Executive Director Finance

Location: Kingston, Ontario, Hybrid (minimum 3 days on-site)

Language: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Background Check Requirement: Criminal Sector Check

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Finance executive to help lead a significant organizational transformation within a large, complex public sector institution. As Executive Director, Integrated Finance Services, you'll play a pivotal role in launching a new service delivery model, bringing together Finance teams, strengthening partnerships and creating a more consistent, responsive approach to financial services.

This role calls for more than technical Finance expertise. You'll be a visible, empathetic leader who can navigate change, build trust with senior stakeholders and create a strong sense of team identity. You'll balance strategic oversight with hands‑on execution, ensuring the new operating model delivers meaningful results for the people and departments it supports.

• An opportunity to operationalize a significant Finance transformation with institution‑wide impact.
• A collaborative environment where relationship‑building, thoughtful leadership and continuous improvement are valued.
• The chance to develop high‑performing leaders, influence executive decisions and build a service‑oriented team culture.
• An exceptional and competitive total rewards package, including comprehensive health and wellness benefits, free day care for families, education reimbursement for immediate family members, and a generous pension plan designed to support your long‑term financial well‑being.
• Relocation reimbursement support may be provided on a case‑by‑case basis

• You’ll lead the implementation and continuous improvement of an integrated Finance operating model, translating strategic priorities into effective service delivery across multiple portfolios.
• You’ll oversee Finance Directors and their teams, establishing clear accountability, service standards, governance frameworks, performance measures and escalation protocols.
• You’ll monitor service quality, responsiveness, operational capacity and client outcomes, identifying systemic challenges and driving timely corrective action.
• You’ll oversee cross‑portfolio resource planning, workload distribution and capacity management, balancing competing priorities and addressing organizational risks.
• You’ll provide executive‑level advice on financial performance, institutional budgeting, forecasting, reporting, internal controls and emerging financial or operational risks.
• You’ll build trusted relationships with senior academic and administrative leaders, navigating sensitive stakeholder dynamics, influencing decisions and strengthening confidence in Finance services.
• You’ll coach, mentor and develop senior Finance leaders, fostering accountability, succession planning, collaboration and a strong, service‑focused team culture.
• You’ll lead the implementation of Finance transformation initiatives, process standardization, automation and enterprise systems improvements, ensuring successful adoption and measurable benefits.
• You’ll champion continuous improvement through service reviews, performance data, stakeholder feedback and risk assessments, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

• 10+ years of progressive senior Finance leadership experience within a large, complex organization, including oversight of multiple Finance functions and leadership through Directors or senior managers.
• University degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Business Administration or a related field, along with a CPA or equivalent recognized professional accounting designation.
• Extensive expertise in institutional budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, enterprise reporting, financial controls, risk management and complex funding or revenue structures.
• Proven experience implementing large‑scale Finance transformations, shared services or integrated operating models, including service governance, performance frameworks and organizational change.
• Strong understanding of enterprise Finance systems, process automation and technology‑enabled improvements, with the ability to assess implementation effectiveness and operational impact.
• Demonstrated success advising and influencing executive stakeholders, building consensus across diverse business units and navigating complex organizational environments.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high‑performing management teams, establish clear performance expectations, manage organizational capacity and foster an inclusive, collaborative culture.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical judgment and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to identify systemic risks, balance competing priorities and translate strategy into operational results.
• Strong relationship‑building, communication and change leadership skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively, navigate resistance and lead with empathy.
• Experience within post‑secondary education, healthcare, government, research‑intensive institutions or similarly complex, multi‑stakeholder organizations is strongly preferred.