Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
EARLIER AUDITOR / ACCOUNTANT POSITIONS
Affiliations
Board Activities
Timeline
Generic

Jon Szczur

Mount Albert,ON

Summary

Hands-on senior financial executive and CPA with over 25 years of senior finance experience and proven track record of establishing cross-functional partnerships to deliver stellar results in dynamic, fast paced, entrepreneurial, manufacturing environments and growth companies.

Dedicated and multifaceted finance leader with key proficiencies in the following six areas:

Talent Management: Respected for leadership and coaching skills in empowering team members and creating a productive and rewarding work environment. Advocate of strong and frequent performance evaluation systems and feedback.

Strategic Vision & Leadership: Works collaboratively with the CEO, management team and other stakeholders in the development, monitoring and execution of long and short range financial and operational plans. Provides clear direction and priorities and clarify roles and responsibilities.

Relationship Management: Seeks to understand and take into consideration the needs of the key internal and external stakeholders in all interactions. Engages with internal stakeholders across functions to break down silos and better serve strategic objectives.

Passion for Technology: Ability to generate new products, services and solutions and develop creative approaches that lead to improved performance. Ability to take advantage of opportunities while identifying and minimizing risks that will impede the goals of the organization.

Financial Oversight: Works reliably under pressure to produce, analyze and evaluate timely and accurate information as well as render effective decisions. Honest and ethical with the ability to develop and maintain the trust and confidence of all constituents.

Business Knowledge & Operation Excellence: Understands business fundamentals, manufacturing operations and the business model. Translates operational metrics into measures of performance to obtain continuous improvement. Goal-driven chief financial officer with strong history of achieving both financial and non-financial business goals using effective controls and successful planning. Offering several years of experience in the field.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

Portfolio Chief Financial Officer

CFO Centre
Toronto, Ontario
01.2024 - Current
  • Company Overview: A company that provides part-time CFOs to entrepreneurs and owners of SME businesses in Canada, United States and United Kingdom.
  • Hired by CEO to lead finance team and to provide expertise and guidance in areas of accounting & finance, capital strategies, working capital optimization, reporting & analysis, treasury, mergers & acquisitions, taxation and human resources in an effort to improve the Company.
  • Led financial strategy development for diverse client portfolios.
  • Oversaw budgeting processes and financial forecasting initiatives.
  • Managed relationships with stakeholders and investors for strategic alignment.

Chief Financial Officer

Inscape Corporation
Holland Landing, Ontario
01.2020 - 01.2024
  • Company Overview: A public company and manufacturer of office furniture and walls systems with locations in Canada and United States.
  • Hired by CEO and Board to lead 15-person finance team and 7-person IT team to provide expertise and guidance in areas of accounting & finance, capital strategies, working capital optimization, reporting & analysis, treasury, mergers & acquisitions, taxation and human resources in an effort to turnaround a struggling Company.
  • Executive Accountabilities: $100 million 21 Indirect Reports 3 Companies 6 Site Locations
  • Worked closely with real estate firm on sale of two industrial properties for proceeds of $35 million. Negotiated sale and lease-back on a 10-year lease with two 5-year options at very attractive terms, creating room for arbitrage on future sublet opportunities.
  • Secured COVID-19 subsidies in the amount of $8 million in both Canada and United States to support the business financially during a very difficult pandemic.
  • Invested in capital assets that redefined the business, allowing the Company the ability to insource manufacturing of various parts/components that were purchased offshore. Improved profit margins and profitability and enhanced operational efficiencies.
  • Reviewed and modified rebate programs, discount models and commission plans. Realigned incentive structures to drive results, reduce costs and grow sales.
  • Hired FP&A leader with focus on reporting analysis and optimizing systems. Upgraded ERP systems from operations to finance to window based system. Streamlined processes and work flows which delivered efficiencies and cost savings.
  • Management lead of negotiation team that fundamentally changed the collective bargaining agreement with the United Steel Workers Union. Focused on a longstanding incentive pay / piece-work system and closing a defined benefit plan. Both positively impacting profitability.
  • Obtained $15 million and further $5 million of bridge financing by way of Asset Based Lending facility to support the business.
  • Participated in extensive diligence process, field exams, appraisals and managing a borrowing base.
  • Led demanding public company financial reporting and compliance activities on the TSX/SEDAR. Prepared sizeable audit committee packages quarterly. Worked closely with audit firm on various projects including tax returns, CRA audits, SR&ED filings and other strategic undertakings important to the Company.
  • Worked closely with sales, procurement and operating personnel in partnership with CEO on creating various sales forecasting tools. Participated in regular monthly meetings with sales leaders in various territories.

