Lammle’s Western Wear and Tack operating since 1983, is family owned and operated in Calgary, Alberta. With stores located throughout Western Canada, we serve both rural and urban centers. We provide authentic western wear for the entire family, in addition to selections of tack for both Western and English equine enthusiasts.
Role:
The Controller, reporting to the President/CEO, will oversee and work closely with the Senior Management team to deliver and provide the financial and accounting services for Lammle’s Western Wear corporate office and all store locations. The Controller’s principal responsibilities are in the areas of: Finance, Information System Management, Inventory Control, and Risk Management.
This is a hands-on role within a lean, high-accountability finance team. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable setting strategic direction and rolling up their sleeves to execute day-to-day financial operations across a multi-location retail environment.
Responsibilities:
Accounting
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Participate as a member of the Senior Leadership team in setting the strategic direction of the company, and reflecting this in the annual financial plan.
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Oversee and manage the month-end financial statement process ensuring that it is performed on a timely and accurate basis, identifying and implementing process improvements.
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Prepare monthly and year-end Financial Statements.
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Prepare accounting working papers, including but not limited to: cash flow, bank reconciliations, trial balance, account lead sheets, and journal entries.
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Manage the review engagement process, timetable and deadlines with external advisors.
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Manage physical inventory counts and ensure accuracy in valuation.
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Work closely with team members to support monthly deliverables as required and ensure reporting deadlines are not missed.
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Ensure the accuracy, integrity and completeness of all financial records.
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Coordinate with external accountants on all required tax reviews, compliance reporting, and tax strategy.
Finance and Planning
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Manage the annual budget process.
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Coordinate the development of a management reporting system with key Managers, including critical metrics and KPIs - with particular attention to multi-location retail P&Ls, seasonal cash flow, and margin management.
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Analyze financial statements and present findings to senior management.
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Develop long-term capital plan based on long-range business plan.
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Manage cash flow and ensure all payments are made as required.
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Anticipate borrowing needs, building and maintaining cash forecasts.
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Responsible for asset protection including commercial insurance coverage.
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Oversee and review payroll function, ensuring employees are compensated in a timely manner and government remittances are made on time.
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Ensure compliance with all contractual agreements and debt covenants.
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Ensure timely payments of all required tax payments and instalments.
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Ensure GST compliance and processes.
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Liaise with CRA on taxation matters; serve as primary point of contact for all CRA reviews and audits.
Information Systems, Technology and Processes
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Lead and maintain hands-on proficiency with Business Central (ERP); serve as the internal owner of ERP integrity, process configuration, and ongoing optimization. Experience with ERP implementation or post-go-live stabilization is a strong asset.
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Participate in collaborative development of appropriate IT infrastructure including applications software and required hardware systems.
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Make recommendations for improvement of policies, controls and processes through use of technology.
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Promote a culture of continual improvement — looking for opportunities to streamline and automate processes in accounting, merchandising and operations.
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Design, develop and maintain accounting and finance procedures which comply with accounting and legal standards.
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Maintain an efficient system of policies to adequately control inventory.
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Manage workflows and technology integrations across all departments.
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Protect assets by establishing, monitoring and enforcing internal controls.
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Perform rolling tests of controls in store locations, head office, eCommerce and warehouse.
Skills:
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Ability to manage multiple priorities in an organized and timely fashion, with a proven track record of delivering on projects and process improvements.
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Excellent communication and organizational skills; able to translate financial information clearly for operational stakeholders.
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Creative problem solver — proactive and able to use initiative to develop practical solutions in a lean environment.
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Ability to build and develop positive relationships with stakeholders and external advisors.
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Demonstrated team-building skills including experience in goal setting, motivating, leading, evaluating and developing a high-performance team.
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Comfortable operating as a hands-on contributor within a small finance team, without the support structures of a large corporate environment.
Qualifications:
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A university degree from a recognized post-secondary institution and a professional accounting designation.
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CPA designation required.
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5+ years in progressively senior financial roles within mid-sized organizations; retail experience strongly preferred.
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Direct, hands-on experience with Microsoft Business Central required; experience with ERP implementation or post-go-live stabilization is a strong asset.
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Master-level Excel skills and proficiency across all MS Office programs.
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Familiarity with multi-location retail operations — including seasonal cash flow management, inventory valuation, and store-level financial reporting — is a significant advantage.
Additional pay:
Benefits:
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Dental care
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Employee assistance program
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Extended health care
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Life insurance
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Paid time off
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Vision care
Flexible language requirement:
Schedule:
Experience:
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Accounting: 8 years (required)
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Management: 5 years (required)
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Retail Apparel: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person
