Manager, Finance and Operations

Discover
The Opportunity

EduNova is a collaborative, sector-leading organization committed to strengthening Nova Scotia's international education and student experience ecosystem. We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven Operations & Finance Manager to join our small and dynamic team. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker who is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves to manage day-to-day finance and operations.

The Manager, Finance and Operations is a key advisor to the President & CEO and plays a central role in ensuring the organization's financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, and continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to influence organizational strategy while providing strong hands-on leadership across finance, operations, compliance, and project support.

What you'll do
Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration

• Advise the President & CEO on financial planning, risk management, and organizational sustainability.
• Co-develop annual and multi-year budgets, forecasts, and funding strategies aligned with strategic priorities.
• Translate financial data into clear, strategic insights for leadership, the Board, and funders.
• Provide coaching and oversight to project/program leads to ensure operational excellence and accountability.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, designing and optimizing financial and operational processes.

Financial Management

• Lead organizational and project-based budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Prepare monthly financial reports and budget-to-actual analyses for leadership and project teams.
• Submit accurate financial claims and reports to funders.
• Support year-end close and audit preparation with external accountants and auditors.
• Assist with preparing funding applications, grant proposals, and related budgets.
• Monitor actuals vs. budget and work with staff to address variances proactively.
• Oversee day-to-day finance operations, including:
  • Accounts receivable and invoicing
  • Accounts payable processing
  • Monthly bank and credit card reconciliations

Operational Oversight

• Provide daily oversight to staff supporting project coordination, ensuring deliverables are on time and within budget.
• Monitor project timelines, identify risks, and coordinate mitigation strategies.
• Manage office operations (leases, vendor relationships, equipment, supplies).
• Act as the primary point of contact for operational matters, escalating issues as needed.
• Ensure compliance with tax and regulatory filing requirements

Policy, Compliance & Capacity Building

• Lead the development and implementation of financial and operational policies and SOPs.
• Ensure financial processes and records meet internal control and audit requirements.
• Deliver training to staff on financial literacy, budgeting, and compliance.
• Champion a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

What you'll need
Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of progressive experience in financial and operational leadership, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-source budgets (e.g., grants, government funding, earned revenue) and meeting funder reporting requirements.
• Strong knowledge of financial compliance, internal controls, and accountability requirements related to funders and stakeholders.
• Hands-on experience with financial management systems and tools, and comfort managing day-to-day bookkeeping processes.
• Proven ability to apply project management principles to lead initiatives and support teams in an organizational setting.
• Experience leading and coaching small teams with clarity, empathy, and accountability.
• Demonstrated commitment to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and strong organizational processes.
• Exceptional interpersonal, intercultural, communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• A proactive and resourceful approach to problem-solving, with the ability to thrive in a mission-driven, collaborative environment.
• CPA designation or equivalent financial training is considered an asset.
• Experience in organizational development or change leadership is beneficial.
• Experience working in or with nonprofits, post-secondary education, or the public sector is valuable.

A little bit about us
EduNova

EduNova, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a provincial co-operative association of education providers - the only one of its kind in Canada. EduNova's mission is to champion Nova Scotia as a leader in the international student experience while advancing social and economic growth in the province. Its membership is comprised of colleges, universities, language schools and K-12 public and independent schools that work together to bring students from all over the world to Nova Scotia - to study, stay and thrive.

At EduNova, our goal is to transform Nova Scotia through international education - where students study, stay and thrive. Through collaboration with members and partners, we position Nova Scotia as the priority destination for international students while advancing social and economic growth in our province. We are here to support international students through every step of their journey.

Are you interested?
Work With Us

This role provides the right candidate with the opportunity to work with a passionate and dedicated team working with an incredible network of post-secondary education professionals. Our team members also enjoy:

• Hybrid working environment with opportunities to travel througout Nova Scoita
• Full time hours, occasional events during evenings and weekends
• Competitive compensation
• RRSP contributions
• Comprehensive health, dental and wellness benefits
• Paid vacation
• Birthdays off

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