VP, Finance

Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API) brings life-saving research to the real world by helping life science innovators bridge the gap between academic research and commercial product development. We are driven, compassionate, and laser focused on making a dramatic positive impact with everything we undertake.

When you join API, you are part of a rapidly growing team that is creating collaborative opportunities to commercialize Canadian life sciences discoveries, increasing the amount of commercial research and development in the country, and supporting Alberta as a key pillar in Canada’s life sciences sector.

We are seeking a strategic and hands on Vice President, Finance to join our senior leadership team. The role will oversee the full finance function, partnering closely with senior leaders and reporting directly to the CEO. The ideal candidate will be nimble in navigating a fast-paced and ambiguous environment, providing financial leadership, strategic insight, and clear decision support to drive business performance and growth.

• Please note this position requires full-time on-site presence.

Executive Leadership

Key Responsibilities, include but are not limited to:

• Serve as an integral part of the leadership team, collaborating closely with the CEO and other senior leaders.
• Champion continuous improvement across corporate services by implementing scalable, efficient, and sustainable business processes.
• Lead the Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology functions, ensuring these corporate services effectively support organizational priorities and operational excellence.

Financial Management

• Oversee the financial operations of API, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and the management of complex revenue streams and expenditures.
• Develop financial strategies to support the organization’s growth and sustainability, ensuring robust financial controls and compliance.
• Lead all commercial banking, treasury and financing relationships.
• Develop and maintain accurate cash flow forecasts to support operational and strategic decision making
• Identify, evaluate, and secure government funding, grants, and other financing programs, while managing ongoing compliance and reporting requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with department leaders to ensure strong integration between API’s broad operations and its technical teams.
• Support cross-functional initiatives and foster collaboration across all departments to drive the organization’s success.
• Act as a key cross-functional partner, comfortable operating in a complex and ambiguous environment, bringing together diverse inputs and translating them into cleat financial and strategic direction that supports the broader business vision.

Compliance And Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with the organization’s operations, projects, and financial activities.
• Oversee and improve the existing internal control structure ensuring it remains aligned with best practices to support financial reporting and risk mitigation
• Lead and coordinate all external audit processes serving as the primary liaison with auditors to ensure timely completion, full compliance, and accurate, transparent financial reporting.

Qualifications - (Education, Certification, Degree, Skills, Knowledge, Etc.)

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• MBA is considered a strong asset.
• CPA designation, required.

Experience

• 12 -15 years of progressive senior-level experience leading finance and/or operations, preferably in a rapidly scaling or medium-sized B2B organization
• Demonstrated success in driving financial performance, operational efficiency, and strategic decision support
• Strong expertise in financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting
• Advanced proficiency with financial systems, reporting tools, and financial modelling
• Proven ability to build, implement, and continuously improve scalable financial processes and workflows
• Experience establishing and maintaining financial discipline, governance, and scalable operational structure

Personal Competencies

• The successful candidate should be a highly strategic thinker with the ability to see the big picture, identify novel tactics and strategies to empower API to continually improve its ability to move quickly, adapt to new opportunities, and maintain its strong foundations.
• They should be compassionate, innovative, and laser focused on making a big impact; excited by the opportunity to build something and enjoy being hands-on with the ability to keep many balls in the air.
• They don’t need to be an expert in everything, but they need to be excited to learn, and a quick intuitive thinker.
• They should thrive under ambiguous and often-changing environments with the ability to find clear solutions when there doesn’t seem to be a clear path.
• They should be able to build strong authentic relationships, and be an empathetic, humble, and honest communicator.
• Comfortable operating in environments of ambiguity and uncertainty, with the ability to make sound decisions and provide clear direction even when information is incomplete or evolving

Working Conditions

• Required travel between Edmonton API sites.
• This position requires you to be on site.

Additional Required Documents To Support Application

• Applications submitted without a resume AND cover letter will not be reviewed.
• Valid CPA designation certificate.

Perks and Benefits at API

Comprehensive Health Coverage: At API, we prioritize the well-being of our employees. We offer a comprehensive health coverage plan. Our premiums are 100% covered, ensuring that you and your dependents receive the necessary healthcare support.

Retirement Savings: API offers a RRSP Matching Program. Employees may be eligible to participate, with API matching of contributions up to 1–3% of base salary, in accordance with program terms.

Professional Development Opportunities: We foster a culture of continuous learning and growth. API provides access to various professional development opportunities, including training programs, workshops, conferences, and certifications. We encourage employees to enhance their skills, broaden their knowledge, and stay updated with the latest advancements in the life sciences industry.

Collaborative and Inclusive Environment: At API, we believe in the power of collaboration and diversity. We foster an inclusive work environment that values and respects individuals from all backgrounds. We promote teamwork, open communication, and a supportive atmosphere where everyone's contributions are valued.

Generous Paid Time Off: We understand the importance of taking time off to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. API offers a generous paid time off (PTO) policy that includes vacation days, medical/personal days, and holidays. We encourage our employees to prioritize their well-being and enjoy quality time away from work.

Green Transit Allowance: Employees based out of an office are eligible to enroll in our green transit program, which promotes the use of environmentally friendly modes of transportation. By participating in the program, you commit to making green transit your primary mode of transportation for at least 75% of your commute to and from work. Green transit includes walking, biking, carpooling, and public transportation.

Work From Home: Eligible employees are entitled to 20 Work from Home days, this is subject to job function, company needs, and manager approval.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter expressing their interest in the position and why they believe they are a strong candidate.

We appreciate all applicants' interest and will only contact those selected for interviews.

If you have any questions about the application process or require accommodations during the hiring process, please contact View email address on ca.workus.org .

Our team, clients, and stakeholders come from a variety of backgrounds. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that all people bring to the workplace in terms of varied lived experiences, education, culture, gender, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background, neurodiversity, and cognitive and physical ability.

Before employment, successful candidates will be required to meet the requirements of a pre-employment screening, which includes background reference checks, educational credential verification, and criminal reference checks.

This position will remain open until filled.