Finance Director

Job Description -(Exempt/Management Position)
Job Title: Finance Director
Job Summary: The Finance Director executes the financial strategy of the organization, plans, organizes, controls, manages and directs the provision of financial management services for Victoria Women's Transition House Society. This position will include budgeting, funding planning, financial control, and financial reporting (both internal and external), and accounting. The position will also provide oversight to the payroll and benefits function, purchasing, insurance, government legislation and will work in partnership with the fundraising department.
Reports to Executive Director
Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Plans, organizes, controls and directs the provision of a complete range of business management, funding, financial/accounting/forecasting, government regulations, and budgeting services for the Society. Ensure sound business and financial planning, management and control, consistency with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Develops and implements financial administration and control policies, standards, procedures, practices and systems for the Society to adhere with directions set by the Board, Finance Committee and Executive Director, any applicable legislation and GAAP.

Develops and prepares annual management plans and budgets, both departmental and consolidated.

Participates in preparing and reviewing funding proposals and applications, particularly the financial components of such applications.

Provides timely and accurate financial reporting to the Society's Executive Director, senior management, and Board. Prepares appropriate analysis of the reports and any recommendations as a result, to ensure a complete financial picture is presented.

Provides timely and accurate financial reporting to external bodies including funding agencies, other organizations and external auditors.

Directs and participates in accounting and financial activities, including bookkeeping, account reconciliation, cash flow forecasting. Oversees the payroll and benefits function.

Evaluates financial reporting systems, accounting procedures and investment activities. Makes recommendations for changes to procedures, operating systems, budgets and other financial control functions to the Executive Director.

Manages and is team leader for the finance department staff and any external finance/accounting contractors, with responsibility for hiring, supervision and discipline, up to and including termination. Ensures that the workflow of finance office staff provides for the financial needs of the organization.

May participate in the negotiation of major service contracts, funding agreements, property and liability insurance policies and other agency-wide financial agreements.

Participates with the leadership team and some external associations related to the financial functions of the agency as needed.

Maintains a professional level of conduct and positive relations with funding sources, government officials, professionals and the community.

Performs other related duties as required.

Education, Training & Experience:

• Knowledge of financial management and control methods, accounting principles, financial statement preparation and analysis typically acquired through completion of the professional accounting designation Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). A combination of experience and recent completion of senior level of a designation may be considered, provided plans are in place to finish the designation.
• At least five years progressively more responsible financial management experience in the non-profit sector, with a demonstrated and in-depth working knowledge of non-profit community-based programs and services.

Job Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage employees effectively, including demonstrated team leading and team building expertise.
• Able to make an effective contribution as a member of the senior executive team.
• Highly organized and able to work on multiple projects concurrently and consistently meet deadlines.
• Refined problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to foster positive relationships with peer managers, subordinates, government officials and external contacts.

Additional Information:

• An ability to work independently and with initiative, often under pressure with varied and demanding tasks and deadlines.