Director, Finance / PUC

Director, Finance

About Sault Ste. Marie: A welcoming and vibrant community of 78,000, Sault Ste. Marie provides an affordable, active lifestyle in the heart of the Great Lakes. What you’ll find here is a great career and even greater quality of life that offers short commute times and quick access to world class cultural and natural amenities. For more information, visit welcometossm.com.

The PUC Group of Companies (PUC) operate multiple utilities within Ontario that manage the supply and transmission of electricity, the supply, treatment and distribution of drinking water, and the operation of wastewater treatment facilities. 

A nationally recognized leader in the utility sector, PUC is dedicated to supporting the communities we serve through curiosity, innovation, and growth. More than ever, our focus is on a sustainable PUC that is developing strategies to lower our carbon footprint, support community and economic development, and maintain exceptional customer service. 

PUC offers a dynamic, challenging and rewarding work environment that encourages collaboration and innovative thinking. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated the necessary skills and experience in manipulating and extracting data from various data sources, reporting and exceptional communication skills.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director, Finance will provide strategic direction and ensure the financial health and sustainability of PUC Services Inc. and its affiliate companies.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the finance team, developing and implementing financial policies, analyzing financial data, and working closely with the senior leadership and the executive team to drive the company's financial strategy.

• Promote a high-performance culture, enhancing the leadership capabilities of the team, collaborating with leadership to meet targets and ensure compliance with corporate policies, procedures, safety rules and regulations.
• Identify and communicate financial performance, risks, and opportunities to the Board of Directors and other key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the senior leadership team to support strategic initiatives and business growth.

• Drive continuous improvement in core processes, leverage technology to streamline operations, increase efficiency and improve internal controls.
• Establish and maintain robust financial controls and procedures to mitigate risks and adhere with all regulatory and financial reporting requirements.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support decision-making and long-term planning.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting processes in an accurate and timely manner, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to budgetary constraints.
• Oversee the timely preparation of financial statements, reports, and analyzes them for internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage relationships with auditors, banks, and other financial institutions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business/accounting and a professional accounting designation are required.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in a senior financial role, with experience as a Senior Manager or Director in financial management, budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate finance, accounting principles, and financial regulations, with sound knowledge of IFRS and PSAB.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint are required.
• Proven experience in a senior leadership or executive level role with a focus on strategic planning and execution. Utility experience is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to hold self and others accountable for high performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think strategically and adapt to evolving business needs.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a history of building strong relationships across diverse teams.
• Ability to inspire and lead a team, driving collaboration, innovation, and results.
• Exceptional presentation skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences and simplify complex financial concepts for non-financial stakeholders.

If you are an accomplished finance leader with a passion for strategic decision-making, accountability, and innovation, we encourage you to submit your resume and cover letter to people.culture@ssmpuc.com, by January 24, 2025, quoting the job title noted above.