Senior Director, Finance & Operations

Senior Director, Finance and Operations

JA CENTRAL ONTARIO

Posted On:      September 13, 2024

Closes On:       Open vacancy - suitable candidates will be contacted on application

Location:          Office is in downtown Toronto; remote-first / hybrid arrangement in place

Reports to:      President & CEO

Role type:        Full-time

Are you passionate about empowering the next generation? Are you motivated by educating and inspiring young people to succeed? If you’re looking to develop a rewarding career in an impact-driven, youth-focused charity, we’d love to hear from you!

This position supports the President & CEO.

The Senior Director, Finance & Operations is a strategic and operational leader, who has a significant impact on JA Central Ontario’s growth and success. A member of the Leadership Circle, they plan, direct and evaluate the financial, human resource, information technology (IT), and other operational aspects of the organization. They collaborate with the President & CEO and the Leadership Circle to support data-informed strategic decision-making and risk management, and provide oversight and advice on budgetary, financial, and contractual matters. The Senior Director ensures JA Central Ontario is current with all legal obligations and safeguards the organization’s assets by continuously evaluating the effectiveness of the financial reporting system and related controls. They are staff support to the Treasurer and certain Committees of the Board of Directors. The Senior Director’s approach to people management furthers the organization’s strategic initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion, shared leadership, and reflects JA’s values.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Budget, Finance, & Contracts

• In collaboration with the President & CEO and Leadership Circle, supports development of the strategic plan, supports development of long-term business plans, and prepares the operating budget.
• Establishes and maintains responsibility for financial operations, including payroll, payables and receivables, cash flow, and ensuring the timeliness and accuracy of all financial information and reporting.
• Provides detailed monthly management reports including qualitative commentary and variance analysis to the Treasurer, Chair, and President & CEO, liaising on routine financial operations matters such as payables, approvals, and cash flow.
• Provides detailed quarterly financial reports, including qualitative commentary, variance analysis, and forecasts for review and discussion by the Leadership Circle, the President & CEO, and the Operations Committee.
• Prepares commentary and materials for the quarterly Board package and for assigned committees.
• Staff liaison for the Treasurer and staff lead for the Committee Chairs as assigned.
• Leads and enhances compliance processes re: Tax Receipting, CRA, PIPEDA and PCI.
• Develops and manages internal controls and record keeping procedures to ensure compliance with ASNFPO.
• Prepares and reviews tax, charity, and other information returns, ensuring all filings are complete, accurate, and on-time.
• Ensures the effective integration of Fund Development and Programs with the financial reporting system.
• Primary contact with the external Investment Advisor, ensuring timely reporting and compliance with the Investment Policies.
• Primary contact with the external Auditors, ensuring timely reporting and compliance with the Audit process. Primary financial and compliance liaison with JA Canada and JA Worldwide.
• Provides strategic advice and support to the Leadership Circle, enhancing data-informed decision making.
• Supports the Senior Director Fund Development and Senior Director Program to develop proposals and review contracts that support revenue generating and program activities.

Legal & Risk Management

• Reviews, negotiates, and manages organization-wide contracts on operations issues.
• Oversees the insurance process, liaising with JA Canada and insurance providers to ensure sufficiency.
• Prepares, presents, and maintains the organization’s risk register.
• Primary contact with JA Central Ontario’s legal counsel, facilitating timely access to legal services for the organization.
• Acts in the role of Privacy Officer.
• Designated contact for the incident reporting system.

Human Resources

• Provides guidance and support on HR matters specific to the development and maintenance of job descriptions, the application of the compensation guidelines, performance management, and employee development and retention.
• Ensures the HR Policies and Procedures are consistent with current legislation, regulation, and strategic direction, working with the management team to support their implementation and adherence.
• Drafts new and revises policies and procedures as required.
• Provides advice on disciplinary action and terminations, in consultation with the President & CEO and legal counsel, if needed.
• Supports the employee recruitment process, including coordinating postings, participating in interviews, drafting employment contracts and letters of offer, and supporting onboarding.
• Primary contact with JA Canada and the Benefits provider concerning the group benefits program.
• Manages employee leave of absence and accommodation processes.
• Ensures compliance with ESA, AODA and all other related legislation and leads respective reporting processes.
• Collaborates with the President & CEO on the compensation strategy and planning process.
• Supports staff on matters of concern affecting their job performance or satisfaction.

