Director, Finance and Accounting

DEPARTMENT: Finance & Accounting
COMPANY: Skills for Change
LOCATION: 761 St. Clair West Ave, Toronto ON M6C 1B7
REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer

DIRECT REPORTS: 3
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent (Non-Unionized)
HOURS: 35 hours per week (Monday - Friday)


GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY:
Skills for Change is a registered charity and nonprofit organization dedicated to providing social and community services to immigrants, refugees, and underserved groups. With over 40 years of operations, Skills for Change is a highly respected charity with a province-wide reputation for pioneering programs that respond to shifting immigration and workplace trends and lead to employment. We offer a range of accelerated programs including mentoring, employment, mental health, entrepreneurship, settlement, language training together with specialized programs for trades, women, and youth. We have 5 locations across the GTA and serve 16,000 clients annually. We believe we are in the best position to provide thought leadership through evidence-based programming, impact stories and proactive policy advocacy using knowledge mobilization products.


ABOUT THE ROLE:
We are currently seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Finance and Accounting to oversee financial reporting, program reporting, accounting, and other financial services within our organization. The Director of Finance and Accounting will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective delivery of programs funded by federal, provincial, and municipal governments, private and corporate foundations, and the social enterprise. The successful candidate will lead a team of three finance professionals, including a supervisor and two analysts, and will report directly to the CEO.


Key Responsibility Areas:

  • Financial Reporting and Financial Analysis: Manage requirements as needed at both the programs and agency level.

  • Budgeting and Forecasting: Manage the process by collaborating with program managers and department heads to develop annual budgets,
    ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

  • Grants and funding contracts: Manage the financial aspects including budget development, financial reporting, and compliance. Collaborate with
    program managers and with the development team and other staff to provide financial information and support for donor proposals and grant applications.

  • Financial Operations and Systems: Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and general
    ledger maintenance including financial systems, processes, and internal controls to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

  • Audit Management: Coordinate and manage program audits and agency audits, and implement recommendations.

  • Financial Controls and Processes: Develop and implement and maintain robust financial controls and processes to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance with accounting standards and regulations.

  • Compliance and Reporting: Stay updated on changes in accounting standards, financial regulations, and reporting requirements applicable to nonprofit organizations in Canada.

  • Relationship Management: Cultivate positive and professional relationships with external auditors, regulatory bodies, and other relevant stakeholders.

  • Team Leadership and Development: Provide strong leadership and coaching to the finance team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing work environment and a culture of continuous improvement within the finance department.

  • Board and Finance Committee Support: Collaborate with the finance committee on the organization's board of directors. Provide regular financial reports, updates, and analysis to the finance committee. Preparation of financial reporting for board meetings and finance committee discussions.

  • Strategic Financial Planning: Collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership team in developing long-term financial strategies and goals and conduct financial risk assessments and develop risk mitigation strategies.

  • External Relationships and Representation: Represent the organization in financial matters with external partners, including government agencies, funding organizations, and financial institutions.

    The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications, skills, and attributes:

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. A professional accounting designation (e.g., CPA) is highly desirable. MBA or post-graduate degree would be viewed very favourably.

  • Proven experience (at least 7-10 years) in financial reporting, analysis, budgeting, and grants management preferably in the not-for-profit sector.

  • Knowledge of nonprofit financial regulations and compliance requirements in Canada is crucial.

  • Experience managing grants and funding contracts from various sources, including government agencies and foundations.

  • Possess strategic thinking abilities and the capacity to contribute to the organization's long-term financial planning.

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.

  • Proficiency in financial management systems and software (e.g., Sage, Sage
    Intacct, Excel, ERP systems).

  • Demonstrated leadership and management experience, with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team.

  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

  • High level of integrity, ethical conduct, and commitment to the organization's mission.

  • The ideal candidate will embrace and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of their work.

    Note: While possessing all the above qualifications would be ideal, Skills for Change recognizes that a diverse range of candidates may bring valuable skills and perspectives to the role


    PLEASE SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO:
    hr@skillsforchange.org


    As part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, racial justice, and reconciliation, Skills for Change encourages applications from those who identify as Black, Indigenous, LGBTQS+, Racialized, and other under-represented communities. Skills for Change offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in each stage of the hiring process. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation. This document is available in an alternate format on request. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.