External Member for Semex Audit Committee

Contract Part-time

Hybrid

Guelph, ON

2-year contract, 2 half/full days per quarter (it may vary)

Semex is a dynamic global organization that is committed to developing and delivering innovative genetic solutions. We believe that people truly are the cornerstone of our success, and that our employees are our most important asset.

As an external Committee member, your expertise is relied on for Board and Audit Committee-level discussions and decision-making. This role is a non-voting member of the Committee and reports to the Chair of the Committee. It is the responsibility of the external member to prepare appropriately for meeting(s), and for regular members to get updates on anything missed. The Committee’s Chair can assist with this upon request. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Duties of the Audit Committee

1. Oversees the policies and procedures for accounting, financial reporting, internal control, to ensure transparency and meaningful portrayal of Semex’s financial position and business risk.
2. Ensures the organization’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
3. Recruits and selects an independent auditor.
4. Reviews with the auditor the scope and planning of the audit prior to the audit’s commencement.
5. Reviews the results of the audit, including the management letter, with the independent auditor. Ensures that the auditor’s concerns are addressed in a timely manner by management and that adequate corrective actions are taken by the organization.

• Financial Reporting

1. Reviews and assesses any key financial issues and risks, including their impact or potential effect on reported financial information.
2. Reviews and assesses processes and actions appropriate to address such issues/risks.
3. Solicits auditors’ views and basis for audit conclusions.

• Roles and Controls

1. Reviews and assesses the organization’s operational and financial risk management process, including the adequacy of overall internal control environment.
2. Upon completion of the audit, reviews and discusses with the auditor any material risks and weaknesses in internal controls identified by the auditor; any restrictions on the scope of the auditor’s activities or limitations on access to requested information; any significant disagreements between the auditor and management; the adequacy of the Semex’s accounting and financial reporting processes.
3. Annually, considers the performance and independence of the auditor.
4. Reviews organization’s procedures for reporting of problems, including whistle-blower hotline and other communication methods.
5. Establishes a process for handling any risks or issues identified by whistleblowers, the auditors, or management, especially errors, fraud, or illegal acts that may be discovered.
6. Manages and coordinates any special projects or investigations that may be required as a result of either the Audit Committee’s risk assessments or whistleblower reports that may come to the attention of the Board of Trustees.
7. Reports the results of the audit to the Board within 60 days of the audit or as soon as possible after its completion
8. Ensure minutes of committee meetings are prepared in a timely manner and approved by all members of the Audit Committee.

Qualifications:

• Bilingual Language skills in French and English is required.
• Proven experience serving on a Board of Directors or in a senior leadership role with a focus on finance and governance controls.
• Experience leading large complex organizations from a senior management and/or Board of Director level role.
• Sound understanding of Canadian GAAP.
• Familiarity with corporate governance principles within the public sector.
• Experience in enterprise risk management frameworks, and in identifying financial, strategic, and operational risks, and effective risk mitigations strategies.
• Experience in complex enterprise-wide matters with a focus on governance, risk management and control activities and processes.
• Proven expertise in assessing management recommendations and business decisions and providing direction and advice on financial implications.
• Experience with matters relating to information technology, technology-enabled business transformation, systems project management, and cybersecurity.
• Expertise in business and IT internal controls.

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, coupled with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to engage in constructive discussion.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated decision-making skills.
• High ethical standards.
• Sound judgment and integrity.
• Ability to think strategically and understand the strategic versus operational focus.

At Semex, we demand the best of ourselves, our company and what we do for our customers. Surrounding ourselves with the best, the brightest and the most aggressive professionals ensures we attain this goal. We offer a challenging yet flexible work environment along with competitive compensation and benefit package.

Semex encourages people with disabilities to apply for open positions. Accommodations will be available upon request, depending on need, for candidates participating in the various stages of the recruitment process. Please contact: [email protected]

We thank all applicants for applying for this position, but only those considered for an interview will be contacted.