IT Operations

• Ensures the utility and stability of information technology systems.
• Oversees the IT plan, infrastructure acquisition and maintenance, and employee technology needs.

Administration & Operations

• Leads contract negotiations at time of new lease or lease renewal, organizing and facilitating office move or modifications if/as required.
• Manages relationship with landlord and building administrators.
• Oversees all other aspects of the physical office space and assets.
• Leads the Joint Health & Safety Committee
• Part of the leadership rotation for the Staff Social Committee.

People Management

• Leads, manages, develops, and evaluates the Finance & Operations team in accordance with JA Central Ontario’s policies, procedures, and values.  

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Postsecondary degree in a related field is required.
• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in good standing, is required.
• Professional designation in HR (CHRL preferred) is an asset.
• 10+ years in progressive leadership positions, with demonstrated ability to manage multifunctional portfolios.
• 3-5 years' experience in a charitable or not-for-profit corporation is preferred.
• Experience in contract negotiations and reporting.
• Experience in designing and executing HR practices and programs that positively impact employee engagement and productivity.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Ability to contribute to strategic discussions relative to the planned growth and financial position of the organization.
• Expert in QuickBooks, advanced knowledge of Excel, and familiarity with Salesforce CRM or similar.
• Strong business acumen, results oriented, accountable, acts with integrity.
• Proven ability to motivate themselves and others.
• Ability to manage changing priorities and a multifunctional portfolio.
• Fluency in English, excellent written, verbal, and online communication skills.
• Understanding of charity governance and the Board/Management relationship.  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Occasional travel within the service region, as required.
• Attendance at the Board meetings,
• Committee meetings, and Annual meeting is required. These meetings generally occur in the morning before regular work hours.
• Flexible to work occasional weekends and evenings, on an exceptional basis.
• Remote-first office environment. Employees are welcome to use the available office space in downtown Toronto on a first-come, first-served basis. Staff are expected to attend in-person for certain staff meetings and to participate in certain events.  

Disclaimer:  The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and that additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time.

Take the next step in your purpose-driven career by joining our team. We offer:

A positive, supportive, and engaged culture. If you think this is the perfect role for you but you don’t currently have all of the listed skills and experiences, please know that we value ongoing learning and professional development within our staff team. If you want to grow in your career and have the desire and ability to develop those skills, we welcome your application.  An unparalleled opportunity to inspire and prepare young people so they can succeed in a changing global economy.

COMPENSATION: The salary for this position begins at $99,750 and can be negotiated based on experience.  We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, professional development support, generous paid time-off, and an RSP program. As JA Central Ontario is a youth-serving organization, offers of employment are conditional on the review of references and a Vulnerable Sector Screening.  

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit a resume and a cover letter to jholmesweier@jacentralontario.org with Sr. Director, Finance & Operations in the subject line. Be sure to tell us what makes you a great candidate for this role and why you want to join JA Central Ontario. Only those applicants being considered will be contacted. Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.

JA Central Ontario is an equal opportunity employer, who values the diversity of our employees and those we serve. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. If you require accommodation measures in the hiring process, please let us know in advance. Thank you for your interest in joining our team.

ABOUT US:

JA Central Ontario is a charity on a mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a changing global economy. Working in Halton, Peel, Toronto, York, Durham, and Simcoe regions, we bridge the gap between education and the world of work, providing 30,000+ students in grades 3-12 with essential financial literacy, work-readiness, and entrepreneurship skills and experiences. A member of JA Canada and part of JA Worldwide, JA is the world’s largest not-for-profit dedicated to educating young people about business.