The Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) serves the public interest by developing accounting standards and other related reporting guidance for the Canadian public sector, supporting accountability, transparency, informed decision-making, and stewardship. The Chair is a strategic, leadership-focused role that is critically important for achieving PSAB’s objectives.
The Chair’s Responsibilities
The Chair has the following responsibilities:
- leading the Board in setting and achieving its strategic objectives and delivering on its annual plan;
- ensuring that the Board’s output is of high quality (including compliance with due process) and appropriately takes into consideration those affected by its work;
- identifying and evaluating the impact of emerging issues on public sector financial reporting to provide direction to the Board’s work;
- acting as one of Canada’s leading spokespeople on accounting matters under the Board’s purview, both nationally and in international forums. As the primary spokesperson for the Board, you will enable, encourage, and promote a deeper understanding of its strategies, objectives, and activities;
- establishing and developing a broad range of relationships within Canada, with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board, and globally across multiple networks;
- promoting actively the identity, objectives, activities, and output of the Board in the media, public forums, and other meetings in Canada and internationally;
- chairing Board meetings and ensuring they are conducted effectively and efficiently;
- working closely with the PSAB Director and other staff to achieve the Board’s goals and foster agility in response to an evolving environment;
- encouraging and promoting open and candid discussions and debate, ensuring members’ views are duly considered;
- promoting the diversity and inclusiveness of the Board and its supporting groups and ensuring appropriate succession planning with high-quality candidates;
- leading debate and seeking consensus, where possible, on solutions relating to contentious matters;
- ensuring that Board activities are conducted and that conclusions are reached in accordance with its established due process;
- assessing (together with the PSAB Director) the Board’s performance on an annual basis and reporting to the Reporting and Assurance Standards Oversight Council ; and
- actively working with the Oversight Council, including reporting on the Board’s progress and plans, and the appropriateness and completeness of the work program.
Criteria and Selection Process
The Oversight Council is responsible for appointing the PSAB Chair. Its Chair Search Committee will review applications, looking for an individual with the professional skills, experience, and leadership required.
The ideal candidate will be a chartered professional accountant with senior experience, recognition in the public sector financial community, and a track record of high achievement. They will also meet the following criteria:
- commitment to PSAB and its mission to serve the public interest;
- demonstrated understanding of how the unique rights, needs, and interests of Indigenous People in Canada impact financial and other reporting by Indigenous governments and organizations (e.g., Indigenous government business enterprises and Indigenous government not-for-profit organizations);
- exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic skills focused on outcomes;
- demonstrated technical and professional competency in accounting and financial reporting for public sector entities;
- strong, established connections with those affected by PSAB’s standards;
- networking and relationship building skills;
- strong analytical and negotiating skills; and
- consultative and judicious decision-making skills.
English is PSAB’s working language, but functional knowledge of French is an important asset.
This is a remunerated part-time position, requiring a minimum of 1,100 hours per year. The Chair can be located anywhere in Canada, and some travel is expected given the national responsibilities of the role. In-person meetings are generally held in Toronto. Given the part-time nature of the position, the Chair may hold other positions. However, if the candidate is employed by other organization(s), it should not create any conflicts of interest that might call into question their independence of judgment. If such an opportunity arises during the mandate, permission to accept must be granted by the Chair of RASOC.
The target start date is early 2026, which will be agreed upon with the successful candidate to allow for a sufficient transition period with the current Chair, who will be retiring from the position on March 31, 2026. The initial term of three to five years can be renewed once. Renewal is not automatic and will depend on the Chair’s performance.
Application Process
Please provide a curriculum vitae and cover letter outlining:
- your interest in this role;
- your experience with standard-setting;
- your strengths and capabilities relevant to the role; and
- your vision of the critical activities the Chair should undertake during the initial term in office.
We value diversity and are committed to cultivating an inclusive, accessible environment where our employees and volunteers feel respected, valued, and supported and reflect the Canadians we serve. The Oversight Council encourages all qualified candidates to apply online.
If you require a disability-related accommodation to participate in our recruitment process, please contact [email protected] and we’ll be happy to work with you to meet your needs as they relate to interviewing for this position.
Submit applications to:
Jean-Francois Trépanier, CPA
Vice-President, Financial Reporting and Standards Canada
Phone: 1 (438) 806-4030
Email: [email protected]