Director, Finance & Accounting
Calian
Calian GNSS is an Ottawa-based producer of products and components used for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).
For more than 40 years, Calian has been solving the world’s most complex problems by pairing the brightest minds with powerful technology. Calian solutions impact the world; from the satellites in space that connect us to the farms that feed us, from the medical professionals who care for us to the governments, schools and companies that make the world better every day.
Full-time | On-site – Ottawa, ON
Position Overview
The Director, Finance & Accounting provides full financial leadership for Calian GNSS, a product manufacturing business unit within Calian Group Ltd. This role owns all finance and accounting functions for the entity, including financial reporting, controls and compliance, budgeting and forecasting, cost accounting, inventory and variance analysis, audit coordination, and strategic financial decision support.
Acting as a trusted business partner to GNSS leadership, the Director drives financial performance through insight, rigorous analysis, and strong governance. This role plays a critical leadership position in ensuring operational discipline, financial risk management, and sustainable growth within a publicly traded parent company structure.
Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Governance
- Provide full leadership for financial reporting and compliance for Calian GNSS.
- Prepare monthly internal management reporting.
- Prepare monthly financial reporting to the public parent company, Calian Group Ltd.
- Lead audit activities including coordination with external auditors and corporate finance teams.
- Own and enhance internal control frameworks to ensure compliance with IFRS and corporate policies.
- Ensure financial data accuracy, process integrity, and reporting timeliness.
- Own financial risk management across the business unit, identifying and mitigating operational, regulatory, and financial risks.
Operational Finance & Cost Management
- Partner with manufacturing and operations leadership to understand production processes and develop accurate standard cost models including material, labour, and overhead allocation.
- Analyze cost drivers and production efficiency to support capital planning and optimization.
- Lead inventory valuation, cost variance analysis, and margin performance reviews.
- Ensure financial systems are effective and properly controlled to support accurate operational reporting.
- Provide oversight of treasury and banking operations and daily financial workflows.
- Lead all accounting operations including accounts payable and receivable, payroll coordination, general ledger management, and month-end/quarter-end/year-end close processes.
Strategic Finance & Planning
- Own development of the annual budget, rolling forecasts, and long-term strategic financial plans for GNSS.
- Lead performance analysis and provide insights on profitability, margin improvement opportunities, capital investment returns, and cost structure optimization.
- Drive metric-based decision making and ensure leadership teams are equipped with actionable financial insights.
- Support strategy development through scenario analysis, modelling, and risk assessment.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead the GNSS finance organization, building a high-performing team focused on excellence, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Develop team capability and leadership succession within finance.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational rigor.
- Provide mentorship and performance management for all direct reports.
Qualifications
- University Degree in Accounting, Commerce, or Finance.
- CPA designation required (CA, CMA, or CGA).
- 7–10+ years of progressive finance experience.
- 5+ years in senior finance leadership roles with direct partnership to operational or executive leadership teams.
- Strong working knowledge of financial reporting (IFRS, US GAAP, or other)
- Strong experience in manufacturing or product cost accounting environments.
- Experience with ERP systems; SAP preferred.
- Demonstrated strengths in financial analysis, modelling, strategic partnering, team leadership, communication, change management, and process improvement.
#LI-MT1# #SF#
How we hire
- Our hiring process is designed to help us get to know you and discover if you are the best fit for our team. It's also an opportunity for you to gauge if a role at Calian is the right fit for you.
Throughout the process, we’ll share details of the kind of work you’ll be doing, the projects you’ll be working on, the team you’ll be joining, and what it’s like working at Calian. Our biggest tip throughout the process is to just be your authentic self! - Our commitment to diverse, yet highly specialized solutions require many different skills and abilities. We look for the best talent that can contribute to Calian’s success as well as enhance our culture. We encourage you to apply to a role or join our talent community and sign up for job alerts that match your area of expertise and what you are looking for in your next opportunity.
During the recruiting process, you’re encouraged to notify us of any accommodations you may require. We’ll be happy to help.
- We give the same time and consideration to everyone who applies. Here are a few things you can do to ensure your application shines:
- Do your research on Calian, the department, and team you are looking to join
- Add a cover letter that explains why you are a good fit for this position
- Share a portfolio, personal websites, or links to your professional social media
- In your CV, highlight your key achievements - this is your time to brag
- Include dates! Share the timeline of your experience
- Stand out by tailoring your resume to each position you apply to
- Only apply to roles you’re genuinely interested in and that align to your experience
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- Be prepared! Do your research on Calian, the department, and team you are looking to join
- View the responsibilities for the role and find examples that demonstrate how you’ve completed these in your previous work experience
- Prepare a list of questions to ask us
- Dress business casual for your interview (virtual and in person)
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- We assess your skills and fit, you assess our fit for you
- We keep you updated and share expectations as we make progress in the recruiting cycle
- Feel free to reach out to your Talent Acquisition Specialist at any time during the hiring process
Perks and benefits
- Flexible work hours
- Robust company-paid benefits
- Generous time off package
- A balanced approach to work and life
- Stock purchase plan
- RRSP program*
- Work from home options