The Principal, Finance provides hands-on leadership and expert support across controllership, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, performance analysis, and internal controls. This role is accountable for delivering timely, accurate, decision-ready financial insights that enable operational and strategic decisions and strengthen process discipline, risk management, and reporting effectiveness.
This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and is designed for a seasoned finance professional who can “hit the ground running,” work with high autonomy, and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders—supporting complex analysis, board-level reporting preparation, forecasting, cash flow discipline, and audit readiness.
Note: This position qualifies for an optional hybrid work schedule after 90 days of on-site work and onboarding. Employees will be subject to the terms of the Flexible Work Policy Agreement.
What you’ll do
Financial Reporting & Close Support
Lead and/or support monthly close activities to ensure accurate, complete, and timely results, including consolidation where applicable.
Compile, validate, and enhance monthly reporting packages to clarify key drivers, variances, and risks.
Maintain and improve standard report formats, KPI definitions, and the integrity of underlying data for business-line and consolidated reporting.
Provide ad hoc reporting and executive-ready financial insights for the CFO and senior leadership team.
FP&A, Forecasting & Performance Insights
Deliver high-quality variance, trend, and performance analyses to support operational and strategic decision-making.
Coordinate or produce periodic forecasts (short- and long-range), including scenario analysis and sensitivity modeling.
Support long-term planning and business performance analytics by highlighting opportunities for cost optimization and margin improvement.
Provide coaching and guidance to stakeholders to strengthen their understanding and use of financial information in decision-making.
Budgeting & Planning Support
Support annual budgeting activities, including model development, assumption governance, consolidation, review cycles, and presentation-ready outputs.
Strengthen accountability through clear financial narratives, drivers, and operational linkages.
Provide tools and templates to improve the consistency and quality of submissions across the organization.
Cashflow Forecasting & Financial Discipline
Monitor and enhance short- and long-term cash flow forecasting processes (including weekly cash reporting, where applicable).
Partner with stakeholders to improve the accuracy of inputs, the timing of cash movements, and visibility into risks/opportunities.
Business Case Modeling & Commercial Decision Support
Develop and review complex models for:
Major investments (asset replacement and infrastructure)
Capital and operating projects
Business opportunities and new initiatives
Conduct contract pricing reviews, margin analyses, and contract audits (new and existing) to ensure commercial alignment and financial risk awareness.
Provide advice on financial terms, assumptions, and risk considerations in commercial agreements.
Costing, Controls, Process Improvement & Systems
Support costing methodology, profitability analysis, and margin insights using sound costing principles.
Review internal controls, policies, and workflows; recommend improvements to ensure:
Safeguarding of assets and information
Strong governance and compliance
Efficient, reliable financial processes
Contribute to ERP and systems/data initiatives (e.g., JDE or equivalent), focusing on reporting integrity, automation, and better data capture.
Identify inefficiencies and partner with operational leaders to determine root causes and corrective actions.
Audit & External Reporting Support
Prepare, review, and coordinate audit-ready schedules and support external audit requirements.
Ensure documentation and evidence standards are met for governance, controls, and key financial processes.
What you’ll bring
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
Professional designation required (CPA preferred; CFA or equivalent may be considered based on scope).
10+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance roles with demonstrated strength in both controllership and financial reporting/FP&A.
Expertise in technical accounting and financial reporting, including budgeting, forecasting, modeling, and variance analysis.
Experience in internal controls and governance supporting audits, internal controls, and financial governance.
Experience with consolidation and reporting standards (e.g., Canadian ASPE) and with board-level reporting expectations is a strong asset.
Experience in manufacturing, logistics, industrial, or asset-intensive environments is highly desirable.
ERP experience required (e.g., JDE or equivalent); Business Intelligence/data mining exposure is an asset.
Advanced Excel and modeling capabilities (scenario analysis, sensitivities, driver-based forecasting).
Strong financial analysis skills: ability to translate numbers into a clear story and actionable recommendations.
High judgment, integrity, and discretion; comfortable handling confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to influence without authority, build trust quickly, and partner with senior cross-functional stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills; able to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.
Detail-oriented while able to maintain focus on big-picture outcomes.
Proactive, self-starting, hands-on, and willing to “deep dive” into issues and data.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Government of Canada-issued security clearance.
Why you’ll love working here
This role provides you with a very competitive salary in line with the successful candidate’s experience.
We also provide the best-in-class health and wellness benefits package for this position, including things such as extended health care (i.e., paramedical services for massage therapy, speech therapy, mental health coverage, physiotherapy, and more), dental care, vision care, a $500 personal spending account, and an Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
- This position qualifies for an optional hybrid work schedule.
- Access to Pemberton campus gym.
Parking is included, and to assist transit users, we operate a complimentary shuttle bus Monday through Friday with various pickup and drop-off points around North Vancouver.
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The estimated salary for this position is $156,600 - $191,400. In determining the final salary, Seaspan considers many factors, including the successful Candidate’s skills and experience, the position's location, and internal equity. The final base salary offer will be at the Company’s sole discretion and presented as part of a competitive total compensation package.
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Seaspan Shipyards is one of North America’s most modern shipyards and unique in its ability to provide a complete range of services including new construction, conversion, refit, repair and life-cycle maintenance work for Canada’s Coast Guard and Navy as well as commercial vessels including cruise-ships and deep-sea vessels. Seaspan Shipyards operations include Vancouver Shipyards, Vancouver Drydock and Victoria Shipyards.
To learn more, visit our website: www.seaspan.com
This position may involve defense articles and/or technical data regulated by the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and the U.S. Arms Export Control Act. In compliance with ITAR, the successful candidate will be subject to a security clearance through the Canadian Controlled Goods Program as regulated by the Controlled Goods Regulations and Defense Production Act. The successful candidate will be required to maintain their security clearance throughout their employment in this position.
Seaspan is committed to Employment Equity, supports diversity in the workplace, and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including, women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and persons with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected] for confidential support. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment.
