Controller & Chief Accounting Officer

Vacancy Status

Yes - This posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization and is open to new applications. (Backfill)

AI Disclosure

As part of the application process, Artificial Intelligence will be used in the hiring process for this role

Hybrid- This role does not require full-time on-site presence. The incumbent is expected to work on-site three days per week at the Oshawa office. 

The Role  

Controllership’s mission is to serve as a strategic business partner by providing timely, insightful decision support on strategic and operational matters related to accounting, internal controls, audit/SOX compliance, financial reporting, and analysis. By leveraging financial systems and data, the team enhances visibility, improves efficiency, shortens decision cycles, and reinforces financial integrity and accountability. 

This role serves as the senior accounting leader for GM Canada, with responsibility for controllership oversight, statutory and management reporting, internal controls, audit coordination, accounting policy application, and advisory support for key business initiatives. The successful candidate will bring strong technical accounting judgment, leadership capability, and the ability to partner effectively across Canadian, U.S., and global teams.  

The ideal candidate is a strong accounting leader with deep expertise in the Canadian market, including statutory reporting, contract review, vehicle sales arrangements, emissions compliance, and complex business initiatives. This individual will demonstrate sound judgment, leadership, and a commitment to team development and cross-functional partnership. 

What You'll Do 

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of highly qualified Chartered Professional Accountants, fostering a high-performance, inclusive, and accountable environment. 

• Lead the continuous improvement of the design, implementation, and execution of internal controls to support the accuracy of General Motors of Canada Company’s (GMCC) financial accounting and financial statement disclosures. 

• Own the accuracy and integrity of the group trial balance, including oversight of monthly analytical reviews to understand business performance and identify potential risks. 

• Assess complex and high-risk accounting matters, including contracts and strategic transactions, document conclusions, and communicate clear recommendations to management and business partners. 

• Identify accounting risks early and partner with stakeholders to resolve issues, implement solutions, and support sound compliant business decisions. 

• Ensure compliance with SOX and internal control frameworks, including effective control design, execution, monitoring, and remediation. 

• Lead relationships with internal and external auditors to support efficient audits, strong governance, and effective issue resolution. 

• Translate and implement GMNA Controllership priorities, projects, and initiatives within the Canadian organization. 

• Maintain a strong understanding of GM’s business model and operations, including Sales & Marketing, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Customer Care and Aftersales. 

• Drive adoption of finance systems, automation, analytics, and process improvements to strengthen controls, improve close efficiency, and enhance reporting quality. 

• Provide insight into GMCC EBIT performance, proactively identifying and communicating risks, drivers, and potential impacts. 

• Oversee emissions accounting, including monitoring, analysis, reporting, and assessment of regulatory and accounting changes, and escalate issues timely to support decision-making. 

• Partner with finance and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure compliance with APM requirements, effective controls, and accurate reporting. 

• Review internal and external financial reporting, including analysis of consolidated results, management review materials, and support for applicable regulatory reporting requirements. 

• Drive enhancements that improve the quality, efficiency, and speed of the monthly close process. 

• Present financial results, key issues, and business insights to leadership and other stakeholders across the organization. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related field 

• CPA or CA designation  

• 10+ years of progressive accounting and/or finance experience 

• 5+ years of accounting leadership experience  

• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting, with the ability to apply accounting guidance in a Canadian statutory and regulatory environment 

• Experience with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and audit coordination  

• Experience leading month-end close and financial statement review processes  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills  

• Ability to interpret GM Accounting Policy and U.S. GAAP and apply guidance to complex, non-routine transactions 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and judgment skills 

Desired Qualifications 

• Public accounting experience  

• Experience in a multinational or complex matrixed organization  

• Experience with Canadian statutory reporting and local regulatory requirements  

• Experience supporting complex commercial arrangements and contract reviews  

• Ability to interpret GM Accounting Policy and U.S. GAAP and apply guidance to non-routine transactions  

• Experience driving transformation through automation, analytics, and process improvement 

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $131,000.00 to $180,900.00. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

Benefits:

The goal of the General Motors of Canada total rewards program is to support the health and well-being of you and your family. Our comprehensive compensation plan currently includes the following benefits, in addition to many others:

• Paid time off including vacation days, holidays, and supplemental benefits for pregnancy, parental and adoption leave.
• Healthcare, dental and vision benefits including health care spending account and wellness incentive.
• Life insurance plans to cover you and your family.
• Company and matching contributions to a Defined Contribution Pension plan to help you save for retirement.
• GM Vehicle Purchase Plan for you, your family, and friends.

THIS JOB IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RELOCATIONS BENEFITS. ANY RELOCATION COSTS WOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SELECTED CANDIDATE.

GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE.