SOX Compliance & Internal Controls Lead

Telesat•Ottawa, ON

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The SOX Compliance & Internal Controls Lead is responsible for leading the Company’s Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) program and ensuring the overall effectiveness, integration, and governance of the SOX control framework. This role serves as the subject matter expert across all SOX/ ICFR control domains, including business process controls, IT general controls (ITGC), and entity-level controls (ELCs) and will support the coordination of external auditors and senior management, enabling a risk-based, efficient, and high-quality SOX program.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
Professional designation: CPA (or equivalent)
Minimum 7–10 years of relevant experience in SOX compliance / ICFR programs, Internal controls, Internal audit or risk management
Deep knowledge of the COSO Internal Control Framework
Public company experience
Detail oriented with exceptional documentation skills
Knowledge of IFRS
Advanced proficiency in MS Office
Experience with ERP system, preferably WorkDay
Experience with GRC software, preferably Auditboard
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Good interpersonal skills and ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Must be able to work in Canada and obtain clearance under the Canadian Controlled Goods program (CGP).

Nice To Haves

Experience in a SEC-regulated public company environment OR Big 4 external audit or SOX advisory
CIA and/or CISA designations would be an asset

Responsibilities

Own and lead the end-to-end SOX / ICFR program, including planning, execution oversight, and reporting
Define and maintain annual SOX risk assessment & scoping as well as materiality thresholds and in-scope processes/systems
Establish and maintain SOX governance frameworks, policies, and standards
Provide regular reporting to Management on SOX program status, risks, and key issues
Provide independent review and challenge control design, testing strategies and execution
Ensure testing performed across the SOX program is risk-based, consistent and audit-ready
Establish and enforce documentation and testing standards
Oversee development and tracking of remediation plans of identified control deficiencies
Ensure timely resolution and appropriate documentation of issues
Liaise with external auditors for SOX-related matters
Provide credible challenge to stakeholders on control design and effectiveness
Provide subject matter expertise and guidance to SOX team members
Optimize the use of AuditBoard as the SOX/GRC platform to support efficient documentation, testing, issue tracking, reporting, and overall program governance.