Chief Financial Officer (Superintendent of Business Services) (opens in a new window)

Chief Financial Officer (Superintendent of Business Services)

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the senior team and provides enterprise-wide strategic and operational leadership to the implementation of HWDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Board Improvement Plan. The CFO will work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, the Associate Director of Learning Services, and all members of Executive Council to provide effective stewardship of financial and operational resources and service excellence across the system. As a strategic systems thinker and leader, the CFO will provide executive leadership for Finance, Facilities, and Transportation, building, fostering and sustaining positive and effective working relationships within the Board and with local government, Indigenous communities, equity‑deserving groups, union partners, the Ministry of Education and community organizations while upholding HWDSB’s values.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the Board’s annual budget and multi‑year financial strategy, ensuring alignment with the MYSP and compliance with all Ministry of Education requirements.
• Provide strategic oversight of financial reporting, including year‑end financial statements, audit processes, and public accountability.
• Provide system‑level leadership to senior staff across Finance, Facilities, and Transportation, fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement.
• Lead capital planning, including pupil accommodation strategies, long‑term capital planning, business case submissions, and execution of HWDSB’s capital plan.
• Support enterprise risk management, internal controls, contingency planning, and long‑term operational sustainability.
• Provide strategic financial and business operations advice to the CEO, Executive Council, and the Board of Trustees.
• Oversee relationships with external auditors and ensure timely, accurate financial disclosure and reporting.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of the Business Supervisory Officers' Qualification Program (SOQP) or eligibility to successfully complete the program within two years; or
• Master’s degree, or a qualified professional (e.g., certified general accountant, certified management accountant, chartered accountant, lawyer, architect, professional engineer or professional planner) and a commitment to obtain a Business Supervisory Officer’s Certificate within two years of the appointment.
• A minimum of seven years of demonstrated progressive senior leadership experience, preferably leading a financial and operational portfolio oversight in a complex, public sector environment.

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated commitment to serving diverse students, staff and communities with respect, care, and vision.
• The ability to initiate, build and sustain trust across people, systems and processes through transparent communication, sound judgement and ethical leadership.
• Evidence of personal and professional leadership competencies in addressing equity of access, opportunities and outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, and proven commitment to HWDSB’s Vision, Mission and Values through leadership actions.
• Possess personal and professional leadership skills, knowledge and attributes consistent with this executive leadership position, with a proven commitment to collaborative professionalism.
• Demonstrated political acumen and ability to work effectively with a Board of Trustees.
• Strong financial and strategic acumen, with the ability to translate data and evidence into organisational decision‑making.
• Demonstrated commitment to anti‑colonial, anti‑racism and anti‑oppression frameworks, with a strong understanding of systemic barriers and intersectionality.
• Ability to support Reconciliation and build meaningful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities.
• A focus on the inclusion and integration of students with special education needs to address learning gaps.
• Experience cultivating professional and collaborative relationships within a multi‑union environment.

Compensation

The annual salary for this position is $194,000, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package and participation in the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) pension plan.

Employment Equity, Inclusion and Indigeneity Statement

Hamilton‑Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is committed to building inclusive learning and working environments where students see themselves reflected in the curriculum, staff population, local environmental context and the broader community. HWDSB’s vision of Growing Together is rooted in our mission to ensure every student experiences a sense of belonging and engages in dynamic learning to reach their potential and build their own future. Guided by this mission, HWDSB strives to build a workforce that embodies the values of Compassion, Dignity, Trust and Joy, while reflecting and welcoming the diverse and distinct identities, experiences and unique needs of our students, staff and our communities.

• Indigenous Peoples (e.g., First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples).
• Persons from groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin (e.g., Black and racialised communities, immigrant communities).
• Persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities.
• Persons who identify as women.
• Persons of marginalised sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions (i.e., Two‑spirit and LGBTQIA+).

HWDSB invites all applicants to complete a voluntary questionnaire that collects identity‑based information. This questionnaire is on the Apply‑to‑Education application page for this position. Information collected is used to monitor HWDSB’s progress toward equity goals and is handled in accordance with privacy and data protection laws.