Finance Operation Lead
at Thales Canada Inc., Defence and Security

Job Description

Location: Ottawa, Canada

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

For decades, Ottawa has been a global technology leader. Today, Canada's capital holds one of the brightest and most diverse technological ecosystems in North America. Voted as Canada's best place to live 2017 by Maclean's, Ottawa offers a low cost of living with a high quality of life. The Thales Ottawa office has been a major supplier and long-term trusted partner to DND, enabling the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard to achieve mission success.

This position is Hybrid Ottawa, Ontario.

Finance Operations Lead

Position Summary

The Finance Operations Lead is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the organization to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with financial regulations. This role involves managing financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and internal controls, while leading a finance team to support the company's strategic objectives.

Regulatory Compliance Requirement

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List and/or the US the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for such access.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Develop, document and implement financial processes, procedures, and internal controls in line with Thales Group rules and IFRS.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for management review.
• Monitor and report on financial performance, key metrics, and risks, providing actional insights to the finance and management team.
• Manage budgeting and forecasting processes, coordinating with team members and departments to ensure alignment with business goals.
• Collaborate with external/internal auditors during audits.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost efficiencies within finance operations.
• Facilitate regular communication and coordination with the shared services team to ensure alignment of processes and timely resolution of issues.
• Support strategic financial planning and decision-making with accurate data and insights.
• Identify internal and external trends, risks, and opportunities to enhance financial performance.
• Lead or support financial systems upgrades, implementations, and integrations.
• Support requirement gathering, testing, implementation of new tool role out.
• Implement Financial performance dashboards for projects and business 
• Provide training, support, and development to finance staff members as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Proven experience (typically 8+ years) in finance operations, accounting, or related roles.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial regulations, and reporting standards.
• Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Experience building reports and/or dashboards with different tools (e.g. SharePoint, Power Bi)
• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience (typically 10+ years) in finance operations, accounting, or related roles.
• CPA or CMA certification preferred.
• Project financial experience would be an asset.
• Previous experience with supporting final systems upgrades or integrations.

Special Position Requirements

• Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Work Location: Hybrid:

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between Total Target Cash (TTC) $100,000– $115,000 -$135,000 CAD Annual.

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including – but not limited to – the employee's career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company's annual salary budget, the customer's program requirements, and the company's internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's status protected by local, state, or federal law.

We use artificial intelligence–enabled tools as part of our recruitment process to support activities such as candidate discovery, résumé matching, and interview scheduling. These tools may help screen and assess applications and recommend potential matches based on the requirements within the job description.  All hiring decisions, including candidate evaluation, selection, and disposition, are made by human recruiters. Artificial intelligence does not make hiring decisions on our behalf.

Why Join Us?

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Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 24 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following: 

• Company paid Extended Health, Dental, HSA, Life, AD&D, Short-term Disability, Cancer Care Program, travel insurance, Employee Assistance Plan and Well-Being program.

• Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP, DCPP, TFSA) with a company contribution and a match to a DCPP, with no vesting period.

• Company paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave. 

• Voluntary Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Long-Term Disability.

• Employee Discounts on home, auto, and gym membership.

Thales is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Thales is committed to providing accommodations in all parts of the interview process. Applicants selected for an interview who require accommodation are asked to advise accordingly upon the invitation for an interview. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential and used only for the purpose of providing an accessible candidate experience.

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, the Canadian Controlled Goods Program, the Canadian Industrial Security Program, the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for such access including eligibility to the Canadian Controlled Goods Program and able to obtain a Canadian NATO Secret clearance.