Cheshire London Looking for Director of Finance at London, Ontario, Canada Full Time

Ahria Consulting is currently engaged in the search for a joint Director of Finance to support both Dale Brain Injury Services (DBIS) and Cheshire London as part of a plan to develop a stronger, more resilient infrastructure. DBIS and Cheshire are excited to build on the excellence of the existing teams, while creating improved continuity and sustainability of their financial services.

*DBIS is an internationally recognized community based rehabilitation organization that provides exceptional services to individuals and families living with the effects of an acquired brain injury (ABI). Offering comprehensive services and support to individuals in order to rebuild their futures and enables individuals to maximize their potential and enrich their lives by developing skills and creating meaningful connections.

*Cheshire is a non-profit organization that has dedicated over 40 years to meeting the attendant service needs of individuals with physical disabilities in London and five surrounding counties. Cheshire’s programs help adults with physical disabilities and frail seniors to live independently in their communities through the provision of personal support services that are mutually respectful and value the contributions of all. Cheshire also serves as the Lead Agency for Community Support Services in London Middlesex providing centralized intake, assessment and service registration.

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Finance will play a crucial role in helping DBIS and Cheshire achieve its financial goals and maintain financial stability. In this role you will balance financial risk and opportunity, provide accurate and transparent financial information, and contribute to the strategic direction of the company. You will play a critical role in ensuring responsible financial management, compliance with nonprofit regulations, and the achievement of the organization’s mission by maintaining financial sustainability including balancing financial stewardship with the client’s commitment to its donors and stakeholders. The joint Director of Finance will be instrumental in driving positive change within our organization, going beyond traditional financial management to address the challenges and opportunities associated with an organizational transformation and growth. You will be directly involved in driving financial and operational improvements to enhance the client’s efficiency, competitiveness, and long-term viability.

Role and Responsibility:

The goal of the joint Director of Finance role is multifaceted and includes the following key objectives:

• Collaborate with senior management to develop and execute a financial strategy aligned with the organization’s overall strategic objectives, its’ mission and goals.
• Create and manage the client’s annual budget and prepare financial forecasts. Monitor and report on budget variances, ensuring responsible fiscal management.
• Responsible for government funding sources, managing grants, donations, and fundraising revenue sources, tracking grant compliance, and ensuring that funds are used for their intended purposes.
• Provide financial reports and transparency to donors as needed.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit-specific financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate and transparent financial records that demonstrate responsible stewardship of funds.
• Establish and maintain internal financial controls to prevent fraud and ensure the proper handling of funds. This includes overseeing accounting procedures, organizational controls, expense management, and financial policies.
• Assess and manage financial risks, including those related to funding fluctuations, economic downturns, and unforeseen events. Develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Collaborate with Directors and Program Managers to ensure that program budgets are aligned with overall organizational service delivery and financial goals and that resources are allocated efficiently.
• Coordinate financial audits, reviews, or other required assessments. Ensure that audit findings are addressed promptly, and that DBIS and Cheshire maintain clean financial records.
• Implement and manage financial software and reporting systems that support efficient financial operations and accurate reporting.
• Engage with the board’s finance committee or the full board to provide financial updates, insights, and recommendations.
• Promote a culture of financial responsibility, transparency, and accountability throughout the organization and uphold the highest ethical standards in financial management and reporting, ensuring transparency and integrity in all financial transactions.
• Provide financial training and capacity-building opportunities for staff and board members to improve financial literacy and understanding.
• Provide back office support to a developing shared services arrangement between two community organizations.

What do I need to succeed?

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
• A professional accounting designation CPA or equivalent is required.
• Prior experience working in or with nonprofit organizations and Ministry of Health (MOH) / Ontario Health.
• Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Strong leadership and management skills to oversee a finance and payroll team, set financial strategies, and work effectively with the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors.
• An understanding of fund accounting, government funding processes, grant management, and compliance with nonprofit regulations.
• Knowledge of nonprofit regulatory compliance, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as they apply to nonprofit organizations.
• Strong analytical skills to assess the financial health of the organization, identify trends, and provide recommendations for financial improvements.
• Aptitude in utilizing ERP/finance software, payroll systems, and Microsoft Suite.

Nice to have:

• Property and facilities management experience with deep understanding of the procurement process.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a multicultural, unionized environment working with a diverse client/tenant group is preferred.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication skills to convey financial information to non-financial stakeholders, such as board members, donors, and program managers.
• Ability to think strategically and contribute to the development of the organization’s financial strategy and long-term financial sustainability.
• Effective problem-solving skills to address financial challenges and make informed decisions.
• A commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in financial management and reporting.
• A passion for and alignment with the nonprofit’s mission and values, as the Director of Finance will be responsible for ensuring the organization’s financial resources support its mission.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other departments, including program management and administration, to achieve the organization’s goals.
• A commitment to staying up-to-date with nonprofit financial best practices and regulations through professional development and continuing education.