Consultant

JS Consulting (Sole Proprietor)
Thornhill, Ontario
01.2013 - 01.2024
  • Company Overview: A consulting business operating as a sole proprietorship serving clients’ accounting & finance, taxation and merger & acquisition requirements.
  • Engaged by CEO and Board of various small and medium sized clients to provide expertise and guidance in areas of accounting & finance, capital strategies, working capital optimization, reporting & analysis, taxation, human resources and merger & acquisition in order to generate substantial, lasting financial impact.
  • Performed risk assessment and due diligence in partnership with President/CEO, providing comprehensive reports and analysis that was used to make accurate and timely decisions resulting in significant savings.
  • Led demanding public company financial reporting and compliance activities, as well as, diligence efforts related to M&A transactions. Key initiatives linked to strategic and tactical planning, integration activities, negotiations, risk mitigation activities, financial reporting and building top-performing team to achieve results.
  • Ensured compliance with public reporting requirements of 10-Q, 8-K and press releases. Assisted in preparation of “road show” and related briefing materials, business plans and presentations used for fund raising activities.
  • Worked closely with accounting firm and internal staff to complete and file SR&ED return. Obtained financing in the amount of $1.5 million relating to the SR&ED claim to help fund start-up operations.
  • Partnered with CEO and Board to assess various investment opportunities in a number of sectors including food distribution, logistics, waste management, home building & construction and start-up technology companies.

Vice President, Finance

SMTC Corporation
Markham, Ontario
01.2012 - 01.2013
  • Company Overview: A publicly traded Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider with operations in five countries and annual revenues of $300 million.
  • Recruited from Adeptron by Co-CEO’s to lead the global finance organization and support operational initiatives in a very competitive environment during a period of significant growth. Key strategic initiatives related to reorganizing the finance team to both motivate and drive accountability, leading management through numerous restructuring activities focused on balance sheet, working capital, operational and profit improvements for all manufacturing sites, as well as, completing negotiations, due diligence and integration activities related to various acquisitions.
  • Executive Accountabilities: $300 million 10 Direct Reports Multinational 6 Site Locations
  • Led due diligence and integration activities of two international acquisitions that resulted in top-line growth, improved profitability and increased overall operating efficiency. Successfully led the closure of its Markham operations.
  • Facilitated corporate restructuring and ensured foundation for optimal financial performance through the introduction of various initiatives which included the use of transfer pricing and low tax jurisdictions, corporate dissolutions of redundant corporate entities, improved capital approval processes including ROI modeling and overall expense reduction plans.
  • Implemented a new corporate foreign exchange policy to formalize its hedging strategies and manage risk while operating in a variety of currencies in Canada, United States, Mexico and Asia.
  • Led the redesign of enterprise wide planning and forecasting processes, including development of operating plans, forecasts, dashboards, KPI’s and financial models to improve decision making, enhance shareholder value and exceed the company’s business plan.
  • Played leadership role on broader executive team with accountabilities in operations, human resources, finance, treasury, sales and customer service. Impact financially was most profitable year since early years of the Company.

Chief Financial Officer

Adeptron Technologies Corporation
Markham, Ontario
01.2009 - 01.2012
  • Company Overview: A public company operating as part of an affiliated group of companies in the EMS sector with annual global revenues of $210 million.
  • Hired by the CEO and Board of Directors to lead management through numerous restructuring initiatives and operational and profit improvements for all three sites providing oversight of strategic planning, finance, information technology, human resources, operations, and acquisition integration. Successful in sale of Company.
  • Executive Accountabilities: $60 million 10 Direct Reports International 3 Plant Locations
  • Ensured compliance with public reporting requirements and simultaneously managed financial resources through severe cash austerity and extended M&A process. Successfully led turnaround activities, closure of its San Jose operations and the sale of the Company.
  • Negotiated and restructured financing agreements, resulting in basis point reductions, easing more favourable covenant restrictions and simplification of asset-based lending borrowing process.

Chief Financial Officer

The Wish Group of Companies
Toronto, Ontario
01.2007 - 01.2009
  • Company Overview: A company with numerous subsidiary companies in the media & communications, cellular, conferencing and staffing recruitment industries.
  • Recruited by the former CEO (Employer) of Enunciate (Premiere) to act as Senior Change Agent driving operational and profit improvements for all companies providing oversight of strategic planning, finance, information technology, human resources, operations and merger & acquisitions. Led system implementation and process improvements to provide ‘best-in-class’ reporting and analysis.
  • Executive Accountabilities: $20 million 6 Direct Reports 4+ Corporations Multiple Locations
  • Directed negotiations for seven acquisitions within three years in partnership with the CEO, leading to a 10% margin increase. Led risk assessment, due diligence, and accretion forecasting as liaison for vendors, legal, and accountants.
  • Assumed leadership of all core areas including finance, human resources, operations, facilities management, administration and IT. In three years, instituted reengineering initiatives that eliminated risks, reduced costs by 20% and improved operational efficiency by 40%.
  • Expanded the business by opening seven locations locally and abroad, keeping competitors at bay. Mentored an inexperienced management team resulting in an increase in sales by 10 times.

