About Chartered Professional Accountants Of Canada

Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) works collaboratively with the provincial, territorial and Bermudian CPA bodies, as it represents the Canadian accounting profession, both nationally and internationally. This collaboration allows the Canadian profession to champion best practices that benefit business and society, as well as prepare its members for an ever-evolving operating environment featuring unprecedented change. Representing more than 220,000 members, CPA Canada is one of the largest national accounting bodies worldwide.

About The Opportunity

Canada’s Accounting Standards Oversight Council and Auditing and Assurance Standards Oversight Council recently announced the formation of the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB). The CSSB will work alongside Canada’s existing accounting and assurance boards and liaise with the new International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). Within this... context, CPA Canada’s Standards Group seeks a Principal, Sustainability Disclosure & Assurance Standards. This role, which reports directly to the Vice President, Sustainability Standards, operates at the nexus of (1) sustainability and financial disclosure and (2) assurance practices.

This hybrid role will help shape future international sustainability disclosure standards by considering, among other factors, their assurance-related implications. The role will also support the development of domestic standards and guidance, and provide market awareness and education. With its assurance lens, the role provides a unique opportunity to work with staff of the Canadian Audit and Assurance Standards Board (AASB), by considering assurance-related implications for Canada.

The position offers the flexibility of remote within Canada or a more traditional hybrid work option based out of any of CPA Canada's offices in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto or Burnaby. Periodic travel is required.

What You'll Do

In this newly created role, you will:
• Work within a globally-respected due process rooted in consultation and consensus-building
• Serve the public interest by advance sustainability standards and supporting the quality and accuracy of their resultant disclosures
• Establish preliminary positions on concepts and terminology affecting the scope and application of potential Canadian sustainability standards/guidance and related assurance engagements
• Prepare draft responses to public consultations of the ISSB, IAASB, IPSASB and other global standard setters on behalf of the CSSB
• Act as a liaison between the CSSB and AASB by:
• Focusing on the assurance implications of emerging sustainability disclosure standards
• Reviewing and assessing assurance standards and Canadian requirements, practices and perspectives
• Identifying opportunities to align knowledge, processes and terminology across standard-setting activities
• Conduct market research to inform proposals and data-driven decisions of the CSSB and AASB
• Organize, evaluate and optimize operational processes and administrative procedures to support the smooth functioning of the CSSB
• Identify and cultivate strategic relationships within key stakeholder groups
• Lead education/awareness-building activities to support Canadian capacity building in this area
• Prepare reports, presentations and content for internal and external use, ensuring new or complex topics are communicated in plain language
• Represent the organization at conferences, roundtables, committees and other external forums
• Train and manage new staff members

What We Seek

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:
• Undergraduate degree and CPA certification or designation
• Understanding of global sustainability and integrated reporting initiatives (e.g. ISSB, GRI, EFRAG) and an ability to connect economic, social and environmental imperatives
• In-depth knowledge of auditing and assurance standards, including assurance beyond traditional financial statements (e.g. CSAE 3000)
• 10+ years of work experience in public practice, internal audit and risk assurance, underpinned by solid expertise in related policies, standards, procedures and internal controls
• Commitment to the core tenets of standards development, including consultation, transparency and accountability
• Client service mindset with a proven ability to:
• Consult in a way that stakeholders feel welcome, included and heard
• Identify and navigate divergent perspectives with neutrality and a consensus-based approach
• Respond to stakeholder queries and concerns in a timely and professional manner
• Superior verbal and written skills with an emphasis on clear, concise and effective communication
• Capacity to lead education/awareness initiatives based training experience, course design and pedagogical techniques
• Solutions-oriented approach driven by research, analysis and critical reasoning
• Pride in workmanship; ability to manage and be accountable for complex projects with unwavering attention to integrity, deadlines and quality
• Ability to work autonomously or collaboratively across departmental functions as needed
• Strong supervisory and interpersonal skills

What It's Like To Work Here

CPA Canada is a great place to work with a diverse workforce and a commitment to health and wellness for its employees. The organization offers a flexible and balanced environment that allows individuals to maximize professional and personal development. CPA Canada employs over 400 people, with its headquarters in Toronto and regional offices in Burnaby, Ottawa and Montreal. Our technology-enabled culture is designed to attract qualified people and enable them to do their best work. Employee perks include competitive salaries and pension, a comprehensive benefits package, professional development programs, flexible working hours and opportunities to work from home, regular social events and a highly successful employee volunteer program. CPA Canada is dedicated to continual improvement and building a high-performing, innovative organization that creates value for members and other stakeholders.

Organization values

We Create a Collaborative And Constructive Culture By
• Acting with integrity
• Fostering excellence
• Respecting others
• Working collaboratively
• Being accountable

CPA Canada is committed to cultivating an inclusive, accessible environment, where each employee feels respected, valued and supported. All qualified individuals may apply online. If you require a disability-related accommodation to participate in our recruitment process, please note this in your application. We'll be happy to work with you to meet your needs
Toronto ON

Salary Criteria