Director, Operations – Finance and Administration

Date of Publication
Application Deadline
Company
Canadian Co-Operative Association (CCA)
Brief Description

Position Title:                                    Director, Operations – Finance and Administration

Position Location:                            Ottawa, Ontario

Reports to:                                        Executive Director

Travel Requirement:                         International travel may occasionally be required

Position Classification:                    Level 3

Salary Range:                                    $88,000 - $109,015

Application Deadline:                      Applications must be submitted to no later than 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2016 

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Director of Operations holds key responsibilities for the overall financial management and administration of the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) and the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF). 

The successful candidate will be a hands-on and participative manager and will lead and develop an internal team to support the following areas: finance, business planning and budgeting, and administration.  The Director of Operations will play a critical role as a member of the senior leadership team in strategic decision-making, as the organization continues to enhance its quality programming and build capacity.

This is an excellent opportunity for a finance and operations leader to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES:                                                

  • Takes leadership to ensure effective utilization of financial resources to meet organizational strategy.
  • Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements; collate financial reporting materials for all donor segments, and oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting.
  • Under the direction of the Executive Director, effectively communicates and presents reports to the Board of Directors on the financial performance of the organizations.  Serves as staff resource to the Finance and Audit committee of the Board of Directors.
  • As a key member of the management team, contributes to the preparation of the organization’s strategic plan, in particular key financial assumptions and critical decision factors.
  • As a signing officer of the organization, has the authority to authorize expenditures within the plans and budgets approved by the Board of Directors.
  • Oversees development and maintenance of internal control systems, ensuring compliance with CCA policy and directives at all levels.  Ensures effective communication and staff orientation to internal control processes and procedures.
  • Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting practices;
  • Oversees all accounting and financial administration functions.
  • Implement a robust contracts management and financial management/reporting system; ensure that the contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to and that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements.
  • Ensures integrity of accounting systems by developing and managing resources. Ensures timely and accurate financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
  • Develops and analyses accounting and statistical reports for management, Board, staff, and external use.
  • Coordinates and leads the annual audit process, liaises with external auditors and the Finance and Audit Committee of the Board of Directors;
  • Manages the internal audit and internal control functions.
  • Direct responsibility for the operational budget. Establishes guidelines for budget and forecast preparation.  Oversees and leads annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the Executive Director.  Reviews and monitors progress on financial plans and budgets for projects and initiatives; monitors progress and changes and keeps senior leadership team informed of the organization’s financial status.
  • Ensures that accurate and timely financial statements and reports are prepared and provided for all individual projects in accordance with contract agreements with funders.
  • Leads financial planning for business development and resource generation, including costing and action decisions    
  • Manages and controls the organization’s cash flow, treasury and investment portfolio, according to plans and guidelines established by the Board of Directors and senior management.
  • Acts as a resource on financial risk mitigation to the senior management team
  • Works closely and transparently with all external partners including third-party vendors and consultants
  • Hires, supervises and manages the performance of all accounting and corporate services staff.
  • Oversees administrative functions as well as facilities to ensure efficient and consistent operations as the organization scales.

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree (MA/MBA) in Business, Management, or Finance: Professional accounting designation (Canadian accreditation): CPA, CA, CMA, or CGA.
  • Minimum 10 years related work experience in a senior financial management position with both external audit and in-house financial management experience;
  • Familiarity and experience with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) (formerly DFATD / CIDA) policies and guidelines as related to management and financial reporting of international development projects and technical co-operants.
  • Experience either as an employee or board member of a co-operative not-for-profit organization or registered charity; must be familiar with non-profit finance and accounting regulations and charity organization compliance with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines
  • The ideal candidate has experience of final responsibility for the quality and content of all financial data, reporting and audit coordination for a significant program area.
  • Thorough understanding of financial management, including budgeting policies and procedures, financial controls and analysis.
  • A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills which support and enable sound decision making
  • Excellent people skills, with experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team.
  • Ability to translate and explain financial concepts to – and to effectively collaborate with -- program and fundraising colleagues who do not necessarily have finance backgrounds.
  • Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management colleagues, the Board of Directors, and staff.
  • Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills
  • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication.
  • Advanced skill and competence in relevant computer-based applications.

Application Process

1.     Applicants are required to include their salary expectation for this position in the cover letter.

2.     Please reference the job title in the email subject line and submit your resume and cover letter in confidence to cca.apply@coopscanada.coop