Chief Financial Officer

The Position

The position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Treasurer, Support Services, is open to members of The Presbyterian Church in Canada and non-members. The CFO is appointed by the General Assembly on nomination of the Assembly Council (see Book of Forms Appendix B-1). The Assembly Council is responsible for the position description. In this role, the CFO serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, a member of the Management Team for the national office and in various other capacities.

Accountability

The incumbent is accountable to the General Assembly through the Assembly Council for the right discharge of their duties. Accountability will be to the Assembly Council and its Executive for the management of financial affairs. As an Assembly appointee, the incumbent retains the right of direct recourse to the Assembly. The Assembly Council has the responsibility to provide performance evaluations.

Nature and Scope

The CFO serves as a member of the national office Management Team and shares overall management responsibility of the national offices equally and co-operatively with other members of the team; acts as secretary and treasurer of The Trustee Board of The Presbyterian Church in Canada; serves on the Investment Advisory Committee of the Trustee Board; serves on various national church boards, committees and ecumenical bodies as the position or assignment warrants; performs such other tasks as may be assigned by the General Assembly or the Assembly Council, primarily through its Finance Committee. This position is based in the national offices of The Presbyterian Church in Canada in Toronto, where much of the work is done. Opportunity for the incumbent to work in a hybrid capacity may be discussed with the search committee.

The CFO provides support for the mission of The Presbyterian Church in Canada and leads a team that is currently composed of 16 professional employees, five contractors and a range of external service providers that provide expertise in the following areas:

• Financial reporting, monitoring and planning: the assets of The Presbyterian Church in Canada exceed $150 million, and it has in excess of $260 million under investment that is subject to oversight by the Ontario Securities Commission.
• Accounting, asset management and compliance: the processes in the Finance Department are being enhanced and modernized and this work needs to be completed.
• Pension oversight and reporting: the Pension Fund has in excess of $300 million under investment and is subject to regulatory oversight.
• Real estate management: management of an apartment complex and real estate sales in excess of $5 million annually; in addition, The Presbyterian Church in Canada will be relocating the national office in 2026 under the direction of the CFO.
• Information Technology: responsibility for the provision of software, hardware and cybersecurity infrastructure across the organization.
• Process improvement, administration and provision of professional services: delivery of improvements to process within the organization and with stakeholders; providing insurance for The Presbyterian Church in Canada and its committees, the national office, congregations, presbyteries and synods and responding to insurance and financial questions from volunteers in congregations, presbyteries and synods.

As the senior leader Support Services, the CFO has responsibility to develop and mentor a dynamic, high-performing team functioning on a hybrid workforce basis; manage work allocation, training and problem resolution; and conduct timely and effective performance evaluations.

As a member of the Management Team, the CFO’s responsibilities include engaging in long-term strategic planning and annual operating planning for the national church offices; working co-operatively within the Management Team to ensure the smooth overall running of the church offices; working co-operatively within the Management Team in preparation of draft budgets for the national operating budget; participate as a non-voting member of the Human Resources Policy Committee; and perform other tasks as requested by the Assembly Council.

Duties

The CFO’s duties include the following fiscal, fiduciary and organizational responsibilities:

Financial Reporting, Monitoring and Planning

• Oversee the monthly and annual production of financial statements and reports as required for internal and external reporting.
• Engage in long-term strategic planning and annual operational planning for the financial affairs of the national church.
• Drive the development of detailed annual operating budgets including obtaining approvals from the General Assembly through the Assembly Council and its Finance Committee.
• Support the Management Team as it relates to budget and financial matters, including ongoing monitoring of the budget;
• Drive the development of a multi-year financial forecast to support longer-term planning initiatives.
• Lead the annual audit of the financial statements by the external auditors and provide leadership for the approval of the financial statements.

Accounting, Asset Management and Compliance

• Oversee day to day financial accounting operations (donation receipts, banking transactions, payroll, expense management, invested assets, receivables, payables and pension funds), including cash management for liquidity;
• Oversee design, implementation and operation of internal controls and financial and non-financial IT systems, including personnel;
• Ensure accounting policies, procedures and reporting conform with Canadian accounting standards for not-forprofit entities, CRA guidelines for charities and all other applicable regulations;
• Liaise with departments beyond the finance team for the coordination of decentralized finance functions.
• Support the Trustee Board and its Investment Advisory Committee consistent with approved policies and practices and regulatory requirements, including transaction and reporting obligations to external unitholders for the consolidated investment fund.
• Ensure compliance with the capital and expenditure requirements of the endowment funds, restricted funds and proceeds from dissolved or amalgamated congregations.
• Ensure financial, tax and other key regulatory filings are prepared, reviewed and are accurate before submission to the relevant authorities and ensure The Presbyterian Church in Canada is in compliance with CRA and other regulatory requirements.

Pension and Benefits Oversight and Reporting

• Oversee the administration of the Pension Fund and the Health and Dental Plan for active and retired employees and ministers.

Real Estate Management

• Facilitate implementation of decision to relocate the national office.
• Oversee maintenance and upkeep of the national office building.
• Conduct risk management activities, including review of insurance contracts.
• Secure, insure, manage and sell the properties of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.

Information Technology

• Oversee the computer network, hardware, training and software, including the preventative and detective cybersecurity controls.

Insurance

• Manage the insurance programs for The Presbyterian Church in Canada and its committees, the national office, congregations, presbyteries and synods.

Process improvement, administration and provision of professional advice

• Provide a continued focus on process improvement and streamlining within Support Services; across The Presbyterian Church in Canada and with other stakeholders and denominations following the relocation of the national office in 2026.
• Serve as a signing officer for The Presbyterian Church in Canada; Presbyterian World Service and Development, Trustee Board related matters and the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS), ensuring compliance.
• Serve as the chief contact for external service providers such as banks, lawyers, actuaries and payroll service bureau.

Qualifications and Personal Characteristics

The incumbent shall possess:

• Evidence of a mature Christian faith and a commitment to The Presbyterian Church in Canada including its goals and vision.
• A financial executive designation in accounting (CPA or equivalent) and with considerable experience in a charity or not-for-profit organization.
• A sensitivity for the dignity and worth of each individual person regardless of gender, race, age or economic status.
• An understanding of the history, ethos, governance, traditions, and polity of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
• A strong commitment to work effectively and co-operatively within the national office of the church.
• A demonstrated ability to work within a collegial model of administration, consensus building and decision making.
• A disposition for and a demonstrated ability to work in a team style of leadership.
• A creative style that shows initiative and active commitment to seek solutions and improvements.
• An ability to be a decisive, involved leader who is organized and efficient.
• A demonstrated ability to manage/oversee several portfolios and multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong inter-personal skills with a demonstrated knowledge and awareness of human relations issues, including conflict management/resolution skills.
• Excellent communication and time management skills, ability to prioritize tasks and meet critical deadlines.

What We Offer

The Presbyterian Church in Canada offers meaningful opportunities to have a positive impact on people and communities in Canada and around the world. We are committed to fostering a culture that is inspiring, caring and inclusive.

In return for your skills and dedication, we offer an attractive compensation package that encompasses a competitive salary, excellent benefits and the opportunity to have a rewarding employment experience where your contributions can truly make a difference.

The stipend for this General Secretary position is set by General Assembly.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Presbyterian Church in Canada is committed to inclusive, accessible, and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require accommodation, and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

Nominations are to be submitted by March 15, 2025, to Terrie-Lee Hamilton c/o thamilton@presbyterian.ca.

Individuals may also apply for this position by submitting their application to thamilton@presbyterian.ca by March 15, 2025.

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