Principal, Sustainability Standards (Bilingual)

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

In 2023, the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB) was formed. The CSSB works alongside Canada’s existing accounting and assurance boards and liaises with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB).

Within this context, CPA Canada’s Standards Group seeks a Bilingual Principal, Sustainability Standards . This role, which reports directly to the Vice President, Sustainability Standards, offers a unique and ground-breaking opportunity to shape future international sustainability standards.

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

Periodic travel is required. The targeted base salary range for this position is $115k to $130k and is commensurate with experience .

What you'll do

In this role, you will :

• Work within a globally-respected due process rooted in consultation and consensus-building
• Serve the public interest by advancing sustainability standards and supporting the quality and accuracy of their resultant disclosures
• Conduct market research to inform proposals and data-driven decisions of the CSSB
• Establish positions on concepts and terminology affecting the scope and application of international and domestic sustainability disclosure standards
• Prepare draft responses to public consultations of global standard setters on behalf of the CSSB
• Participate in education / outreach activities to support capacity building in sustainability disclosure
• Identify and cultivate strategic relationships with key market participants
• Contribute to internal process improvement to support the smooth functioning of the CSSB
• Prepare reports, presentations and other material 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
• Support the training and development of new staff members within a growing team

What we seek

The preferred candidate will hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in general business, sustainability, environmental studies, finance, accounting or other relevant education and credentials.

This background will be supplemented by 8 to 10 years of professional experience in which the following skills and attributes have been applied :

• Passion for advancing societal and environmental imperatives through standard setting
• Bilingualism in French and English
• Understanding of global sustainability reporting initiatives (e.g. ISSB, GRI, EFRAG) and an ability to link financial, social and environmental considerations
• Commitment to the core tenets of standards development, including consultation, transparency and accountability
• Client service mindset with strong listening skills, respect for divergent views and a proven ability to assess and resolve issues creatively;

comfortable presenting ideas, facilitating plans and building consensus

• Solutions-oriented approach driven by research, analysis and critical reasoning
• Superior verbal and written skills with an emphasis on clear, concise and effective communication
• 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
• Understanding of Indigenous rights, interests and worldviews through lived experience or a background in Indigenous studies, or a genuine willingness to learn
• A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation would be considered a strong asset.

What it's like to work here

CPA Canada is an inclusive place to work with a diverse workforce and a commitment to health and wellness for its employees.

Should you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]. The organization offers a flexible and balanced environment that allows individuals to maximize professional and personal development.

CPA Canada’s headquarters are in Toronto with 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 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.