Position Summary
Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the Director, Finance & Operations serves on the Senior Leadership Team and oversees the organization’s financial stewardship, operational effectiveness, and internal infrastructure. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across Finance, People & Culture, Information Technology, and Office Administration to ensure the organization is well-positioned to deliver on its mission and strategic priorities.
This position is instrumental in supporting the organization’s long-term sustainability through strong financial management, operational excellence, and effective funder reporting and stewardship.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Management
- Lead all aspects of the finance function, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, financial reporting, audit coordination, required filings and disclosures, payroll, cash flow management, and financial compliance.
- Provide strategic financial leadership to support organizational sustainability, annual planning, scenario analysis and revenue diversification.
- Prepare and present accurate financial statements, variance analyses, and management reports to the Executive Team, Finance and Audit Committee and Board of Directors.
- Oversee grant and contribution agreement financial compliance, including funder reporting and reconciliation.
- Ensure adherence to CRA regulations, non-profit accounting standards (ASNPO), and relevant legislation.
- Lead the annual audit process and serve as primary liaison with external auditors.
- Oversee the development of project budgets and work plans by liaising with appropriate staff.
- Oversee full cycle accounting operations (accounts payable, invoice processing, receipts, bank reconciliations, monthly journal entries, etc.).
- Develop and maintain financial policies, internal controls, and risk management frameworks.
- Provide leadership oversight to the People & Culture function to ensure strong HR support, compliance, and employee experience.
- Support the development and implementation of HR policies, practices, and initiatives aligned with organizational values and in compliance with Ontario Employment Standards Act and applicable legislation.
- Provide strategic guidance related to workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations, performance management, compensation administration, and employee engagement.
- Oversee full-cycle payroll processing, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant administration of employee compensation, statutory deductions, and year-end reporting.
- Oversee the organization’s group benefit plan, including provider relationships, renewal processes and effective administration.
- Support Executive Team in workforce planning, organizational design, and succession planning.
- Provide leadership to direct reports and oversee all additional department teams.
- Champion a positive, inclusive, and equitable workplace culture.
- Oversee the organization's IT infrastructure, systems, and vendor relationships including the coordination of tech support.
- Ensure data security, privacy compliance, and business continuity planning.
- Evaluate and implement technology solutions that improve organizational effectiveness and productivity including digital tools such as Microsoft 365, project management platforms, and cloud based systems.
- Support AI adoption strategy, identifying opportunities and implementation of AI tools to improve productivity and service delivery.
Office & Administration
- Maintains office efficiency by planning and implementing office systems and equipment procurement.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the office, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and functional work environment.
- Manage facilities, lease agreements, and relationships with building management and vendors.
- Oversee procurement processes, contract management, and office supply/equipment needs.
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of progressive experience in finance and operations, including at least 5 years in a leadership role, with specific experience in a non-profit, charitable or public sector organization.
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Possession of a professional accounting designation (CPA) is preferred.
- Additional training or certification in leadership, operations, HR, governance, risk management, or related areas is an asset.
- Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional portfolios including Finance, HR, IT, and administration.
- Experience working with Boards of Directors and presenting financial information to non-financial audiences.
- Familiarity with government grants, contribution agreements, and multi-funder reporting.
Professional Skills:
- Strong financial acumen with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and accounting systems and software (i.e., QuickBooks, Ceridian).
- Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance specific to non-profit organizations, including tax regulations and reporting requirements.
- Experience in analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics.
- Understanding of HR practices, employment-related processes, and workplace culture development.
- Working knowledge of Ontario employment legislation, pay equity, and workplace health and safety requirements.
- Working knowledge of AI and automation tools.
Core Competencies:
- Initiative and Ownership: Demonstrate proactive engagement and take ownership of assigned tasks.
- Effective Communications: Express ideas clearly and establish connections easily through effective communication.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with others, fostering a team environment that contributes to shared success.
- Judgment and Problem Solving: Demonstrate strong judgment and problem-solving skills to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to achieving desired outcomes.
- Project & Team Leadership: Effective oversight of projects and teams, ensuring alignment with Organizational Outcomes, optimal resource utilization, and successful project Outcomes through strong leadership and collaboration.
- Strategic Planning: The ability to formulate and implement long-term organizational strategies, aligning them with the mission and vision, and adapting to changing environments.