Controller North America (English version)

Company Description

Since 1960, the Spherea® Group has been removing uncertainty through advanced test solutions. By leveraging its global footprint, and broad capabilities in technology expertise, system integration, and lifecycle support, the Spherea Group helps customers innovate faster, operate more reliably, and build safer, more sustainable systems.

Through its trusted brands, Spherea Defense, dedicated to defense applications in France, and Averna Powered by Spherea operating globally, the Group has established itself as a world leader in the test and quality solutions industry.

About the Role

We are looking for a Controller North America to manage the area of financial accounting and compliance in our North American entities: Canada, United States and Mexico. This role is ideal for a strategic and proactive manager, with the ability to lead an accounting team and drive process improvements across multiple entities.

The Controller North America reports to the CFO in Canada and is responsible for overseeing accounting and tax compliance processes across North American entities, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and adherence to regulations. This role requires someone who is not only capable of strategic oversight but also ready to roll up their sleeves and contribute directly to operations when needed.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Lead a team based in Canada and Mexico
• Manage, develop, and support the accounting team across North America entities

Accounting and Internal Controls

• Oversee and supervise accounting operations across North American entities, ensuring compliance with local statutory requirements and corporate standards
• Lead month-end closing processes at the regional level
• Coordinate the annual statutory and corporate audit for North American entities, with support of local and corporate accounting teams
• Prepare and deliver required corporate reporting for North American entities
• Oversee payroll administration for North American entities
• Lead treasury activities and cash flow planning for North American entities
• Manage cooperation with lawyers, external advisors, banks and tax authorities
• Monitor changes in accounting procedures and implement changes when necessary
• Lead and support special projects at the North America level, contributing to strategic initiatives

Tax Compliance

• Ensure accurate and timely completeness of all local compliance filings
• Collaborate with the global tax team to monitor adherence to the company's transfer pricing policies across all intercompany transactions in North America
• Support tax-related matters (e.g., Sales taxes, CIT) across North America entities

Travel and Availability

• Willing to travel occasionally to Averna offices across North America

Requirements

Education and Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in accounting required
• CPA designation required

Experience

• 8–10 years of experience in a similar role within a multinational organization
• Payroll experience in at least one of the following countries: Canada, the United States, or Mexico
• Experience in managing teams, with strong leadership skills and the ability to develop team members
• Experience with local GAAPs adjustment with a foreign corporate office
• Strong knowledge of accounting and reporting standards with proven experience in multi-country or North American-level oversight
• Strong IFRS knowledge and experience required
• Experience with IFRS revenue recognition (percentage of completion) and project accounting is an asset
• Strong knowledge of taxes – sales tax is a requirement, transfer pricing is an asset
• Experience in managing auditors in an international environment

Skills and Abilities

• Fluency in English and French (Spanish is an asset)
• Advanced knowledge of Excel
• Experience in working with an ERP (D365 is an asset)

Benefits

• Drive financial excellence across North America within a growing international company
• Competitive benefits package
• An additional day off for your birthday
• Flex days paid between Christmas and New Year's
• Significant discount on your Montreal transit pass
• Be part of a company that puts ESG at the heart of its mission, for people, planet, and performance

Additional Information

Work Model: Hybrid

City: Montreal

Department: Finance

Averna is committed to employment equity and to encouraging diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment, regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.