Senior Accountant, Financial Reporting & Controls

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary

The Senior Accountant, Financial Reporting & Controls is responsible for the maintenance of all Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) business documentation, SOX quarterly certifications and SOX annual review. The position is responsible for identifying and assisting in the implementation and monitoring of new internal controls and establishing an internal monitoring system to verify the company's compliance. The role has significant interaction and exposure to senior and executive leaders.

Main Responsibilities

SOX core compliance

1. Prepare quarterly certifications and Annual Review for all SOX entity and process level controls.
2. Assist SOX Manager to evaluate and approve all SOX documentation updates and certifications, and update Risk & Control matrix.
3. Assist SOX Manager in determining key controls based on their objectives and risks.
4. Evaluate the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls for Financial Reporting and IT General Controls and communicate improvements and deficiencies to management for resolution.
5. Partner with the IT Internal Controls team to support IT dependencies identified for projects and business process documentation.
6. Prepare quarterly and annual reports as required by Canadian Securities Commissions and US Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the Company’s consolidated operations.
7. Liaise with the external auditors and internal auditors.
8. Assist SOX Manager in preparing and delivering training as required.

Projects

1. Lead with a digital mindset to identify and implement new methods to automate internal controls and drive overall efficiencies.
2. Work with project delivery teams to ensure internal controls are designed and implemented appropriately for a new system or application.
3. Identify ESG processes and internal controls, establish policies, and create process documentation.
4. Develop and implement improved data management procedures, monitoring, and collection of inputs to ensure the accuracy and completeness of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) data.
5. Participate in research, benchmarking, and other activities to provide strategic insights to enhance internal controls.

External and internal reporting

1. Support the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
2. Manage accounting and reporting for assigned areas.
3. Assist with the preparation of regulatory reports to the regulatory bodies such as the Canadian Transport Agency (CTA) and the Surface Transportation Board (STB).
4. Prepare internal financial reports and presentations submitted to internal stakeholders.

* The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday and will currently be eligible to participate in CN’s flexible work from home policy. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and stress.

Requirements

Experience

Accounting

Minimum 3 years of experience within an accounting firm or relevant industry experience.

Education/Certification/Designation

1. Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
2. Certified Internal Audit (CIA)
3. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or Equivalent

Competencies

1. Applies critical thinking
2. Communicates with impact
3. Sets direction and inspires others
4. Develops self and others
5. Collaborates with others and shares information
6. Solves problems to create value
7. Fluently bilingual both written and verbal (French and English) *

*Any skills/attributes for these above would be considered as an asset.

Technical Skills/Knowledge

1. Knowledge of US GAAP accounting policies, and securities commissions’ reporting rules and regulations in both Canada and the US
2. Understanding of ESG concepts and reporting requirements
3. Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint)
4. Solid understanding of Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Framework or internal controls over financial reporting
5. Knowledge of SAP, Business Warehouse, Workiva, and TM1 applications*

*Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset.

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability, and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.

At CN, we are dedicated to building North America’s safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates from underrepresented groups often don’t apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. Even if you don’t see yourself in every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please reach out to our team at cnrecruitment@cn.ca.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.