Job Description
Job Description:
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Business Unit Controller to lead financial operations for our Finnish subsidiary, reporting directly to our Canadian parent company. This is a high-impact role at the intersection of finance and operations, suited to a professional who thrives in dynamic, ever-changing environments and who can be both a rigorous financial steward and a true strategic partner to the business.
As we continue to grow and adapt our European footprint, our Finland team is positioned to play a larger role for the wider European operations. The right candidate will have the ambition and capability to scale with this opportunity — playing a foundational role in defining how we operate across the continent.
European Growth Opportunity: Finland is being considered as the regional accounting hub for our European operations. This role carries meaningful long-term potential to evolve into a broader European controlling function. Candidates with multi-country finance experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Control
Oversee all financial reporting for the Finnish, German and Swedish business units, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with local standards and IFRS
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts and reports for the Canadian parent company.
Manage statutory reporting, local tax compliance and audit processes
Supervise and mentor a team of three accounting professionals.
Strategic Finance & Business Partnering
Act as a trusted financial business partner to local operational leadership, providing insight and challenge that drives profitability and efficiency.
Translate financial data into actionable intelligence for non-finance stakeholders.
Support local management in understanding and optimising the operational and financial performance of the business.
Participate in business planning, investment decisions, and resource allocation discussions.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning
Lead the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts for the Finnish entity.
Develop and monitor KPIs and financial performance metrics aligned with corporate objectives.
Identify risks and opportunities and communicate these proactively to Canadian leadership.
Tools, Processes & Continuous Improvement
Proactively identify, evaluate, and implement financial and operational tools and systems that improve efficiency, visibility, and control.
Define and standardise accounting processes and internal controls, with an eye toward future scalability across European operations.
Drive automation and digitisation initiatives within the finance function.
Challenge the status quo and bring fresh thinking to how the organisation uses data and technology to make better decisions.
European Coordination (Evolving)
Collaborate with finance teams and operational leaders across other European locations.
Support the development of a harmonised European reporting and controlling framework.
Serve as a key liaison between European operations and the Canadian corporate centre.
What We're Looking For
Qualifications & Experience
Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; CPA, ACCA, or equivalent professional designation is an asset.
10–12 years of progressive experience in financial controlling, ideally within a multinational environment.
Proven experience managing accounting teams and working with cross-border reporting structures.
Solid knowledge of Finnish accounting standards and tax regulations; familiarity with IFRS is an advantage.
Experience in or exposure to multi-country European finance operations is highly desirable.
Skills & Attributes
Fluent English (spoken and written) — Critical for communication with the Canadian parent company and European stakeholders.
Business partner mindset: goes beyond the numbers to understand and improve operations, building credibility at all levels.
Analytical strength: able to synthesise complex financial data into clear, actionable recommendations.
Hands-on & entrepreneurial: comfortable in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment with a high degree of autonomy.
Systems & process leader: track record of defining and implementing financial tools and processes, not just maintaining them.
Interpersonal excellence: strong communicator who can engage finance and non-finance audiences alike.
Comfort with ambiguity: able to prioritise effectively and adapt quickly as the business evolves.
Why Join Us
A unique opportunity to shape the financial future of a growing European operation from the ground up.
Direct visibility and impact with senior leadership in Canada.
A dynamic, mission-driven environment where your ideas and initiative are genuinely valued.
Real potential to grow into a broader European leadership role as the organisation scales.
EXFO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.