Director, Internal Controls & Finance Transformation in Toronto

Neo is fast-forwarding the green energy transition by manufacturing the critical building blocks of modern, sustainable technologies. Our advanced industrial materials enhance efficiency and performance in everyday products and next-generation innovations. Neo operates three business segments: Magnequench, Chemicals & Oxides, and Rare Metals. With a global footprint, we have eight manufacturing facilities across China, the United States, Germany, Canada, Estonia, Thailand, and the United Kingdom, along with a dedicated research and development centre in Singapore. Be part of a global organization driving innovation and sustainability. At Neo, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work while growing your career in a collaborative and dynamic environment. Join us in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Role Overview: Neo is seeking a Director to strengthen how we manage internal controls, policies and continuous improvement across its global business. This role combines ownership of the finance policy and controls environment with delivery of practical, cross-functional improvement initiatives. The Director will work with Corporate and regional Finance, IT, operations, senior management and external advisors, and will lead the Manager, Finance Systems & Data Governance and work closely with external service providers.

What you will do:

• Lead the continued development and elevating Neo’s internal control environment, including control ownership, documentation, evidence standards, issue assessment and remediation tracking.
• Own governance and ongoing maintenance of the finance policy suite—including the accounting policy manual, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and delegation of authority / approval matrix—coordinating technical accounting content with Corporate Accounting.
• Establish an appropriate cadence for policy reviews, approvals, communication, training and implementation in relation to ICFR.
• Establish and manage a pipeline of Finance improvement initiatives: identify and prioritize opportunities, define scope and deliverables, assign owners, and project-manage work through implementation.
• Partner with Neo’s regional Finance, IT and operations functional leaders to strengthen processes and controls, including system-dependent controls, spreadsheets, reporting and approval workflows.
• Manage external advisors by agreeing scope, evaluating recommendations and deliverables, monitoring timelines and ensuring follow-through.
• Provide clear updates to senior management on control matters, remediation and transformation projects; coach the Finance Systems & Data Governance Manager.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Experience in public-company SOX level internal controls, risk advisory, internal audit, finance transformation, including building or materially improving programs — not solely testing established controls.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects and influencing stakeholders across functions and geographies.
• Experience developing or maintaining finance policies, SOPs, control documentation, risk/control matrices or governance processes.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting processes, IT-dependent controls, spreadsheets/end-user computing and segregation of duties.
• Ability to manage external advisors and translate findings into workable changes.
• In depth experience with SOX 404, ICFR and COSO-based public-company control frameworks, including control design, testing and remediation.
• CPA, CIA, CISA or an equivalent qualification is an asset; with experience in a multi-entity or multi-system environment.

This is a Toronto-based permanent role with travel of up to 10%.