About The Gordon Foundation

The Gordon Foundation is a philanthropic foundation based in Toronto, Canada. The Foundation undertakes research, leadership development and public dialogue so that public policies in Canada reflect a commitment to collaborative stewardship of our freshwater resources and to a people-driven, equitable and evolving North. Over the past quarter century, The Gordon Foundation has invested over $37 million in a wide variety of northern community projects and freshwater protection initiatives.

About the Role

The Finance Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of the day-to-day financial operations of two organizations: The Walter and Duncan Gordon Charitable Foundation and DataStream Initiative. The Director reports directly to the President and CEO and is also accountable to The Gordon Foundation’s Board of Directors as well as DataStream Initiative’s Board of Directors.

The Finance Director is a key contributor to ensuring that the organization achieves its strategic financial objectives and meets its obligations to government and funding bodies. The Director is the internal expert in all areas of finance, audit and financial regulatory matters. This role is a member of a senior team and also provides support and financial guidance to the management team and staff located across Canada. The Director manages the work of a small department.

Reports to: President and CEO
Employment Status: Full Time
Location: Toronto

Key Areas of Responsibility

Financial Management/Investment Management

• Contributes to the setting of overall organizational goals and strategic direction as it relates to fiscal management.
• Works with and advises the President and CEO on long-term financial planning, using strategic and creative thinking.
• Ensures accurate, timely and end-user-appropriate reports are prepared for management, the two Boards, funders and other key stakeholders.
• Manages annual budget and projection processes for both entities; supports and coordinates departmental leaders in development of budgets and projections; prepares consolidated reports for discussion and decision making with the management team.
• Develops, recommends and implements financial policies and procedures that support overall operations.
• Manages relationships with the Foundation’s investment management firms and ensures compliance with Investment Policy Statement.Manages relationships with the Foundation’s investment management firms and ensures compliance with Investment Policy Statement.
• Reviews, interprets and manages various funder contracts including government.
• Prepares and ensures compliance with CRA filings and other regulatory requirements.
• Ensures audits and financial performance reports are prepared and that outcomes are in accordance with all service level agreements.
• Manages annual external audit process and liaises with auditors.
• Manages Finance Coordinator and oversees all financial transactions.
• Ensures adequate financial internal control framework is in place and conducts ongoing assessment of same.
• Manages the organization’s payroll process, and benefit plans.
• Oversees various operational functions including insurance and leases and reviews contractual agreements.
• Manages development, adherence and reporting of multiple and complex budgets for various levels of government as well as corporate and foundation donors.

Relationships

• Responsible for relationships with external auditors, insurance broker, bankers, investment managers, and other stakeholders as required.
• Provides Strategic Financial guidance and commentary to the President and the Boards and committees; anticipates Board and executive requirements.
• Collaborates with members of the management team.

Qualifications / Requirements

• 7+ years in the not for profit sector.
• Professional accounting designation (CPA) and university degree.
• Strong knowledge of both current and upcoming not-for-profit accounting principles, standards and regulations as established by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the CPA Canada, and other applicable regulatory bodies.
• Experience working in an entrepreneurial, high-growth, mission-driven environment.
• Experience in accounting for an investment portfolio.
• Experience in corporate governance.
• Experience in working across organizational teams/functions from front line staff to the Board.
• Track record of successfully leading staff in a changing and growing environment.
• Experience using QuickBooks / Microsoft Office suite of software.
• Some travel may be required.

How to Apply

This is full time position based at The Gordon Foundation’s offices in Toronto.

To apply, please forward your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with “Finance Director” in the subject line. Only candidates invited for an interview will be contacted.

Deadline: April 19 2022.