WestGen – Financial Controller Search

The WestGen Group of Companies (the Group or the Company) is governed by a 10-member Board of Directors that’s comprised of dairy and beef producers in Western Canada. The Group encompasses the following businesses, each of whom have their own Board of Directors and report their financial results individually.

WestGen: WestGen, originally known as the Lower Fraser Valley Artificial Insemination Association, was established in September of 1944. In 1949, the organization changed its name to the B.C. Artificial Insemination Centre, a name which it held for the next 49 years. The BCAI Centre’s clientele and scope of activities grew following mergers with the Okanagan AI Centre in 1958, and with the Chilliwack AI Centre in 1986.

In August 1997, the BCAI Centre expanded its territory eastward, and began offering semen and other AI services to dairy and beef producers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. To more appropriately reflect the company’s activities and membership across the four Western provinces, a new corporate name of WestGen was adopted on June 1, 1998, cementing them as Western Canada’s Genetics Company.

Cryogen: Established in 2014, the company provides medical grade liquid nitrogen and affiliated supplies to the medical professionals.

Semex: Established in 1974, WestGen, along with three organizations in Ontario and Quebec, formed a limited partnership known as the Semex Alliance, joining producer-controlled Canadian AI centres from coast to coast, and creating one of the largest genetics companies in the world.

Bow Valley Genetics: Established in 2009,located in Brooks, Alberta with a secondary site in Regina, WestGen has a 50% share in this company, that offers the most advanced reproductive solutions in the industry including, In vitro fertilization, In Vivo fertilization, semen collection, and transfer services to beef producers.

In addition to the above, WestGen also owns 25% of Agwest Veterinary group, which specializes in equine and bovine.

The Company is complex but nimble and invests a lot in developing its people. There’s a strong and cohesive senior leadership team and forward-thinking Board of Directors that is very interested in growth and diversifying its revenue streams.

Financial Controller

Working in an exciting industry and growth oriented company, the Financial Controller will report to the CEO. The organizational structure is relatively flat, which enables the Financial Controller to get involved in many aspects of the business and contribute to improving systems and processes. The Financial Controller will be responsible for managing the overall financial operations of WestGen Group of Companies and providing accurate information to the Board of Directors. This will include financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and preparing financial reports, and reporting to top management and externally. They will lead a team of four staff and be responsible for directing and managing the company’s accounting function, including establishing and maintaining accounting principles, practices and procedures, maintaining accounting systems, and implementing changes as needed.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have proven success in achieving objectives and managing change; building and developing a high performing team; and a comprehensive understanding of ERP systems on and off premise. To be considered for this role candidates are expected to have a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability; an entrepreneurial outlook; and a strong work ethic. The successful candidate will hold a professional accounting designation, coupled with extensive experience and knowledge of all aspects of corporate accounting and financial management. Previous experience in the agriculture sector would be a definite asset.

To apply for this role, please click the link below. We sincerely thank you for your interest in this opportunity and will only contact those under consideration for the role.