Director, Accounting Optimization and Innovation - Montreal

Fednav, headquartered in Montreal, is the largest international dry bulk shipping group in Canada engaged in worldwide ocean transportation. Fednav has five international offices established on four continents. Founded in 1944, we are a driven, innovative, and respected organization committed to our employees and customers.

 

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), we are looking for a Director, Accounting Optimization and Innovation. This role will lead the accounting function for Fednav and the family office, ensuring accurate and timely preparation of financial information while maintaining compliance with applicable standards and regulations. The Director will oversee accounting operations, maintain and implement robust financial controls, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and senior leadership, to support strategic decision-making and strengthen the organization’s financial health.
In addition, this position will champion the digital evolution of the accounting function by driving automation initiatives, optimizing financial systems, streamlining processes, and enhancing financial reporting and governance. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with a forward-thinking approach to innovation and continuous improvement.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING | THE ROLE

Key responsibilities include:

Accounting Operations & Reporting

• Provides leadership and direction to two business controllers and their teams
• Oversees full-cycle accounting: general ledger, accounts payable, receivable, reconciliations, and financial close processes 
• Ensures timely and accurate preparation of financial statements and management reports, in accordance with Canadian GAAP, and regulatory requirements 
• Maintains, develops and implements accounting policies and procedures to ensure compliance with internal controls
• Oversees the coordination of annual audits and address any findings or recommendations
• Provides detailed financial analysis and insights to support strategic decision-making

Digital Evolution and Strategic Insight

• Leads accounting evolution initiatives: automate workflows, optimize processes, and roll out enhancements to ERP/RPA/AI tools
• Owns the roadmap for accounting systems while aligning with IT & cross-functional teams
• Drives close acceleration and implements technologies to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and reporting timeliness
• Drives the development of Finance’s digital competencies and data science skills within the accounting teams to take full advantage of the technologies
• Provides analytical insights and dashboards to support business decisions and monitor our digital innovation impact
• Partners with FP&A and Treasury teams to align digital tools to achieve financial planning and data governance goals

WHAT YOU BRING | THE PERSON

The ideal candidate has:

• A bachelor's degree in Accounting, or a related field, with CPA Designation
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive professional experience, including proven leadership of an accounting function and demonstrated success in digital optimization and innovation
• Experience in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, quantitative, and business acumen
• Deep understanding of Canadian Financial Accounting Standards for Private Entities (ASPE) and IFRS, as an asset
• Hands-on experience in accounting systems implementation and innovative projects
• Skilled in processing automation tools and dashboarding
• Strong project and change management acumen: able to mobilize cross-functional teams and manage system rollouts
• Strong ability to translate technical concepts for stakeholders and foster digital-ready culture
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and a strong team-oriented approach; able to influence, collaborate, and adapt communication style to diverse audiences
• Experience with Workday Finance, an asset
• *Strong English and French written and verbal skills

*For positions available in Montreal (Quebec), please note that bilingualism is required due to our frequent communication with our global partners.
 

Only candidates who are currently legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered.

Honesty, integrity, commitment to professional excellence, regard for employees and 
corporate responsibility define our values.

www.fednav.com