Finances Director - Operations Support

Behind every success is a team of dedicated experts driving us forward. From HR professionals who shape our culture, to IT innovators driving technological advancements, Finance leaders ensuring our growth, Communicators shining a light on our story, and Legal experts safeguarding our future —every role is essential. Our enterprise functions don’t just support; they lead, playing a critical role in shaping the company’s path forward and ensuring both clients and employees are ready for the moments that matter. Be part of a team where your work makes a difference. You’ll work on impactful projects and turn ideas into reality while enjoying growth opportunities, teamwork, and a balanced work-life.

The Finances Director is responsible for driving financial performance, governance, and decision support across global operations, technologies, and corporate functions. Leads large, multi‑layered teams and acts as a trusted Finance Business Partner to Executive Leadership, enabling strategic decision‑making, operational excellence, and scalable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, supervise, and develop a team of approximately 25 finance professionals, including three managers (Corporate Overhead, Corporate Projects, and Costing).

• Foster a high‑performance, results‑oriented finance organization aligned with business priorities.

Executive Finance Business Partnering

• Act as the primary Finance Business Partner to:

  • Executive Vice President, Global Operations, and the four Vice Presidents overseeing Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality.

  • Executive Vice President, Technologies & Innovation, the CIO, and their leadership teams (Business Performance & Strategy, Digital Services).

  • All Corporate Function Vice Presidents (Finance, HR, Legal, Communications, Health & Safety, Executive Office).

  • Business Unit leadership teams.

• Provide financial insight and challenge to drive performance, accountability, and value creation.

Montreal Cost Centers & Operations Oversight

• Assume full financial accountability for all Montreal cost centers, including Operations, GTP departments, and Corporate functions.

• Deliver end‑to‑end financial management, including:

  • Budget, Forecast, and Actuals tracking

  • Risks & Opportunities (R&O) management

  • Monthly reporting and executive presentations

  • Ad‑hoc and strategic analyses for leadership

Assets & Capital Governance and inventory

• Ensure robust financial control over all Montreal fixed assets, including planning, reporting, and governance.

• Lead financial oversight of corporate intangible projects (CAPEX/OPEX), providing a consolidated enterprise view that includes BU‑specific initiatives (IT and R&D).

• Provide a reconciled, consolidated view of CAE Inc. tangible and intangible assets.

• Oversee Montreal project costing and common inventory management.

• Support the GTP Strategy team in designing and implementing new project intake and prioritization processes.

• Support the development of business cases for intangible projects and the monitoring of their operational KPIs.

Governance, Policies & Controls

• Ensure strict application of corporate financial policies and procedures, including:

  • Business case approvals and thresholds.

  • Project opening governance.

  • Capitalized vs. non‑capitalized cost treatment.

  • Change order approval processes.

Strategic & Operational Impact

• Provide financial analyses for capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations.

• Drive operational process improvements across functions to support scalable growth and efficiency gains.

• Lead, participate in, and support Finance transformation initiatives and key BU projects; identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

• University Degree in accounting of Finance with a professional accounting designation (CPA, CFA).

• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in Financial Management.

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in a leadership role.

• Demonstrated ability to drive & achieve results.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to learn and adapt quickly to new situations.

• Flexible and capable of working in a dynamic and changing environment. 

• Good organizational skills and ability to prioritize work and work well under pressure in a result driven environment.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.

• Strong communication skills, both written and spoken. 

Benefits

• Group Insurance.

• Telemedicine Employee and Family Assistance Program.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

• Group RRSP.

• CAE Pension Plan/Defined Benefit Plan.

• Sabbatical Leave.

• Flex Time.

• Enhanced Parental Leave.

#LI-ND1

At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we’ve driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.

CAE is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, nationality, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, veteran status, age, or other characteristics protected by law. We encourage applicants who may not meet every qualification to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available—contact your recruiter or email [email protected] if needed.

Privacy Statement | CAE

CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.