SOX Compliance & Internal Controls Lead
Telesat (Nasdaq and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate and government customers for over 55 years. Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators.
Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise and Government users by delivering a combination of high capacity, security, resiliency and affordability with ultra-low latency and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has offices and facilities around the world.
The company’s state-of-the-art Satellite fleet consists of 12 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite. For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit www.telesat.com
POSITION DETAILS
Department: Finance / Risk & Compliance
Reports To: Director, Risk & Compliance
Location: Ottawa, ON
The SOX Compliance & Internal Controls Lead is responsible for leading the Company’s Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) program and ensuring the overall effectiveness, integration, and governance of the SOX control framework.
This role serves as the subject matter expert across all SOX/ ICFR control domains, including business process controls, IT general controls (ITGC), and entity-level controls (ELCs) and will support the coordination of external auditors and senior management, enabling a risk-based, efficient, and high-quality SOX program.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Own and lead the end-to-end SOX / ICFR program, including planning, execution oversight, and reporting
- Define and maintain annual SOX risk assessment & scoping as well as materiality thresholds and in-scope processes/systems
- Establish and maintain SOX governance frameworks, policies, and standards
- Provide regular reporting to Management on SOX program status, risks, and key issues
- Provide independent review and challenge control design, testing strategies and execution
- Ensure testing performed across the SOX program is risk-based, consistent and audit-ready
- Establish and enforce documentation and testing standards
- Oversee development and tracking of remediation plans of identified control deficiencies
- Ensure timely resolution and appropriate documentation of issues
- Liaise with external auditors for SOX-related matters
- Provide credible challenge to stakeholders on control design and effectiveness
- Provide subject matter expertise and guidance to SOX team members
- Optimize the use of AuditBoard as the SOX/GRC platform to support efficient documentation, testing, issue tracking, reporting, and overall program governance.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- Professional designation: CPA (or equivalent)
- Minimum 7–10 years of relevant experience in SOX compliance / ICFR programs, Internal controls, Internal audit or risk management
- Experience in a SEC-regulated public company environment OR Big 4 external audit or SOX advisory
- CIA and/or CISA designations would be an asset CISA
- Deep knowledge of the COSO Internal Control Framework
- Public company experience
- Detail oriented with exceptional documentation skills
- Knowledge of IFRS
- Advanced proficiency in MS Office
- Experience with ERP system, preferably WorkDay
- Experience with GRC software, preferably Auditboard
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Preferred
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS