Senior Manager, Internal Controls

Integrity.  Accountability.  Respect.  Common sense.  Caring. 

Canadian Western Bank (CWB) Financial Group is a diversified financial services organization serving businesses and individuals across Canada and is the largest publicly traded Canadian bank headquartered in Western Canada. Known for our great personal service and award-winning culture, we employ more than 2,000 people in more than 50 communities across Canada. 

We are not your typical bank – we have a deeply personalized approach to business that is founded on the trust we build with our clients. Taking the time to understand customer’s goals and aspirations allows us to use a full picture view with the type of support, guidance and service needed to cultivate a successful financial future.

We are looking for a Senior Manager, Internal Controls to join our Finance department in the Corporate Head Office to manage activities that enable our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to certify the design and operating effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) and disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P) to comply with National Instrument (NI) 52-109 Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings while maintaining CWB’s internal control framework.  

FOCUSES:

Balance Risk & Reward, Drive Operational Efficiency

• Manage the annual financial statement risk assessment to determine processes and relevant key controls in scope for the fiscal year for assessment and testing.

• Complete an annual materiality assessment required for control and deficiency assessment.

• Complete an annual testing plan and schedule in collaboration with CWB’s Internal Audit team and business process owners.

• Work with process owners across the business to maintain and develop internal control documentation including process narratives, flowcharts and risk and control matrices that accurately describes the business and highlights relevant controls.

• Develop and maintain efficient and effective testing procedures and evaluate the design and operational effectiveness of controls.

• Continuously monitor and evaluate ICFR, from both a design effectiveness and operating effectiveness perspective and working with CWB’s management to ensure appropriate internal controls are in place.

• Work with professional auditing and accountant standards to ensure that professional standards are maintained in the execution of compliance testing.

• Build working relationships with all levels of management to ensure key risk and associated controls are developed.

• Monitor changes in business processes, information systems, management and operations, and coordinate with functional staff to ensure mitigation of risks of errors and fraud.

• Maintain and uphold existing internal control procedures directly applicable to CEO/CFO certification activities and identify and recommend opportunities for internal control improvements. Communicate any internal control concerns and when required, report on the status of compliance with internal controls.

• Collaborate with other departments (Internal Audit, Integrated Risk Management, Operational risk, Regulatory Compliance, Human Resources, etc.) to find efficiencies in assessment, control processes and testing.

• Work with senior management in preparation for quarterly Disclosure Committee activities including preparation of the agenda, documents for distribution as well as present progress and results of testing to the Disclosure Committee.

• Review CEO/CFO Certificates and ICFR disclosures within public Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), providing updates where required.

• Provide expertise and monitor changes to CEO/CFO Certification requirements and relevant securities commissions (i.e. Alberta Securities Commission, Ontario Securities Commission, etc.) and Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) publications, stay attuned with best practices.

• Prepare related annual and quarterly reporting for senior management and the board as required.

 Essential Technical and Personal Skills

• Bachelor of Commerce and or Business Administration degree.

• CPA (CA, CMA or CGA) and/or CIA designation.

• Minimum of seven years of progressive experience related to CEO/CFO Certification, Internal or External Audit, Risk Management at large and complex institutions as well as around two years in a management or supervisory role.

• Experience working in a financial institution and/or public company.

• Working knowledge of NI 52-109 or Sarbanes-Oxley and COSO 2013.

• Understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

• Ability to quickly understand business processes and identify risks and controls.

• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects ensuring timelines as required are met.

• Ability to plan, schedule and work collaboratively across several different levels across CWB Group.

• Ability to work effectively with senior management and support staff to enhance professionalism, productivity and team achievement.

• Advanced interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Intermediate/advanced skills in the use of Excel, Word, Access, and other software programs necessary to complete the work of the position. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent analytical skills.

• Ability to work in a fast pace, team environment while maintaining accuracy, timeliness, responsiveness and insight in all areas of work.

• Minimum of 1-2 weeks of travel per year will be required.

What you will get from us:

• The opportunity to make a difference - our culture thrives on idea-sharing, collaboration and the ability to create impact.

• Rewarding, enterprising and engaging atmosphere where you will be able to see your contributions at work.

• Understanding balance: We know our people have places to go, people to see and good times to have when they’re not at work and we support that.

• An award-winning benefits packages that includes 100% company-funded health coverage (dental, vision and prescriptions), health care spending account, a flexible wellness program and cwbalance day (extra day off with pay!).

• Company ownership: Every employee has the opportunity to be an owner with our employee share purchase plan (ESPP).

• Our commitment to your success and development: On-going career conversations and personalized professional growth opportunities.

• Competitive salary and pay for performance incentives.

• Continual learning opportunities and professional development training to grow your talent and realize your aspirations and potential.

Diversity:

CWB Financial Group is an equal opportunity employer. We are motivated by the new perspectives diversity can bring to our workforce. Inclusion and advocacy for a diverse organization can bring excellence at all levels of our business. Regardless of race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other factors unrelated to job performance, we are looking for difference makers. We are committed to providing equitable treatment to all employees and job applicants.