Director, Sustainability Controls and Governance

Position: Director, Sustainability Controls and Governance - 185125-1
On behalf of our client, a leading Tier-1 Financial Institution, we are seeking an experienced and strategic Director, Sustainability Controls & Governance for a 5-month contract assignment based in downtown Toronto.

In this pivotal role within the CFO Controls Office (CCO), you will provide subject matter expertise to strengthen and elevate the organization's sustainability reporting infrastructure and governance framework. You will partner with key disclosure owners to evaluate control effectiveness, mitigate reporting risks, and ensure readiness for emerging mandatory ESG disclosure regulations.

This hybrid contract position requires 3–4 days per week on-site in downtown Toronto, with a target start date in mid-September 2026 running through mid-January 2027.

Advantages

• Tier-1 Financial Institution Exposure:
Gain valuable experience leading key ESG control initiatives at one of Canada’s largest banking organizations.

• Strategic High-Impact Project:
Drive the evolution of sustainability controls and mandatory disclosure readiness during a critical reporting cycle.

• Structured Onboarding & Support:
Dedicated 2-week transition period with the outgoing Director, complemented by ongoing 1-on-1 support from the Senior Director.

• Hybrid Work Flexibility:
Hybrid setup with 3–4 days on-site at a prime downtown Toronto location (20 King Street West) and corporate equipment provided.

• Holiday Flexibility:
Flexibility to accommodate pre-planned time off over the December holiday season.

Responsibilities

• Sustainability Control Oversight:
Partner with disclosure and content owners to review, assess, and enhance the effectiveness of internal controls mitigating sustainability reporting risks.

• Framework & Infrastructure Advancement:
Build and refine the sustainability risk and control framework to set policies, standards, and data reliability expectations that align with regulatory requirements.

• Stakeholder Guidance &

Education:

Act as a trusted advisor to cross-functional stakeholders, providing training and subject matter expertise on risk identification, gap remediation, and control design.

• Governance & Regulatory Readiness:
Establish clear governance structures and operating models to prepare the organization for emerging mandatory ESG disclosures and independent external audit assurance.

• Reporting & Executive Engagement:
Report control findings, deficiencies, and emerging risks to senior management, assisting in the preparation of ESG reporting materials for the Board, Audit Committee, and senior executives.

• Audit & Ad-Hoc Support:
Coordinate with internal/external auditors on sustainability reporting matters and support broader CCO initiatives during peak reporting periods.

Qualifications
Must-Have Requirements

• Education & Designations:
University degree in a related field;
Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is required.

• Risk & Control Mastery:
Deep knowledge of the end-to-end risk management cycle—including control environment design, operational risk, gap identification, and remediation.

• Relevant

Experience:

10+ years of progressive experience, including a strong background in financial reporting controls, risk management, internal controls, or audit/assurance engagements.

• ESG & Sustainability Focus:
Prior hands-on experience working in or dealing with sustainability/ESG reporting controls or assurance.

• Core

Skills:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; proven project execution and change management capabilities; ability to manage multiple complex priorities under tight deadlines.

• Communication & Stakeholder Management:
Superior written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and build collaborative cross-functional relationships.

• Technical

Skills:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Web Ex Teams, and SharePoint.

Nice-to-Have Requirements

•

Certifications:

Additional certifications or designations related to ESG and Sustainability.

• ESG Framework Knowledge:
Practical experience or familiarity with global reporting frameworks (e.g., ISSB, TCFD, SASB, GRI, CSRD).

• Industry Background:
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