Director of Finance

Located on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa,  Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, our client Skills for Change is working towards advancing the Sustainable Development Goals for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas. 

Named Charity Village's Best Non-Profit Employer - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and winner of the 2021 Canada Volunteer Awards for Innovation. Skills for Change is committed to reducing poverty, improving mental health, eliminating gender-based violence, eradicating systemic racism, and settling and creating sustainable communities for all immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities. 

Founded in 1982, Skills for Change is a leading non-profit organization serving immigrants and refugees in Canada. Their mission is to build welcoming and equitable communities. Skills for Change is known for pioneering programs that respond to shifting immigration and workplace trends and lead to employment. They create skills development opportunities for immigrants and refugees to access and fully participate in the workplace and wider community.  Skills for Change has played a major role in uplifting immigrant and equity-seeking communities for 40 years. As one of the leading holistic service providers in their sector, Skills for Change offers more than 25 programs and services and annually serves 16,000 people who are newcomers, immigrants, and equity-seeking groups in services around employment, integration, mental health, leadership, entrepreneurship, and more. 

Skills for Change is working to: 

• Reduce Poverty through Decent Jobs
• Settle newcomers to build a life in Canada 
• Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing 
• Build skills to promote increased labour market freedom 
• Advocate for environmentally sustainable and healthy communities 
• Combat social and professional isolation through mentorship and networking 
• Help underserved seniors to make friends and be digitally safe 
• Empower entire communities to work towards eradicating systemic racism
• Provide youth with equal access to opportunities 
• Promote gender equality

At Skills for Change, you’ll be part of a dedicated team making a real impact in the lives of immigrants and underserved communities. This role offers the opportunity to shape the financial future of the organization while working in a dynamic and inclusive environment.

The Director of Finance plays a critical role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of Skills for Change. This position combines strategic financial leadership with operational management, including oversight of capital projects, financial reporting, grant compliance, budgeting, and financial technology optimization. Working closely with, and reporting directly into, the CEO and senior leadership, the Director will manage a high-performing finance team, provide strategic financial guidance, and develop processes to support evolving funding streams and capital projects.

Skills for Change is entering an exciting new chapter in its growth and impact, and this finance leader will have the chance to proactively lead the investment in that growth.
  
Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Provide proactive financial insights and mature guidance to the CEO, executive team, and board of directors.
• Monitor financial performance to ensure alignment with budgets, funding requirements, and strategic plans.

2. General Finance Operations Management

• Oversee daily financial operations, including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and cash management.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, CRA regulations, and other provincial/federal guidelines.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.

3. Capital Project & Loan Management

• Oversee financial management for a $2.5 million capital renovation project, including loan negotiations and budget oversight.
• Manage project timelines, risks, and reporting to ensure compliance with grant and funding requirements.
• Address internal knowledge gaps by applying expertise in capital project financial management.

4. Systems Optimization & Technology

• Optimize the use of Sage Intacct and ADP for effective payroll, financial reporting, and tracking.
• Ensure smooth integration between financial systems to improve accuracy and efficiency across operations.
• Develop and maintain financial technology policies to ensure compliance and operational excellence.

5. Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with department heads and program directors.
• Prepare long-term financial projections and conduct cash flow analysis to support sustainable growth.
• Provide financial input and guidance for grant proposals and funding applications.

6. Fund Development & Grants Management

• Develop processes for tracking, managing, and reporting on new funding streams, beyond traditional large grants.
• Collaborate with the Director of Fund Development to ensure effective financial oversight of fundraising initiatives and donor funding.
• Manage financial aspects of government grants, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and deadlines.

7. Audit, Compliance & Risk Management

• Manage external audits (federal, provincial, and municipal), including preparation and follow-up on findings.
• Establish strong internal controls to safeguard assets and maintain fiscal transparency.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks through proactive planning and monitoring.

8. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor a high-performing finance team, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, set clear goals, and provide professional development opportunities.
• Ensure effective communication between the finance team and other departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA designation required; MBA or advanced degree is a strong asset).
• Minimum 10 years of senior leadership experience in financial management, ideally in the nonprofit sector.
• Proven expertise in managing capital projects, loan negotiations, and financial oversight of large-scale initiatives.
• Advanced technical proficiency in Sage Intacct and ADP, with a focus on optimizing reporting, payroll, and financial management processes.
• Demonstrated success in developing financial strategies that align with growth and scaling goals for nonprofits.
• Strong background in managing government contracts, grants, and donor funding, including compliance and reporting.
• Exceptional leadership, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO and Board.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in financial practices.