About the Organization: The organization is the leading national charitable organization dedicated to bird science and conservation, with a mission to conserve wild birds and their habitats through science, partnerships, and engagement. With a national office in Port Rowan, Ontario, it operates across Canada with regional offices in the Atlantic Provinces, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. Their work is supported by over 80 staff and a network of hundreds of thousands of volunteers, members, and supporters. They leverage leading-edge science to generate knowledge, inspire engagement, and inform policy to deliver conservation solutions. Driven by a passion for birds and a commitment to scientific excellence, the organization plays a critical role in addressing the challenges facing bird populations today.
About the Opportunity: Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will provide strategic financial leadership, oversight, and management of all financial operations for the organization. This includes strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, risk management, internal controls, and compliance. The CFO will be a key partner to the ED and ELT, ensuring financial sustainability and guiding sound decision-making to support the organization’s mission.
The ideal candidate is a strategic and hands-on leader with a strong financial acumen, a proven track record in financial management, and a commitment to the non-profit sector. This is a hybrid role with preference for candidates based in Ontario.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Financial Leadership & Management: Provide strategic financial leadership and guidance to the Executive Director, Executive Leadership Team (ELT), and Board of Directors. Develop and implement financial strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure the organization’s long-term financial health and sustainability. Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, treasury, payroll, and financial compliance.
- Financial Planning & Budgeting: Lead the annual budgeting process, working with department heads to develop comprehensive budgets that align with strategic objectives. Develop accurate financial forecasts and projections, monitoring performance against budget and providing variance analysis.
- Financial Reporting & Analysis: Prepare and present timely and accurate financial statements, reports, and analyses to the Executive Director, ELT, Board, and relevant committees. Provide insightful financial analysis to support strategic decision-making and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Risk Management & Internal Controls: Establish and maintain robust internal controls and financial policies to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Identify and mitigate financial risks, developing contingency plans as necessary.
- Compliance & Audit: Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, accounting standards (e.g., ASPE for Not-for-Profit Organizations), and grant agreements. Manage external audit processes, coordinating with auditors and ensuring timely completion of audits.
- Investment Management: Oversee the organization’s investment portfolio, ensuring alignment with investment policies and objectives. Monitor investment performance and provide recommendations to the Board and investment committee.
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
- Stakeholder Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with financial partners, including banks, auditors, and government agencies.
- IT Oversight: Provide strategic oversight of the organization’s IT infrastructure and systems, ensuring they effectively support financial operations and overall organizational needs.
Qualifications & Experience:
- CPA designation is required.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive senior financial leadership experience, preferably within a national organization or complex not-for-profit entity.
- Demonstrated experience in the not-for-profit sector is considered a significant asset, particularly with government grant funding and charitable accounting regulations.
- Strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (e.g., ASPE for Not-for-Profit Organizations) and financial regulations.
- Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems; experience with Sage Intacct is an asset.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present complex financial information to diverse audiences.
- Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing financial challenges and opportunities.
- A strong commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The organization values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
This position description is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a complete listing of all job duties and responsibilities.
