chief financial officer

Company Description

MSC is a world leader in global container shipping. MSC Canada has been serving the Canadian market for over two decades, rapidly expanding our presence nationally to become the number one carrier.

Our values are the beating heart of our business. They are the cornerstone of our company, supporting our vision, shaping our culture and establishing our future direction.

Job Description

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at MSC Canada plays a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy, governance, and long-term stability of the organization. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO oversees all aspects of finance, accounting, risk management, audit, and financial systems, ensuring that MSC Canada operates with excellence, transparency, and accountability.

Level of Responsibility

The CFO will drive a modernized and efficient financial organization—one that is analytical, process-driven, and fully aligned with the business's operational and commercial priorities. This position requires a hands-on, strategic leader capable of building strong teams, optimizing systems, and contributing directly to the company's continued growth and profitability.

Key Tasks

1. Organization of the Finance Department

2. Redefine and implement an efficient financial organization, aligning the right profiles and competencies across accounts, cost control, and financial analysis.

3. Establish an Internal Audit function to safeguard adherence to corporate financial strategy, controls, and compliance standards.
4. Identify and develop high-potential talent within the finance organization to accelerate performance and strengthen leadership succession.
5. Lead advanced financial analysis initiatives aimed at improving working capital, cash flow, and operational margins through credit-risk control, cost management, and income optimization.

6. Integrate cost-efficiency principles into all financial and operational processes and future projects.

7. Process Optimization

8. Review and validate existing and upcoming processes, including operational data flow, invoicing, client billing, and supplier approvals, ensuring consistency and control.

9. Optimize invoice accuracy and turnaround time, ensuring revenue recognition is timely and precise.
10. In collaboration with Operations and Commercial teams, oversee the alignment of selling and buying tariffs with operational data to safeguard revenue integrity.
11. Strengthen forecasting and reporting cycles for DA/GA/LLIE cost structures, improving accuracy and timeliness.
12. Enhance supplier invoice control through cost-benchmarking and procurement governance.
13. Establish a formal procurement process in collaboration with Group Finance, Operations, and Local Management.
14. Drive automation of repetitive financial tasks (e.g., invoicing, provisions, payables, reconciliations) to increase accuracy and efficiency.

15. Implement administration and reporting tools that reduce overhead costs and improve visibility.

16. Control of Accounting and Operational Systems

17. Implement robust internal controls within accounting and operational systems to ensure data accuracy and financial integrity (EDI, container flows, tariff validations, DSO, credit terms).

18. Identify opportunities to optimize existing financial and operational systems, ensuring scalability and reliability.

19. Lead or participate in all system implementation projects to guarantee finance requirements are fully integrated into design and delivery.

20. Accounts and Reporting

21. Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of all accounting and financial information.

22. Oversee the proper configuration and use of SAP, ensuring financial processes align with group standards.
23. Guarantee compliance with statutory accounting, tax, and financial reporting requirements.
24. Optimize the VAT and tax structure in collaboration with the Group Tax Officer.
25. Ensure timely implementation of audit recommendations and sustain readiness for all internal and external audits.
26. Develop and monitor financial procedures, KPIs, and dashboards to measure performance and guide management decisions.

27. Define and uphold the company's credit policy in partnership with Sales and Group Finance.

28. Financial Analysis and Performance Management

29. Conduct detailed analyses of client statements, reducing DSO and optimizing cash flow.

30. Review payment terms and identify opportunities to extend DPO responsibly.
31. Monitor and analyze cash flow positions and variances versus forecasts.
32. Lead deep-dive analyses of major cost categories (terminals, ports, depots, intermodal transport) to identify cost-reduction opportunities.
33. Oversee revenue and margin analysis, including demurrage, storage dwell times, and service profitability by segment.
34. Conduct foreign exchange risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies.

35. Develop and maintain comprehensive reporting on financial and operational KPIs to drive accountability and performance culture.

36. Management and Strategic Support

37. Provide the Board and Executive Team with accurate and insightful financial information for decision-making, including forecasts, risks, and growth opportunities.

38. Deliver transparent, data-driven insights to both local management and Group Finance for consistent alignment and visibility.
39. Present activity margins and profitability reports by service line, including recommendations for tariff adjustments, supplier negotiations, and process improvements.
40. Partner with Operations and Commercial teams to support strategic negotiations and evaluate financial impacts.
41. Anticipate and evaluate new legislation or economic conditions impacting the business, providing analysis and action plans.
42. Continuously assess the financial organization's structure and efficiency, driving improvement initiatives.
43. Identify and recommend new revenue streams or cost-saving opportunities across the business.
44. Maintain strong, proactive communication with the Group Finance Team, ensuring clear reporting and feedback loops on performance.

Qualifications

Skills/ Experience

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years of senior financial leadership experience, ideally within shipping, logistics, or global supply chain sectors.
• Proven expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and risk management within a complex, multinational environment.
• Strong background in systems integration, SAP, and automation initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in team leadership, organizational design, and talent development.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
• Fluent in English; Fluent in French

Leadership Attributes

• Strategic Partner: Aligns financial management with business priorities to enable growth and long-term success.
• Integrity and Accountability: Models transparency and ethical leadership in all financial matters.
• Operational Excellence: Balances strategic vision with precision in execution.
• Collaborative Leadership: Builds trusted relationships across Operations, Sales, and Group Finance.
• Change Catalyst: Leads modernization and continuous improvement initiatives with energy and focus.

Additional Information

Why Join MSC Canada?

MSC is a world leader in global container shipping. MSC Canada has been serving the Canadian market for over two decades, rapidly expanding our presence nationally to become the number one carrier.

Our values are the beating heart of our business. They are the cornerstone of our company, supporting our vision, shaping our culture, and establishing our future direction.

Great people who work hard and look out for each other because we're a team—it's that simple

Just to name a few of our perks:

• Flexible health and dental benefits coverage (for all permanent full-time roles).
• RRSP coverage with the Company matching a portion of employee contribution (for all permanent full-time roles).
• Tailored training program opportunities for employee development.
• Employee mentorship, leadership, and assistance opportunities.
• Employee referral incentive program.
• Community Involvement.
• Gym facility Montreal and Toronto offices.
• Health & Wellness Program.

MSC Canada's Commitment to a fair talent acquisition process:

AI Disclosure

At MSC Canada, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our recruitment process. We do not use any artificial intelligence in our talent acquisition efforts.

Vacancy Clarity

• Existing Vacancy: This position is for an established role that is currently open.

Timely Communication

MSC Canada ensures timely updates for candidates. All individuals selected for an in-person interview will be notified within 45 days of their initial discussion with us.

Hurry, and apply now

MSC Canada is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome and encourage applications from all interested parties. Accommodations are available, upon request, for those with a disability or medical need during any stage of the recruitment process. We thank all candidates for their interest in MSC Canada however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.