SOX Compliance Specialist

VersaBank is an inclusive, entrepreneurial, Schedule 1 Chartered Bank with over 7 billion in assets and growing. As Canada’s most innovative bank, VersaBank operates as a branchless financial institution that obtains its deposits and provides most of its loans and leases electronically, with innovative deposit and lending solutions for financial intermediaries that allow them to excel in their core businesses.

VersaBank’s Common Shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and Nasdaq under the symbol VBNK. Our head office is in London, Ontario, with various offices located across Canada. For more information on VersaBank, please visit our website at www.versabank.com.

We are looking for a SOX Compliance Specialist to join the Finance & Accounting team. This is a full-time in office role located in London, Ontario.

As a SOX Compliance Specialist, you will play a key role in the development, implementation and sustainability of VersaBank’s SOX compliance program and controls. This role will be responsible for ongoing SOX control testing across VersaBank, which includes performing testing of internal controls in support of the annual CEO/CFO SOX effectiveness certification. Additionally, this role will identify opportunities for control optimization, automation, and innovative testing solutions to strengthen VersaBank’s overall control environment.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Plan and execute SOX compliance reviews, and risk advisory projects to identify control enhancements, process improvements, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with the SOX Compliance and Financial Controls Lead to develop strategies, manage the SOX program and support control owners in achieving compliance.
• Support the daily management of the SOX program, ensuring alignment between VersaBank and external auditor methodologies.
• Plan and assess the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls across business processes and IT systems.
• Coordinate walkthroughs, testing, and evidence collection in alignment with control owners and external auditors, ensuring timely project delivery.
• Prepare and present reports and recommendations to senior stakeholders, maintaining alignment with VersaBank’s SOX methodology.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with control owners and key personnel, while managing expectations and promoting a culture of compliance.
• Monitor SOX program process, manage risks, and keep stakeholders informed while staying current on industry trends relevant to VersaBank.

Financial Controls:

• Establish and maintain a robust internal control environment to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with organizational policies.
• Conduct periodic reviews of financial policies and procedures, recommending updates as needed.
• Monitor key control activities and ensure consistency across all financial operations.
• Provide training and advisory support to control owners on internal controls financial compliance.

Process Improvement:

• Ensure alignment between financial objectives and business strategies to drive long-term growth and efficiency.
• Liaise with IT and other departments to implement automated solutions for financial reporting and control processes.
• Drive continuous process improvements by identifying and addressing inefficiencies in reporting and compliance workflows.

What we look for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in SOX compliance, audit, risk management, or financial controls.
• Professional designation such as CPA, CIA, or CISA.
• Strong knowledge of SOX 302/404 requirements, including business process and IT General Controls (ITGC).
• Experience conducting internal audits or managing SOX testing programs; Big Four or public accounting firms experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with IT frameworks such as COBIT, ITIL, or other IT frameworks, considered an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Demonstrated experience using ERP and financial systems (SAGE strongly preferred; experience with SAP, Oracle, or similar is an asset).
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage completing priorities and deadlines.

What we offer:

• A positive team-based work atmosphere that promotes collaboration.
• Competitive compensation package including base salary, an incentive award and pension supplement program.
• An outstanding benefit program.
• Tuition refund program.
• Fitness club membership.

Application process:

If working for a 'non-traditional' bank with an entrepreneurial flair appeals to you, we encourage you to apply. We thank you for taking the time to apply. Please be advised that only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

At VersaBank, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, members of visible minorities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other underrepresented groups. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our organization, and we strive to create an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. We also encourage candidates with different abilities, relevant alternative expertise, or experience who can perform the essential and critical functions of the job, with or without support(s). If accommodations are required, we are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure full participation. VersaBank is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable accessibility laws and regulations.