Senior Forensic Accountant

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is the statutory body responsible for regulating Ontario’s capital markets in accordance with the mandate established in the provincial Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act. The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk. This mandate is performed through policy, operational, adjudication and enforcement work. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development.

We offer a diverse, fair, and flexible work environment and take pride in our challenging and rewarding work.

The Regulatory Enforcement Action Team and the Market Abuse Team in the Enforcement Branch are hiring Senior Forensic Accountants to join their team.

The Enforcement Branch supports the OSC in delivering fair, vigorous and timely enforcement. The Enforcement Branch investigates and litigates breaches of securities laws in Ontario. Team members work closely with other securities regulators, self-regulatory organizations and law-enforcement agencies to enhance initiatives to fight misconduct. A strong enforcement presence assists in protecting investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices and in fostering fair and efficient markets.
The Regulatory Enforcement Action Team (REAT) identifies and investigates potential misconduct in Ontario’s capital markets and makes recommendations for appropriate regulatory action. The team is comprised of forensic accountants, lawyers, investigators and other professionals.

The Market Abuse Team (MAT) focuses on insider trading, market manipulation and abusive trading practices, and consists of investigators, forensic accountants and capital market specialists.
 

What will you do?

• Apply investigative and industry experience to assess referrals and develop a structured investigation plan, and adjust and adapt the investigation strategy as the case develops.
• Work independently, or lead a multi-disciplinary investigation team, to establish priorities, identify critical tasks and advance investigations forward in a timely manner.
• Collect, review, and analyze financial and non-financial documentary evidence and testimony in accordance with best practices, using you ability to identify and recommend solutions to potential issues.
• Independently make thorough recommendations as to appropriate proceedings, considering potential defenses, and prepare evidence briefs that support the recommendations.
• Draft and/or review legal documents such as settlement agreements, statements of allegations, affidavits, witness statements, reviewing submissions and evidence material.
• Work collaboratively with the litigator on the preparation for hearings or court (disclosure, witnesses, hearing briefs and settlement discussions) and advise on litigation strategy (areas for cross-examination, identification of inconsistencies or contradictions, and impeachment).
• Testify as a fact witness on financial analysis, chronologies, evidence collected, etc., on high-profile, broad and complex matters in administrative hearings or court.
• Provide technical direction and specialty advice for the purposes of mentoring junior colleagues and on the interpretation and/or development of policies, practices and projects. Provide broader accounting and forensic accounting expertise on other files, as required.

What do you need to be successful in this role?    

• an undergraduate degree and prescribed course content required for Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) exams.
• membership in good standing with CPA Ontario or equivalent designation in another jurisdiction.
• a Master of Forensic Accounting (MFAcc), Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF), or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credentials, or equivalent experience.
• 8 to 10 years of relevant forensic accounting experience as a qualified CPA.
• strong project management skills and strategic thinking on large, complex files, effectively managing the scope of the investigation and deadlines, by designing a structured approach to investigations based on experience.
• a demonstrated understanding of the Canadian and international securities environment and securities law.

ASSETS:

• experience with fraud investigations and forensic accounting in the context of the capital markets.
• experience with e-discovery software and other data analytics tools. experience dealing with IFRS matters, financial reporting and disclosure obligations of public companies and/or registrant obligations under Ontario securities law.
• familiarity with the criminal law and procedure, class actions and civil procedure, and interim remedies, mediation and alternative dispute resolution processes and the Bankruptcy Act.
• experience with business valuations in the context of capital markets.

If you are the type of person who:

• is passionate about making a difference and having a meaningful impact on investors and participants in Ontario’s capital markets,
• desires the opportunity to investigate challenging issues and work on high-profile and complex cases,
• and enjoys being part of a dynamic and flexible work environment with a collaborative, progressive and professionally diverse team,

we would love to hear from you!

The offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of security checks.

Note: This role is eligible for hybrid work and, as per OSC's hybrid policy, requires a minimum of 3 days/week working from the office at 20 Queen Street West in Toronto.

Grow your career and make a difference working at the OSC.

Please submit your resume and cover letter by applying through our careers site by Monday, November 27, 2023, at 11:59 pm.

We thank all applicants for their interest in the Ontario Securities Commission. We will contact those selected for an interview.

The OSC is committed to diversity and providing an inclusive workplace and providing accommodation in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. It is our priority to ensure employment opportunities are visible and barrier-free to all under-represented groups, including, but not limited to, Indigenous, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, women and people from the LGBTQ2S community, to achieve an employee demographic profile reflective of the demographic profile of Ontarians.

The OSC is a proud partner with the following organizations: BlackNorth Initiative , Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion , and Pride at Work Canada .

If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know by contacting our confidential inbox HRRecruitment@osc.gov.on.ca.

Visit Accessibility at the OSC to review the OSC’s policies on accessibility and accommodation in the workplace.