Director, Finance

Premiere Conferencing Canada Inc. (fka Enunciate)
Toronto, Ontario
01.2006 - 01.2007
  • Company Overview: Canadian arm of PGI, a global $500M public company, providing applied communications technologies helping to automate businesses.
  • Sold Enunciate within 4-months of hire and subsequently promoted to oversee finance operations and lead 11 cross-functional professionals as the only Canadian Director. Devised and executed strategic and tactical action plans focused on improving financial performance, establishing long-term business growth and building top-performing team to drive achievement of objectives. Teamed with CFO to plan and execute on integration activities relating to the Canadian acquisition.
  • Executive Accountabilities: $25 million 10+ Direct Reports North America Multiple Locations
  • Spearheaded talent acquisition and retention initiatives to attract and develop a strong finance team to support rapid company growth. Consolidated tax, treasury, and accounting by increasing staff from two to 11, within nine months.
  • Championed restructuring and ERP activities post merger. Successfully transitioned staff, migrated systems, and reengineered all business areas within 18 months. Positioned company for efficiency and growth. Profits elevated 15%.
  • Directed the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley section 404 certification of internal control environment. Partnered with Deloitte and VP of Audit and Controls to perform detailed assessment of controls of multiple business units.

Director, Finance (1998 - 2005), Controller (1995 - 1998)

Flakeboard Company Ltd.
Markham, Ontario
01.1995 - 01.2005
  • Company Overview: $300M company that manufactures, sells, and distributes quality composite wood panels from facilities throughout North America.
  • Recruited from the Company’s audit partner, BDO Dunwoody, by the CEO to lead diversified accounting and finance activities in North America. Accountable for the leadership of the financial operations with secondary focus in areas of facilities management, sales, human resources, supply chain and operations management of a growing manufacturing company.

Education

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) -

CPA ONTARIO
Toronto, Ontario
01.2013

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) -

YORK UNIVERSITY
Toronto, Ontario
01.2009

Honours Bachelor of Business Administration - Co-op Accounting Option (HBBA)

BROCK UNIVERSITY
St. Catharines, Ontario
01.1993

Skills

  • Financial strategy
  • Budgeting processes
  • Financial forecasting
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Stakeholder management
  • Capital management
  • Operational efficiency
  • ERP system implementation
  • Cash flow management
  • Risk assessment
  • Cost reduction strategies
  • Change management
  • Leadership and people development

EARLIER AUDITOR / ACCOUNTANT POSITIONS

  • BDO Dunwoody - Markham, Ontario 1993 - 1995
  • MacGillvray Partners - St. Catharines, Ontario 1989 - 1993

Affiliations

  • Rep Hockey Coach
  • Favorite Sports - Hockey & Golf
  • Play Guitar

Board Activities

  • Mill Run Golf Club, Uxbridge - Board Director : 2024 - Current
  • Inscape Corporation, Holland Landing - CFO & Board Participant : 2020 - 2024
  • Northwest Belmont Lake Roads Association, Havelock - VP/Treasurer & Board Director : 2014 - 2018
  • SMTC Corporation, Markham - VP Finance & Board Participant : 2012 - 2013
  • Adeptron Technologies Corporation, Markham - CFO & Board Participant : 2009 - 2012
  • Recite Conferencing Inc., Toronto - Board Director : 2007 - 2009
  • York Condominium Corporation, Toronto - Treasurer & Board Director : 1999 - 2012

Timeline

Portfolio Chief Financial Officer

CFO Centre
01.2024 - Current

Chief Financial Officer

Inscape Corporation
01.2020 - 01.2024

Consultant

JS Consulting (Sole Proprietor)
01.2013 - 01.2024

Vice President, Finance

SMTC Corporation
01.2012 - 01.2013

Chief Financial Officer

Adeptron Technologies Corporation
01.2009 - 01.2012

Chief Financial Officer

The Wish Group of Companies
01.2007 - 01.2009

Director, Finance

Premiere Conferencing Canada Inc. (fka Enunciate)
01.2006 - 01.2007

Director, Finance (1998 - 2005), Controller (1995 - 1998)

Flakeboard Company Ltd.
01.1995 - 01.2005

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) -

CPA ONTARIO

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) -

YORK UNIVERSITY

Honours Bachelor of Business Administration - Co-op Accounting Option (HBBA)

BROCK UNIVERSITY

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Jon Szczur