Director of Finance

Who we are

As the need for mental health services grows, Child Development Institute (CDI) continues to be the steadfast support and leading provider of specialized mental health services for children and youth aged 0-18 and their families. All of our services are guided by a strength-based approach that incorporates the family and the community into the journey of supporting children and youth.

Trusted with the mental well-being of our community's most sensitive members, infants and children, all of our programming is backed by rigorous research. Science is the backbone which informs our work as we evolve alongside the needs of our community.

We are committed to providing services that are respectful of racial, cultural, religious, ethnic and linguistic diversity, as well as sexual orientation, age, gender and family differences. All our services are delivered by a deeply caring and compassionate team that guides children, youth and families along a mental health journey in a safe, respectful and welcoming space.

Who we need

Reporting to the CEO, we are hiring a Director of Finance. As the new Director of Finance, you will oversee all finance and accounting functions, ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of the organization. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will lead the Finance team, manage reporting and auditing, and strengthen the organization's risk management program. You will work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors on developing and implementing the organization's facilities and real estate strategy.

In this role, you will ensure that all contributions from donors and funders are fully compliant with agreements and schedules, partnering with SLT colleagues to develop accurate and timely reports. You will be instrumental in supporting the organization's overall strategic objectives, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and aligned with the organization's mission.

Please note that this is an in-office role.

Who you are

You may be a Finance Manager within another not-for-profit and are looking for your next career move, or you may already be a Director of Finance looking for your next opportunity. Either way, you understand the financial guidelines, reporting, and operations of a funded organization overseen by a Board of Directors. You are outcomes-focused and a dedicated leader, looking for your next challenge where you can apply and grow your professional expertise, putting your mark on the financial framework of the organization.

As our new Director of Finance you will:

• Own the function. You will oversee the management of the finance and accounting functions of the organization, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial and regulatory reporting. You will produce timely, accurate financial statements that comply with Canadian accounting standards. In addition, you will oversee the procurement function and vendor relationships.
• Audit. You will lead the implementation of external audit recommendations and report regularly to the CEO and Board of Directors on progress achieved. You will work with the CEO to lead the organization’s annual external audit process, funder-specific external audits, and financial monitoring activities.
• Strategize revenue generation. You will collaborate across teams to develop long-range revenue generation strategies, analyze funder agreements, determine reporting requirements, and develop annual funder compliance and reporting schedules. You will also collaborate with the CEO and Board of Directors in the further development of the organization’s capital allocation strategy.
• Reporting. You will develop and strengthen the organization’s fund accounting system and reporting, ensuring that funds are allocated towards eligible expenses in compliance with funder agreements. You will provide consistent, accurate, comprehensive financial analysis and reporting to senior management and the Board of Directors. You will ensure the finance team produces timely and accurate financial reports for funders in compliance with complex and changing reporting requirements.
• Forecast and review. You will support the leadership team in meeting with funders to review budgets and financial reports. You will provide monthly annual cashflow forecasts, identifying pressure points and proposing risk mitigations. You will engage in regular budget re-forecasting, including updates on actuals against budgets to identify potential slippage or overspending, and collaborate with senior management to propose solutions to any such issues. You will respond promptly and thoughtfully to ad hoc funder requests for financial information.
• Optimize and maintain processes. You will strengthen and monitor the development and application of financial controls; provide assurance to the Board of Directors, CEO, and senior leadership that internal controls, procedures, and processes are effective and efficient. In addition, you will further develop and maintain effective financial policies, processes, and procedures.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies. You will collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership to develop, implement, and maintain a risk management framework, with input, involvement, and approval from the Audit, Investment and Risk Committee, which identifies and assesses risks to the organization. You will prepare risk identification reports, monitor risks, and work with the CEO and Board of Directors to take appropriate action.
• Foster a respectful, productive team environment. You will lead the Finance team and provide support, coaching, mentorship, and continuous learning opportunities.

What you bring to the team:

• The expertise. You have progressive, in-depth non-profit experience in a senior financial management role. You have proven experience in budgeting, financial management, financial analysis of business operations, and fund accounting. You have experience preparing complex, detailed financial reports for government funders. You have proven financial management skills with an ability to analyze, interpret, and forecast budgets and present financial reports.
• The ownership. You are ready and willing to take responsibility for all aspects of financial management. You thrive in an autonomous role, and you are curious to understand the organization’s business and financial workings and consistently improve upon them.
• The knowledge. You have worked with nonprofit boards of directors and have an in-depth understanding of funder risk mitigation, governance, and engagement with external collaborative partners. You have experience writing business plans, proposals, reports, and briefing notes. You have in-depth knowledge of finance and accounting principles for Canadian charities, business acumen, and an aptitude for strategic systems implementation.
• The technical skills. You are proficient in MS Office with expertise in Excel, analytical reporting tools and accounting systems. You have a demonstrated ability to adapt quickly, maintain focus, and have a high degree of accuracy while working with complex information and financial data.
• The leadership. You are a strategic thought leader with the insights and experience to share and build from. You have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. You can grow and build a highly effective financial department - and team - guiding the work of others, collaborating across teams, involving colleagues in decision-making, and aligning the organization's processes. You thrive in an environment of progress and excel at working responsively and proactively.
• The scalability. You have the financial modelling expertise to manage the fiscal operations of multiple complex business units. You have the strategic mindset and analytical abilities to plan for growth and are ready to guide and execute the plans to scale successfully. You can adapt, scale, and build processes, policies, and budgets to fit the organization's evolving needs.

Other requirements

• All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Credential verifications and references are required.

Apply now

If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application.

What you can expect from our interview process:

• A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor will discuss your interest in the role and background.
• An in-person interview with the CEO and VP of Operations. You will be able to expand on your knowledge and experience further and ask follow-up questions about the role and how it fits into CDI’s mission.

CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at careers@childdevelop.ca