Director Finance

Job Responsibility:

Position:

Director Finance

Reports to:

Chief Executive Officer

Profile Date:

May 2024

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) changes lives by bringing people and knowledge together to reduce the harms of alcohol and other drugs on society. We partner with public, private and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to improve the health and safety of people living in Canada. An NGO with a national focus, CCSA envisions a healthier Canadian society where evidence transforms approaches to substance use.

CCSA acknowledges that First Nations, Métis and Inuit people are the holders of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge. We respect the power of the Indigenous ways of knowing and of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and commit to learning about and incorporating this knowledge into our work with proper guidance. CCSA is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Finance to join the team. As the Director of Finance, you will be responsible for managing financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and reporting activities. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in driving financial strategy, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing valuable insights to support the CEO in the decision-making processes.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Financial Strategy Development:

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with organizational goals and objectives
• Provide strategic recommendations to the CEO and the leadership team based on financial analysis and projections
• Ensure going assessment of opportunities and risk that could affect the financial health of CCSA

Financial Planning and Analysis:

• Lead the annual budgeting process, including revenue forecasting, expense management, and capital allocation
• Conduct regular financial analysis to assess performance against budgets and forecasts. Identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
• Collaborative member of both CCSA's Operations & HR Committee and Leadership team
• Lead the review of financial accounting business practices to ensure continued best practices and to identify areas for improvement
  • Coordinate the preparation of CCSA's annual work plan including: The preparation of the annual budget and forecasts
  • Validate, and adjust as necessary, the key assumptions included in the annual budget plan
  • Ensure plan incorporates all applicable elements of long-term commitments

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

• Oversee all financial reporting activities, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Oversee all financial reporting activities, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate audits and liaise with external auditors as needed
• Monitor legislation, regulations and policies applicable to financial reporting and operations, and ensure CCSA compliance

Cash Flow Management:

• Manage cash flow and liquidity to support ongoing operations and strategic initiatives
• Monitor cash flow projections and optimize cash management processes to maximize efficiency and minimize risk

Risk Management:

• Identify and assess financial risks, including market, credit, and operational risks
• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate risks and safeguard organizational assets
• Ensure adequate and appropriate insurance coverage is maintained to protect CCSA and its Board of Directors against all foreseeable hazards

Financial Operations:

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and treasury functions
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of financial transactions and records
• Design and maintain a system of internal controls meeting, or exceeding, all applicable current accounting and audit standards and best practices
• Oversee the management of CCSA's investment portfolio by external service provider per the provisions of the Investment Policy
• Manage and report on the status of reserved funds and retained capital to the Finance & HR Committee
• Working with the Payroll Administrator, ensure that employees are paid and all statutory remittances and returns are processed in a timely manner
• Responsible for procurement and contracts with regards to the lease, investment advisor, auditors and travel
• Oversee and ensure that procurement procedures are in place and applied consistently across CCSA
• Working with the Office Manager, oversee the maintenance of facilities and property including the management of any office redesign
• Working with the Office Manager, ensure that office space and furniture/equipment maintenance is undertaken and done so cost effectively

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Set clear goals and expectations, provide feedback and coaching, and support professional development initiatives

This position profile is designed to provide an overview of the main responsibilities for the role. Other responsibilities not identified in this position profile may be assigned based on the person's experience and operational requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field. CPA or MBA preferred
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in a senior financial management role, preferably as a Director of Finance of a similar position
• n-depth knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis
• Strong understanding of accounting principles (GAAP), regulations, and compliance requirements
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement financial strategies to drive organizational success
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, spreadsheet analysis, and financial software (Microsoft Office Business Central)
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with CCSA partners at all levels
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Assets

• Experience working in or with governmental, non-governmental or international organizations
• Bilingualism in English and French
• Experience in implementing financial software

CCSA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. As an organization, we are committed to ensuring that First Nations, Métis and Inuit people and all equity-deserving groups are fully represented, including women, people of colour, people with disabilities and people who are 2SLGBTQ+.

CCSA is dedicated to learning from and supporting people with lived or living experience of substance use and health. We encourage people with lived or living experience of substance use to apply to join the CCSA team.

CCSA promotes the rights of all people with disabilities as outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act , 2005, and its related Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation . CCSA will make appropriate accommodations on request. Please inform CCSA in advance of a request for accommodation during the recruitment process by email.

If you are interested in this position, please submit a cover letter and resumé. Located in Ottawa, CCSA works within a flex-hybrid model. The successful candidate must be willing to be onsite to attend in-person activities as required. We thank all applicants. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

No agencies please.

CCSA was created by Parliament to provide national leadership to address substance use in Canada. A trusted counsel, we provide national guidance to decision makers by harnessing the power of research, curating knowledge and bringing together diverse perspectives.

CCSA activities and products are made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada. The views of CCSA do not necessarily represent the views of the Government of Canada.