Vice President, Finance and Operations

ROLE INTRODUCTION

The Vice President, Finance and Operations is an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) providing strategic leadership and managerial oversight for the organization's finance, risk management, privacy, information technology (IT) and cybersecurity operations. Crohn's and Colitis Canada is currently migrating its financial software to NetSuite.

Responsibilities include the development and execution of the organization's financial and technology strategies, financial oversight of an annual operating budget of approximately $14 million, and contribution to the development and realization of organizational strategic objectives. In addition to these strategic components, the role is responsible for developing, implementing, and ensuring compliance in each area with legal, professional, and Imagine Canada standards.

Through collaborative leadership, this role has responsibility for the execution of highly impactful strategic projects, including the organization's overall effectiveness, efficiency, stewardship, and adherence to internal policies and procedures. 

The position is accountable to the CEO while working with members of the SLT. The VP, Finance and Operations assists the CEO in managing the overall operations of the organization. The incumbent will also be primary support to the Board's Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning and Development

• Serve as the primary financial advisor to the CEO and other members of senior management on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters

• Act as a key lead for strategic and annual planning, working cross-functionally to promote integration and collaboration to drive organizational plans.

• Serve as management support to the Board's Finance, Audit and Risk Committee; effectively communicate and present critical financial, risk, privacy and IT matters at select Board of Directors and committee meetings

• Contribute to the development and execution of the organization's strategic goals and overall organizational management

• Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the CEO informed of all critical issues

• Represent the organization externally, as necessary, particularly in banking and lease negotiations

Staff Leadership and Development

• Directly supervise two senior team members while overseeing a total department of six, ensuring alignment, collaboration, and accountability

• Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the finance and operations department

• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality

• Ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate training and development

• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach; assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities and monitor and evaluate results

Operations

• Upgrade and implement, an appropriate system of finance polices, internal controls, accounting standards and procedures

• Plan, coordinate and execute the annual budgeting process

• Apply business intelligence and analysis to assess initiatives for mission alignment and long-term impact.

• Provide assistance, feedback and direction to SLT's reports and analyses, with particular focus on helping identify, challenge and support approaches that lead to improved outcomes

• Lead the annual audit and liaise with the Board's Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and the external auditors

• Ensure compliance with CRA (T3010 annual charitable return, tax receipting) and other regulatory body reporting requirements

• Improve administrative and operational accounting services such as treasury management, grants payment processing, accounts payable and purchasing

• Manage the acquisition of capital assets and ensure they are recorded, amortized and disposed of as appropriate

• Oversee the negotiation and fulfillment of service contracts with suppliers including insurance brokers, leases and facilities, technical support, telecommunications and equipment

• Prepare ad-hoc reports to support fundraising proposals and stewardship reports

• Ensure comprehensive financial and enterprise risk management through risk policy development, risk identification, assessment, mitigation and education controls, including maintaining an organizational risk register and appropriate insurance coverage.

• Provide guidance in matters related to donor database reconciliation with the G/L, designated donations, gifts of securities, gifts in kind, gaming licenses, projection of revenues and statement of direct and indirect costs

Information Technology

• Provide strategic guidance and oversight for all interfacing information systems including compliance with privacy regulations

• Provide oversight of IT and cybersecurity function, including third-party technical support services, ensuring effective and efficient information management, including archive management

• Evaluate current third-party systems providers to determine fit and continued cost-efficiencies, provide strategic oversight for technology procurement and digital infrastructure investment decisions

• In consultation with key stakeholders, evaluate existing systems against changing needs of organization, ensuring technology is leveraged to support efficiencies throughout the organization

Other

• Other strategic and operational duties may be assigned by the CEO from time to time that align with organizational priorities

QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field

• Recognized accounting designation (CPA, CA) in good standing

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing financial management and operations

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams within a not-for-profit environment

• In-depth knowledge of charity-specific regulations, including CRA compliance and not-for-profit accounting standards

• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial planning, and managing funding agreements

• Background in a fundraising environment with an understanding of revenue recognition and fund accounting principles

• Strong risk assessment and management skills, with the ability to identify, evaluate, and mitigate organizational risks

• Experience drafting, updating, and implementing finance policies to ensure compliance with current regulations and standards

• Highly proficient in technology, including the Microsoft Office Suite and financial systems (NetSuite preferred)

• Strong systems design and development capabilities to lead the creation and implementation of effective financial reporting systems

• Skilled at presenting complex financial information and recommendations to diverse audiences, including non-financial stakeholders

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and build relationships across departments

• Demonstrated capacity to think both strategically and tactically, balancing long-term vision with operational execution

• Experience with IT systems and governance is an asset

• Deep understanding of strategic planning, financial management, and organizational change within an non-for-profit context

• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and respect for ethical and governance standards

• Energetic, collaborative, and proactive leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and operational finance and administrative initiatives

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US

• Flexible hours; we aren't strict 9-5ers

• Hybrid environment; some days at home and some days in our downtown city-view office.

• Work-life balance; we understand you have life outside of work and we respect that as an organization.

• Extended health and dental employee benefits program

• Employer matching RRSP program.

• Last but not least, a passionate and diverse team championing our values: Courageous, Inclusive, Authentic and Collaborative, working towards a GREAT cause

ABOUT US

Crohn's and Colitis Canada is on a relentless journey to find the cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and improve the lives of everyone affected by these chronic diseases. Collectively with the support of volunteers, researchers, donors and the community, we are transforming the lives of people affected by Crohn's and colitis through research, support programs, advocacy, and awareness.

To learn more, visit and follow us @getgutsycanada on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants are asked to submit one PDF document containing their cover letter and resume with the following document file name: First Name_Last Name_JobTitle. You can submit your resume by clicking "Apply Now" or be redirected to Crohn's and Colitis Canada's careers page if you are viewing this posting on an external site.

This position will be posted until filled.

We are committed to creating and fostering a diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible work environment that reflects the Canadian communities that we work with and within. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.  We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to all candidates and provide accommodations upon request.

We thank all applicants for their interest to work at Crohn's and Colitis Canada; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Intro Call - a quick call with a member of the People team to discuss the role and learn who you are

First Interview - 60 minutes to go over your background, the role and Crohn's and Colitis Canada. Also, an excellent time for you to ask any questions you have.

Final Interview - 60 minutes for your chance to meet the team and to interview us.

Offer - Ideally, this is the part where we make the offer, you accept, and we all celebrate