The Conference Board of Canada Looking for Head, Finance & Information Technology at Ottawa, ON Full Time

The Conference Board of Canada is the nation’s largest independent applied research organization offering unbiased, evidence-based information and analysis to both industry and federal/provincial governments. We have one of the country’s largest private economic analysis and forecasting teams and are widely recognized for expert economic forecasting, modeling, and leading analysis. Simply put, we deliver insights that help leaders cut through the noise and make informed decisions.

We are seeking an experienced Head, Finance & Information Technology (IT) to join our Executive Team. Reporting to the CEO, the Head, Finance & IT will be responsible for the overall financial and systems integrity of the organization and will oversee all aspects of Finance and IT management, including strategy, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, investments, compliance and risk management. This role will also be responsible for leading cultural change within the organization, ensuring that our financial and systems strategy aligns with our organizational strategy and vision.

As a member of the Executive Team, the Head, Finance & IT will actively contribute to the overall management and strategy of the organization and support all strategic decisions and initiatives. This role participates in strategic planning and budgeting to optimize CBoC’s financial and capital resources while managing risk and maintaining transparency

To be successful in this role of strategic business partner you will have a collaborative, enterprise-wide view. You lead with a growth mindset, demonstrate a flexible approach and embrace a culture of continuous improvement.

We are a virtual organization and as a remote worker you must be comfortable and able to work 100 per cent of the time from a home office in Canada. To be successful as a remote worker you need to have a self-starter attitude, possess strong organizational and time management skills and be a proactive communicator. Having a home office environment that provides for a productive, professional, and safe work environment during regular working/business hours is a requirement of this role.

Responsibilities:

Strategy and Planning

• Collaborate with the CEO and the executive team to establish and implement the overall strategic direction
• Develop and oversee the implementation of financial and IT strategies that support the organization’s strategy, mission and goals.
• Provide the CEO, Board of Directors, Executive Team, senior management and other internal stakeholders with timely and accurate financial reporting and strategic advice in support of evidence-based decision making

• Constructively challenge business decisions to ensure they are grounded in solid financial criteria by possessing a strong understanding of CBoC’s operating model

Governance

• Prepare and present financials to the Board of Directors Finance and Audit committee, as well as manage investments in compliance with the policy set by the Investment Committee

Talent

• Support an enterprise view of attracting and retaining talent across the organization, specifically within Finance and IT
• Instil a partnership mindset between IT, Finance and the business to support achievement of organization goals
• Ensure that coaching, mentoring and developmental opportunities are provided at all levels in the organization

Financial Stewardship

• Develop and implement best practices and tools to ensure a well-controlled yet flexible organization that has strong fiscal management, project coordination and cross-team workflows
• Oversee the development of financial policies, procedures, and controls to ensure the organization’s financial stability and compliance with regulations
• Overall responsibility for cash management, investments, insurance, budgeting and financial reporting
• Ensure cash flow is compatible with operations by establishing controls related to day-to-day accounting, recording and reporting
• Perform regular risk management reviews and escalate any risks to the CEO
• Manage, analyze and present data in a way that yields the greatest value for the business
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, such as auditors, tax advisors, insurance brokers and financial institutions

IT and Systems Architecture

• Lead CBoC’s systems transformation through participation on the IT Steering Committee
• Assess current and new systems through the lenses of value and optimization
• Oversee IT to ensure the function is executing against the plan, that CBoC is leveraging IT for efficiency and innovation and that systems provide access to timely, accurate data
• Implement systems that automate reporting and analytics enabling better forecasting and predictive analysis capability

Change Agent

• Lead the organization in creating a culture of transparency where all employees understand “where we are now” and “where we are headed”
• Ensure tools are implemented to support timely, evidence-based, data-driven decisions
• Drive continuous improvement and innovations that add value across CBoC

Qualifications

• CPA designation, with an undergraduate degree in finance, accounting or a related field
• 10+ years progressive leadership experience in accounting, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position. Not-for-profit experience or knowledge is an asset.
• Expert knowledge of accounting principles, auditing standards, and tax regulations
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of IT including how to build a cost-effective, robust, integrated technology infrastructure
• Experience leading a technology-driven transformation of the Finance function
• Excellent financial and business acumen, with a track record of developing and implementing financial strategies that drive growth and profitability
• Demonstrated leadership and coaching skills, with a focus on building and developing high-performing teams
• Business partner mindset in support of business needs
• Dynamic communication, interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Proven business partner able to give constructive advice and counsel as well as provide a voice of reason
• Adaptable to change and demonstrates leadership and resiliency in a changing environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement while proactively seeking opportunities to reduce risk and increase productivity and value
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills supportive of evidenced based decision making
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines
• Experience in leadership roles requiring high levels of analysis, discretion and confidentiality, and excellent work ethic

We value the unique skills, experiences, and insights that each employee brings to The Conference Board of Canada. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. If you require an accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please email [email protected] and we will work with you to meet your needs.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest in The Conference Board of Canada. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.