Financial Team Lead

We're hiring a CPA Financial Team Lead to bring structure, clarity and leadership to our internal and client-facing finance operations. From reviewing books and tax filings to guiding our bookkeeping team and advising clients you'll help keep the numbers sharp and the systems running smoothly. This role is perfect for a CPA who loves to turn complexity into clarity—someone who's just as comfortable reviewing financial statements as they are streamlining a messy process or supporting a teammate. You'll lead with accuracy and insight while keeping things practical, collaborative and human. You'll shape systems, offer strategic guidance and make sure the financial side of our work is built to support smart sustainable growth—for us and for our clients. Key Responsibilities: Lead financial strategy both internally and for clients Oversee day-to-day financial operations for Forward Creative including bookkeeping monthly closings and reporting Lead the review and finalization of financial records for client accounts ensuring accuracy compliance and consistency Manage and mentor a team of bookkeepers ensuring quality control support and workflow efficiency Oversee the preparation and filing of corporate and personal taxes GST/HST and payroll remittances (internal and client-side) Provide financial consulting and analysis for clients including forecasting budgeting and strategic insights Support new client onboarding and system set-up (chart of accounts software file organization cleanup if needed) Create and maintain SOPs and internal systems to support team scaling and sustainable workflows Coordinate with leadership on business planning cash flow and financial forecasting Stay informed on Canadian accounting standards CRA regulations and tax planning opportunities Lead or support CRA audits and communications when needed Ensure all deadlines are met all filings are submitted and nothing falls through the cracks Your Skills & Experience: CPA designation in good standing (Canada) 5 years experience in accounting with a mix of public practice and in-house or client-based work Strong knowledge of Canadian tax compliance (corporate personal HST/GST payroll) Proven experience managing a finance or accounting team Proven experience working with municipalities non-profits and businesses Confident working in cloud-based accounting platforms (QuickBooks Online and ERP systems) Proficient in Excel or Google Sheets for budgeting forecasting and data reviewStrong communication skills you can translate financial info for clients and teammates alike Detail-oriented with strong time and project management What You Bring: You're a strategic thinker with operational instincts—you don't just fix problems you prevent them You care about clarity you want clients and teammates to understand their finances You're steady and accountable you follow through and get things done You're a systems-minded leader you think in processes workflows and sustainable improvements You enjoy coaching and mentoring you're here to help the team grow and succeed You're calm under pressure and great at managing priorities without losing sight of the details You believe financial systems should support creative and purpose-driven work you're here to make it possible Benefits: Health and dental coverage Paid sick leave Vacation Commission Opportunity Bonus structure based on performance and impact Growth & Learning: Onboarding and coaching from senior team leads Professional Development Hours (PDH) Purpose-driven work across government community and business sectors We are a high-performing team with real opportunity for leadership and impact. Be part of a collaborative future-focused environment. Join Forward Creative Inc. today We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any accommodations to participate in our application process please reach out to us at We are here to assist you and ensure that you have the best possible experience. We acknowledge that we are in Mikmaki the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mikmaq People. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship which Mikmaq and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1725. We are all Treaty people. #J-18808-Ljbffr