventory valuation.
• Technical Expertise: Strong proficiency in corporate finance, account reconciliation, and risk management.
• Negotiation: Proven ability to secure favorable terms in complex financing and partnership agreements.
• Strategic Mindset: A track record of moving beyond the "numbers" to influence business development and corporate strategy.

Why Join This Team?

This is a rare opportunity to join a successful, established company. You will have a direct seat at the table.

Experience:

• Import/export industry: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Chartered Professional Accountant (required)

Location:

• Montréal, QC (Montréal) (required)