Birks Finance Manager

About Birks

Founded in Montreal in 1879 by Henry Birks, Birks is a distinguished Canadian jewellery house whose heritage combines fine craftsmanship, refined design and attentive client service. Renowned for its diamond jewellery and enduring connection to life’s milestones, the brand occupies a distinctive place in Canada’s luxury landscape. As an employer, Birks brings together expertise in jewellery, luxury retail and client relationships, alongside the corporate disciplines that support its business. Its professional environment places a premium on product knowledge, attention to detail and the ability to create meaningful client experiences, offering a compelling setting for careers rooted in luxury and personal service.

Role & Responsibilities

• Supervise the month-end close, monthly financial statements and accounting analyses, and prepare the internal management reporting package.
• Prepare complex month-end journal entries, including sales provisions, lease accounting, impairment analysis, stock-based compensation, and long-term accounts receivable and payable discounting.
• Prepare the half-year and annual reports, including consolidated financial statements, notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A).
• Coordinate half-year and annual audits with external auditors to facilitate SEC filings of the company’s financial results.
• Lead preparation of monthly external reporting packages for stakeholders such as lenders.
• Compile and provide documentation for lender audits.
• Provide technical guidance on US GAAP accounting matters, including accounting position memorandums when required.
• Oversee the company’s expense reporting process.
• Continuously improve the finance function by recommending and implementing internal controls and best practices.
• Prepare financial analyses, reports and presentations for senior management and the Board of Directors.
• Oversee and participate in income tax, sales tax and withholding tax filings.
• Liaise with external tax consultants and provide information for annual tax returns.
• Support government tax audits as required.
• Respond to ad hoc requests.
• Lead and execute the annual profit plan and long-term financial budgeting process.
• Partner with operations and cross-functional teams to develop financial planning initiatives and provide ongoing monitoring, analysis and support.
• Lead preparation of financial forecasts and key performance indicators, including dashboards.
• Oversee monthly reporting of financial results against budget and forecast through the monthly financial review package.
• Oversee monthly variance analysis against budget and forecast; engage with department heads, identify issues, determine causes and recommend courses of action.
• Support preparation of budgeted and forecast financial information for senior management and the Board of Directors.
• Conduct ad hoc performance measurement analyses and reporting, including developing financial models to support senior management in reassessing strategies and initiatives.
• Improve financial models and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• CPA designation required.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience.
• Experience managing a team, with 2–3 direct reports.
• Big Four firm auditing experience is essential.
• Retail experience is an asset.
• Strong analytical capabilities, creative thinking, actionable insight, and business acumen.
• Ability to deliver in a fast-paced environment; highly driven and self-motivated.
• Strong communication and presentation skills across all organizational levels.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills and financial modelling experience required; experience with other BI tools is an asset.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate and engage.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of US GAAP and/or IFRS.
• Familiarity with SEC filings, including 20-F and 6-K, and press releases.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of tax regulations.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and precise.
• Ability to collaborate with teams across the organization.
• Ability to work in a public company environment, meet tight deadlines and multitask.
• Bilingual in English and French, written and spoken; proficient English is required to communicate regularly with employees and managers outside Quebec.

Skills

Experience

5–7 years of relevant experience; team management experience with 2–3 direct reports and Big Four firm auditing experience are required, with retail experience an asset.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; CPA designation required.

Benefits

Hybrid work model, competitive earnings including bonuses, group insurance benefits, telemedicine and employee discounts.

Culture

Birks’ workplace culture is rooted in its Canadian heritage and fine-jewellery expertise, placing craftsmanship, attention to detail and personalised client service at the heart of its professional identity. Its environment blends respect for tradition with a contemporary approach to luxury, emphasising product knowledge, thoughtful presentation and lasting client relationships.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.