Controller and Operations Manager
Smugglers Trail Caskworks LtdLocation: British Columbia Position Type: Full-Time, On-Site Reports To: Ownership / Executive Team Salary: $100-120K per year + 10% bonus KPI depending on experience. About Smugglers' Trail Smugglers' Trail is a fast-growing craft brewery with a wholesale division, a canning line supplying BC Liquor Stores and private retailers, a flagship tasting room, and a second bistro-tap room location in Fort Langley. With plans to expand our Tide House license to three additional locations, we're building the operational backbone needed to scale. We're looking for a Financial Controller who thrives in a dynamic environment and can bring structure, insight, and leadership to our financial and operational systems. Position Overview The Financial Controller is responsible for all financial operations across the brewery, wholesale, canning, and retail locations. This role is both strategic and hands-on, combining traditional financial leadership with operational responsibilities that ensure the brewery runs smoothly day to day. A key part of this role includes daily purchasing and procurement of food and brewery supplies and daily production planning with the Brewmaster and Sales team to ensure Smugglers' Trail never runs out of its five core beers. This is a critical operational function that directly impacts customer satisfaction and revenue. Key Responsibilities Financial Management & Reporting Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for all business units. Maintain consolidated reporting across brewery, wholesale, canning, and retail locations. Build KPI dashboards for production, sales, and retail performance. Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. Manage cash flow, AP/AR, and government remittances (GST, PST, excise, payroll). Reports to Board of Directors. Build out client lists. Oversee all aspects of marketing including website, graphics, signage, specials, social media, and anything to do with our Smugglers brand. Purchasing & Inventory Control Daily Purchasing Handle day-to-day purchasing of all brewing raw materials, packaging supplies, and operational consumables. Oversee procurement for food, beverage, and supply items required for tasting rooms and kitchen operations and ensure they stay within KPI standards. Maintain strong vendor relationships and negotiate pricing and credit terms. Ensure all materials are available to support the production schedule and retail operations. Inventory Oversight Maintain accurate inventory levels for raw materials, packaging, finished goods, and retail stock. Conduct regular inventory audits and reconcile discrepancies. Implement and maintain inventory control systems that support multi-location operations. Production Planning & Demand Forecasting Work directly with the Brewmaster, Logistics and Sales team every day to plan production schedules. Coordinate brewing, fermentation, conditioning, and canning timelines to meet demand. Adjust production plans based on sales trends, seasonal shifts, and upcoming promotions. Coordinate with GM about daily reporting with any issues pertaining to tap rooms. Core Beer Availability Forecast demand for the five core beers across wholesale, retail, and packaged channels. Maintain minimum stock thresholds and trigger production or purchasing actions as needed. Ensure Smugglers' Trail never runs out of core beers, protecting revenue and customer relationships. Operational & Strategic Support Provide financial insights to support pricing strategy, promotions, and margin optimization. Support expansion planning for new Tide House locations, including financial modelling and capex evaluation. Assist with lease analysis, equipment purchases, and multi-location financial systems setup. Compliance & Controls Ensure compliance with BC liquor regulations, excise reporting, and industry-specific requirements. Maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and audit readiness. Oversee licensing-related financial documentation. Overs…