Senior Director, Controller

What makes this role important at Ipsos?

Ipsos Canada is seeking a detail-oriented and technically strong Senior Director, Finance to lead general accounting and tax compliance functions. Reporting to the CFO, this role is critical in ensuring the integrity of financial data through rigorous review of general ledger activity and tax filings. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in accounting operations and Canadian tax compliance, with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and process improvement.

In this role, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Accounting Operations & Cash Flow Management:
   • Oversee day-to-day accounting functions including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, and cash flow forecasting.
   • Monitor and manage cash flow to ensure liquidity and optimize working capital.
   • Review and analyze general ledger activity for accuracy, proper classification, and unusual transactions.
   • Lead the month-end close process, including review of journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
   • Ensure timely and accurate preparation of internal financial reports.
      
2. Tax Compliance and Regulatory Reporting:
   • Oversee the preparation and review of all Canadian federal and provincial tax filings, including but not limited to corporate income tax, payroll remittances, and other statutory filings
   • Ensure accuracy and completeness of tax provision by reviewing supporting documentation and working papers prepared by external tax advisors 
   • Research and assess the appropriate tax treatment of business activities, transactions, and intercompany arrangements, ensuring alignment with current legislation and Ipsos Group policies.
   • Coordinate with external tax advisors and auditors to validate positions taken and ensure timely and compliant filings
   • Maintain awareness of changes in tax legislation and proactively assess their impact on the organization's compliance posture.
      
3. Process Improvement & Controls
   • Identify and implement improvements in accounting processes and internal controls, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and automation.
   • Support internal audit reviews and ensure timely implementation of recommendations.
   • Maintain documentation of accounting policies and procedures.
      
4. Team leadership & Collaboration 
   • Provide oversight and guidance to the general accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous learning.
   • Collaborate with FP&A and other finance stakeholders to ensure alignment on financial data and reporting.
   • Act as a resource and mentor to team members, supporting their development and performance.

What success in this role looks like:

• Demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving accounting and tax issues.
• Maintains strong ownership of responsibilities and communicates effectively with the CFO and broader finance team.
• Brings a questioning mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Builds trust through reliable execution and collaborative problem-solving.

This might be the job for you if you have:

• CPA designation required, with a solid foundation in IFRS and tax regulations.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in corporate accounting, including hands-on oversight of general ledger activity, cash flow, and tax compliance.
• Demonstrated technical accounting expertise, including the ability to assess complex transactions, ensure proper classification, and interpret accounting standards confidently.
• Strong understanding of Canadian federal and provincial tax legislation, with the ability to research and apply appropriate tax treatments to various business activities.
• Proficient in ERP systems and advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, formulas, reconciliations).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with high attention to detail.
• Experience working in a multi-entity or multinational environment is an asset.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor accounting teams, manage competing priorities, and drive process improvements.

If you don't meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage all who feel they might be a fit for the opportunity to apply. We may consider a variety of backgrounds for a particular role and are also committed to considering candidates for available positions throughout our organization, not just the one you're applying to

Your final base salary will be determined based on several non-discriminatory factors which may include but are not limited to location, work experience, skills, knowledge, education and/or certifications.

What's in it for you:

At Ipsos you'll experience opportunities for Career Development, an exceptional benefits package (including generous PTO, healthcare plans, wellness benefits), a flexible workplace policy, and a strong collaborative culture.

To find out more about all the great reasons to work at Ipsos, how we're making an impact around the world, and more about our benefits and employee programs, please visit: Why Work at Ipsos | CA

Commitment to Diversity

Ipsos recognizes the necessity of building an inclusive culture that values each employee's individuality and diverse perspectives. For more than 40 years, our mission has been to generate and analyze data about society, markets, brands, and behaviors to provide our clients with the insights that elevate their understanding of the world. This could not be fulfilled without Ipsos' diverse employees who compile and analyze this data—they are the essence of who we are and what we do.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, creating an environment that promotes inclusion, and enabling employees from all walks of life to flourish. Ipsos encourages our employees to act in a respectful and responsible manner, in line with code of best practices concerning diversity and inclusion, human rights, equality, and civility for every individual.

Ipsos is An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other protected class and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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